“Kodunkaattil Patharatha”: A Chronicle of the Emergency Released in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Kodunkaattil Patharatha (“Unshaken in the Storm”), a volume documenting the harsh realities of India’s Emergency, was released at the Deshabhimani Auditorium here on Wednesday.

Deshabhimani General Manager K.J. Thomas delivered the welcome address. Chief Editor Puthalath Dinesan, Resident Editor M. Swaraj, State Committee Member M. Vijayakumar, and Thiruvananthapuram District Secretary V. Joy MLA, among others, participated in the event.

The book, spanning over 400 pages and published by Deshabhimani, was formally released by CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, who handed a copy to senior party leader Vaikom Viswan.

The publication has been brought out to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, reflecting on a period marked by widespread political repression and personal suffering.

Featuring recollections from prominent leaders including M.A. Baby, Pinarayi Vijayan, M.V. Govindan, Prakash Karat, S. Ramachandran Pillai, Vaikom Viswan, and P.K. Gurudasan, the book offers an insider’s perspective on the challenges faced during those turbulent years.

It also includes writings from veteran leaders such as A.K. Gopalan, E.K. Nayanar, V.S. Achuthanandan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, and E. Balanandan, along with a question-and-answer section based on the thoughts of E.M.S. Namboodiripad. Scholarly essays by Puthalath Dinesan and M. Swaraj provide further analytical insight.

In addition, the volume incorporates Kiraatha Parvam, a pamphlet originally published by the Kerala State Youth Federation (KSYF), which vividly portrays the struggles and sacrifices of individuals who endured the Emergency.

The release event was attended by party cadres, scholars, and members of the public, highlighting continued interest in reflecting upon this critical chapter of India’s political history.