The GAWU was most saddened when it learnt of the passing of former General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Gurudas Das Gupta on October 31 at aged 83. Apart from his trade union leadership, he was also a former Deputy General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI). He was an indefatigable crusader against corporate corruption and economic offences. Das Gupta was also a champion of the working-class movement.
As a leader of the AITUC, he never failed advancing in the cause of the Indian workers, and support of struggles of all workers of the world. During his 17-year tenure as the general secretary of AITUC, he led many struggles of the trade unions and played a major role in uniting the various trade unions in favour of the urgent demands of the workers. That togetherness has seen the working-class of India, on several occasions, taking nationwide strike action in defence of their rights and advancing their gains.He was a pillar of strength to the trade unions in banking, insurance and oil industry.
He was also known as a captivating speaker and was a Member of Parliament for quarter of a century. As a MP, he chaired Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Labour Ministry on the Conditions of Agricultural Workers and during which he advocated social security and minimum wages for the country’s agricultural workers. Das Gupta was attracted to communist ideals as a student and began his political career as a student activist in the 1950s.
The GAWU, at this time, extends its sincerest condolences to the wife, daughter, other relatives and friends of Cde Gurudas Das Gupta. The GAWU also sends its sympathies to the AITUC which was celebrating its centennial anniversary when its former General Secretary passed on. May the work and legacy of Das Gupta serve as an inspiration and guide to his comrades as they confront the various issues in the current challenging times.
