Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 January 2025
The 42nd death anniversary of veteran trade union leader Comrade PKS Prasad was observed across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on January 29, 2025. A special event was jointly organized by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Non-Gazetted Government Officers’ Association at Crusade House, Phoenix Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram.
KG Das, former General Secretary of the Non-Gazetted Government Officers’ Association, presided over the function. In his address, he recalled the valiant struggles led by Com PKS Prasad throughout the islands, emphasizing the immense contributions made by the leader towards improving the lives of workers and government employees.
R. Surendran Pillai, President of the CITU State Committee, provided a brief overview of the movements initiated by Com PKS Prasad after his arrival in the islands in 1964, on deputation from Nagpur. He underscored the lasting impact of Prasad’s activism on the local labor community.
In his speech, D. Ayyappan, Vice President of the CITU State Committee and former General Secretary of the Non-Gazetted Government Officers’ Association, noted that even 42 years after his passing, Com PKS Prasad continues to be remembered by the people of the islands. Ayyappan highlighted that the benefits enjoyed by government employees and workers today are the direct result of the struggles spearheaded by Prasad and his leadership in the 1960s and 1970s.
Also present at the event were RD Yadav, Vice President of the Non-Gazetted Government Officers’ Association, Raj Kumar Saw, former leader of the Association, and SP Kalairajan, Secretary of the CITU State Committee, who all spoke in honor of Com PKS Prasad’s legacy.
The event began with BC Bhattacharjee, Vice President of the CITU State Committee, hoisting the CITU flag at the Crusade House premises. Wreaths were later laid at the Martyrs Memorial Column of Com PKS Prasad by leaders from various trade unions and associations. The ceremony was attended by a large number of workers from trade unions and associations, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for the late leader.