I am a 26-year-old male. My name is Mahesh. I grew up in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. My native language is Awadhi. My parents are extremely religious, and they support Modi and the BJP. I came to Delhi to study at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) six years ago.
When I was young, I saw very serious discrimination of Dalits and poor Muslims who lived in our area. I had many arguments with my father, who is very prejudiced because of the propaganda and brainwashing of RSS. My family was very poor as well but because of our caste, my father thought he was superior.
In Delhi, at JNU, I met students from all over India. Many of them did not believe in any religion at all. I was very attracted to them. I always thought that all religions kept people in dark while the charlatans made money. Eventually I met some members of Communist Party, Marxist (CPM) and I started attending their youth organization.
This was the time Modi came to power in 2014. His fascist party immediately attacked JNU. The administration was taken over by criminals associated with Modi’s RSS. We had many fights and massive demonstrations. We fought the police, tear gas and water cannon.
With each attack on us, I became determined that not just Modi and the police, but the entire system had to go. I raised questions to my comrades in CPM. Their answers did not convince me. They talked about democracy, nationalism, secularism. No talk of revolution, changing the system. It frustrated me.
The four nights of carnage against the Muslims in Delhi completely changed my life. I saw areas where Muslims used to live turned into war zone. Dead bodies thrown into drains, pregnant women raped, frenzied mobs organized by RSS and protected by police ruthlessly beating up Muslims, burning their homes and property.
This is when I met women and men members of ICWP. They were involved in bringing the injured to safety. They were not alone. Masses joined in the effort to restore humanity. I was very moved as the ICWP members told me that capitalism is the root of this fierce attack on Muslims, but it is an attack on the entire working class. Discussions with a woman comrade who speaks Awadhi helped me understand the political analysis of ICWP. I decided to join the party right on the spot.
I know there are thousands like me. I don’t know much about communist theory and practice. But I am convinced that I can learn. I want to learn dialectical materialism as the comrades are preparing for classes to teach. I want to be a better communist; I want to recruit more people to our party. I have no fear, I am willing to dedicate my life. I have full confidence in my comrades here. They are the most wonderful and selfless people you can imagine. I am very lucky to be part of ICWP.
Help me to learn and grow. Laal Salam, Inqilab Zindabad. (Red salute, long live communist revolution)
—New Comrade in India
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