106th Foundation Day of AITUC celebrated in Mysuru

The 106th Foundation Day of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was celebrated in the city on Thursday with an introspection on the achievements and gains made by the organisation.

The event was conducted by AITUC’s Mysuru district unit. H.R. Seshadri, vice-president, AITUC National Committee, said that the trade union body was instrumental in spearheading many agitations and struggles which culminated in enactment of laws to protect the workers and their rights.

Mr. Seshadri recalled the contribution of many national leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, the first president of AITUC, and said that the organisation led many agitations even in the pre-Independent era.

Underlining the importance of learning from history, Mr. Seshadri said that it was imperative for the working class to learn from the past if they wish to create their own history. “Our life should not be confined to fighting for bonuses or rights, but we have a larger social responsibility; the AITUC’s constitution is very clear about it,” he added.

The AITUC will not only strive for the improvement of the working class of the country, but also take on the larger social responsibility of agitating for pro-people policies, said Mr. Seshadri.

Be it fighting for a policy that eschews war at the national level, promoting communal harmony, or raising larger issues germane to the commoners of the country, AITUC has a responsibility and the workers should be aware of it, Mr. Seshadri added.

He also underlined the importance of workers being politically aware and being able to comprehend its nuances. AITUC has been successful in upholding or fighting for the rights of the working class of the country; however, it has been unsuccessful in thwarting the rise of communal forces and many of the workers have been influenced by it, he stated. “While some of the workers hold red flags in the factory, they also raise saffron or green flags outside the factory premises and this calls for introspection,” Mr. Seshadri said.

Senior leaders of AITUC were present at the event.