Hans News Service Khammam

KothagudemMLA and CPI state secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao on Friday called upon young people to actively participate in social struggles and work towards building an exploitation-free society.

Addressing the 25th district conference of the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) here on Friday, Kunamneni said people must come forward to fight for their rights.

Referring to recent mobilisations by Gen Z, he said young people demonstrated that they were willing to come out and raise their voice when situations demanded. “Patriotism does not mean merely carrying sticks and moving around,” Kunamneni said, stressing that it should be reflected through commitment to society and standing up against injustice.

He said life should not be restricted to being born, growing up, getting married and eventually dying, but should have a broader social purpose.

Referring to freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, the MLA said having a family did not prevent an individual from fighting for society.

Kunamneni also spoke about the evolution of the Left movement and said the CPI had played a foundational role in the development of various Left parties. He described the CPI as being like a “mother” to the different red parties.

He criticised attempts to attach caste identities to members of revolutionary movements and said people from different social backgrounds had participated in struggles associated with the Left movement.

Advocating socialism, Kunamneni said it was the only ideology capable of guiding humanity towards a society free from exploitation.

The MLA also urged youth to maintain good health and physical fitness. He said consuming pan and gutka or harassing women should not be regarded as signs of heroism.

“Young people should be healthy and physically fit,” he said, calling upon them to channel their energy towards constructive activities and social responsibility.

Recalling Khammam’s history as a stronghold of the Communist movement, Kunamneni said the district had once been known as a “Communist fortress” and asserted that the Communist movement continued to retain its presence in the region.

He urged young activists to understand the history of social struggles and work towards equality, social justice and an exploitation-free society.