Palghar, Maharashtra: Comrade Lahanu Shidwa Kom, a towering figure in Maharashtra's leftist and tribal movements and a veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away early Wednesday morning at 5:30 am after a brief illness. He was 86.
A lifelong Marxist and committed revolutionary, Comrade Kom's contribution to the political, social, and educational upliftment of tribal communities in Maharashtra is unparalleled. He joined the CPI(M) in 1959 and remained a steadfast comrade for over six decades, earning widespread respect for his discipline, simplicity, and tireless activism.
A Life Devoted to the Marginalized
Born in a modest Adivasi family in the Talasari region, Comrade Kom was deeply influenced by the struggles of his people against feudal oppression, poverty, and illiteracy. From an early age, he aligned with the communist movement, believing in the power of organized struggle to bring about social change.
His political career spanned both parliamentary and grassroots arenas. He served as:
. Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Dahanu constituency
. Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
. Former Vice President of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Maharashtra
. Member of the CPI(M) Maharashtra State Secretariat
. Central Committee Member of CPI(M)
. Architect of Tribal Education
Comrade Kom’s most enduring legacy is his leadership of the Adivasi Pragati Mandal, a pioneering institution he led from 1962 until his passing. Under his visionary guidance, the organization established and expanded a network of residential schools, hostels, and colleges across Palghar and surrounding districts, directly enabling over a hundred thousand tribal children to access quality education.
These institutions not only helped break the cycle of poverty and marginalization but also nurtured generations of socially conscious youth, many of whom went on to become teachers, doctors, lawyers, activists, and political leaders.
Despite his long political career, Comrade Kom remained rooted in his community. He lived simply, often seen walking or cycling to meetings, and remained accessible to the common people till the very end. His humility and integrity made him a role model for young political activists.
Leader of Farmers' and Workers' Movements
Comrade Kom was a key leader in numerous land rights struggles, especially in the tribal belts of Maharashtra. He mobilized thousands of Adivasi farmers and landless laborers through the All India Kisan Sabha, leading historic agitations for forest land rights, better wages under the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS), and fair prices for agricultural produce.
His role in the Kasarvadavali (Thane) Land Rights Struggle, and his leadership during several statewide farmers' marches to Mumbai, earned him admiration across political lines. He was known for his ability to build unity across castes, tribes, and religions for common causes of justice and equality.
Final Journey and Public Homage
Comrade Kom had been admitted to a private hospital's intensive care unit 10 days ago. He breathed his last surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Hemlata, son Subodh, daughter-in-law Sujata, grandson Tushar, daughter Sunanda, son-in-law Harishchandra Khulat, and grandchildren Vijay and Ruchita.
His funeral procession will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 12 pm, beginning at Comrade Godavari Shamrao Parulekar Bhavan, the CPI(M) district office in Talasari, Palghar district.
Senior CPI(M) leaders from across India, including Politburo members, state secretariat leaders, and representatives from Mahavikas Aghadi, along with thousands of grassroots activists, will gather to pay tribute.
