Schemes like ‘Illam Thedi Kalvi’ inspired by Russian leader Lenin, says former Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu

Former Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu discusses Lenin's educational initiatives and the impact of his writings on society.

Schemes like ‘Illam Thedi Kalvi,’ were inspired by Russian revolutionary leader Lenin’s initiative to educate women in their houses, said former Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu.  

Speaking at the book launch of Lenin- selected works (a set of 12 books) published by New Century Book House (NCBH) here on Sunday, he said, Lenin when heading the government, proclaimed that abolishing illiteracy was his first step towards achieving other dreams.  

“To compare it with our State, ‘Arivozhi,’ movement which educated rural masses, went hand in hand, though in different time periods, in abolishing illiteracy,” he noted.  

To escape prosecution and avoid getting identified by the rulers, Lenin, throughout his life had written in about 153 different pen names, Mr. Irai Anbu added.  

Akin to Lenin, former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, had also written in about 21 different pen names, for almost similar reasons, he said. 

“The younger generation, who loses hope even for trivial reasons, should read Lenin and his works to learn how he had spent 54 years of his life for the welfare of others,” Mr. Irai Anbu added.  

“The huge volume of books he had written were not a product of his thoughts born during his leisure time. He thought and reflected his ideas amidst escaping oppressors, organising protests and living in prisons,” he noted.