AIBDPA TN*
A Special Online Seminar Commemorating July 11-2026
July 11 occupies a place of honour in the history of India's working-class movement.
It commemorates two landmark struggles—the historic Postal and Telegraph workers' movement of 1946 and the heroic 1960 Central Government employees' strike.
These struggles, marked by sacrifice, unity and determination, remain shining milestones in the history of the Indian trade union movement.
To commemorate this glorious legacy and to draw inspiration from its lessons for the present generation, the AIBDPA Tamil Nadu Circle organised a special online seminar on 11 July 2026.
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers: Comrade Vimala Rao, a veteran who had actively participated and arrested in the historic 1960 strike and proudly bears its memories and sacrifices, and Comrade V.A.N. Namboodiri, Patron of AIBDPA and one of the foremost leaders who played a pioneering role in building the BSNL Employees Union into a strong nationwide organisation.
The seminar commenced at 3.00 p.m. on 11 July 2026. Comrades from different parts of Tamil Nadu joined the programme in large numbers through the online platform.
The meeting was presided over by Comrade C. Gnanasekaran, Circle President. Comrade R. Rajasekar, Circle Secretary, welcomed the participants and highlighted the historical significance of the July 11 struggles and their continuing relevance in the present context.
At the age of 94, Comrade Vimala Rao spoke with remarkable energy, conviction and revolutionary spirit. She vividly recalled her experiences during the 1960 strike, shared the sacrifices made by thousands of employees and reaffirmed her unwavering faith in the trade union movement. Her inspiring message—that what an individual cannot achieve alone, an organised union can accomplish through collective strength—left a deep and lasting impression on everyone present.
This was followed by an enlightening 55-minute address by Comrade V.A.N. Namboodiri, who captivated the audience throughout. He traced the history of both the 1946 and 1960 struggles, explaining their background, objectives and achievements. He clearly demonstrated how these historic struggles secured significant gains for Postal and Telegraph employees as well as Central Government employees.
Comrade Namboodiri also analysed the present political and economic situation and outlined the challenges confronting the trade union and pensioners' movements today. He emphasised the need for unity, organisation and sustained struggles to achieve our objectives and presented a clear roadmap for future action. His powerful address proved once again that advancing age can never diminish the courage, clarity and fighting spirit of a committed trade union leader.
The seminar was attended by 128 comrades, including Comrade S.Chellappa, Assistant General Secretary of BSNLEU, CHQ Office bearers of AIBDPA—Comrades S. Mohandass, N.Kuppusamy, A.Kudiyarasu and Berlin Kanagaraj, DRPU Com. R.Elangovan ,AIRRF Com.Rafeel—along with Circle Office Bearers, District Secretaries, Branch Secretaries and activists from across Tamil Nadu and Chennai Telephones.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Comrade A.Ilangovan, Circle Treasurer.
More than a commemorative event, the seminar became a meaningful reaffirmation of the ideals of the July 11 struggles.
It successfully linked the glorious legacy of the past with the challenges of the present and inspired participants to carry forward the movement with renewed determination and confidence.
R. Rajasekar
Circle Secretary
AIBDPA – Tamil Nadu Circle
11.7.26
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