R. Sugathan

R. Sugathan Biography

R. Sugathan was a revered leader of the Communist movement in Kerala and also a politician who has served in Kerala Legislative Assembly for two terms - 1957-59 and 1960-64 representing Karthigapally constituency. He represented Communist party of India for both these state assembly elections. He was a renowned teacher popularly called Sugathan Sir and an early trade unionist too. He was involved with the Travancore Labour Association and was a member of Congress party before joining CPI. In 2008, his death anniversary on February 14 was observed as 'flag day' by Communist Party of India at its State conference at state capital.

He was born in the year 1901. His real name was R. Shreedharan. He changed his name to Sugathan at school, when he came under the deep influence of Buddhist doctrine. After studies, he started his career as a teacher at a private school and at the same time he was an active member of Sahodara Sangham. Later he quit his job to fully dedicate his life for social work. His main principles included eradication of caste system of Kerala, at a time when untouchability was one of the major evils of Kerala society. He worked as a part of SNDP's political wing and later joined Congress when the party was formed in the state.

He was an early trade unionist of Kerala who organized coir factory workers into union. It resulted in his arrest and imprisonment for two years too. He joined the Communist Party in 1942 and became one of the prominent leaders of this time. When Kerala state was formed, he was elected to state assembly twice.

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Updated: June 16, 2014