GUWAHATI, June 24 � �In the age of globalization, Marxism is a crucial tool to understand the developments taking place in the world.� This was the observation made by noted American Marxist historian and activist Prof Paul Joseph La Banc. He was delivering a lecture on �Globalization and Liberation,� at the Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), Gauhati University (GU) here on June 23.
Prof Banc, an expert on Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg, and the author of Marx, Lenin and Revolutionary Experiences: Studies of Communism and Radicalism in the Age of Globalization, elaborated the growing significance of Marxism in the contemporary world, stated a press release.
He was emphatic in his assertion that the failure of the socialist experiences cannot be concluded as death of socialist and communist ideals. He also pointed out that democratic principles are core to the socialism too. Lenin indeed practised democratic principles, even if such practices at some instances made him discard his own views, maintained Prof Banc. He substantiated his remark with examples from Lenin�s political practices in building the erstwhile Soviet Union.
Responding to a number of queries he also pointed out that �dictatorship of the proletariat� meant for him �working people�s democracy� and it is in contrast to the �dictatorship of the bourgeoisie�, which is being practised by the much proclaimed champions of democracy like the United States of America.
He also maintained that Marxism and socialism are not at all hostile to religion as such there have been a number of socialist practitioners, who were deeply religious in their personal lives. To substantiate his point, Prof Blanc particularly referred to Martin Luther King II, the champion of the rights of the Black in the United States, who was also a deeply religious person.
He said the frequently quoted line of Karl Marx � �Religion is the opium of the people� has been distorted by disassociating it from the larger interpretation given by Marx.
Elaborating the state of affairs in the United States of America, Prof Blanc asserted that the country has been witnessing growing social and economic inequality and racial injustices and the US continues to be �a deeply racist country.� The dominant slogan of �We the ninety nine per cent� in the Occupying Wall Street Movement in the US might have some exaggerations, but it is not a rhetoric at all, he said.
Moderating the programme, Prof Akhil Ranjan Dutta of GU said there is enormous significance of Marxism in understanding the contemporary mode of accumulation in Northeast India. Dr Dwipen Bezbaruah of GU coordinated the programme.
Prof Blanc visited the city on the invitation of Natun Padatik, a sociocultural magazine published from the city and he took part in an interactive session at the office of the magazine on June 22. It was chaired by Prof Hiren Gohain.