We at the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP) are deeply shocked and saddened at the demise of Anil Chaudhury, one of the oldest and most active members of our group, in Delhi this morning.
Anil, in the most unobtrusive way, since shortly after the inaugural conference in Delhi in 2000 ensured continued and uninterrupted functioning of the organisation by providing the central office in Delhi and also securing working hands to run the office. Similarly, he constantly provided the logistical support necessary for making the organisation work and also enabling it to bring out its organ: Peace Now. Then in the quarter century. that we have been in existence against all odds and with the nuclear cloud still hanging over us, Anil remained steadfast in his active involvement and commitment to the cause of a Nuclear free India, South Asia and indeed a nuclear free world.
For Anil, this commitment to denuclearization and democratization, was an integral part of his lifelong engagement with movements for social justice, and building peace from the grass roots to the national, regional and global levels. His deep involvement with both INSAF (Indian Social Action Forum) and to PEACE (Popular Education and Action Centre) were a testimony to this integrated vision of a world where Justice was a necessary precondition for Peace.
Anil was also someone who worked without fanfare and in relative anonymity. His was often the unseen but steady hand, mind and heart that enabled resolution of differences and conflict [and there were many!]; quietly brought together widely differing ideological and workaday positions; and without whose calm, benign presence – many of our groups might have gone our separate ways much earlier.
That we are still together and still sharing our vision of a just, peaceful and nuclear free tomorrow is largely because we had silent warriors like Anil holding us together like a secure and sound anchor. And we can never forget that quiet sense of humour – the smile and hug that would bring us together when it was so easy to divide – which were his endearing qualities and taught all of us the need to work together as a team.
We in CNDP, join all the other anti-nuclear platforms and progressive peoples’ movements in paying tribute to a remarkable human being and celebrating the life and contribution that he has made to the ongoing efforts to bring about a different more humane world.
Our deepest condolences to Ranjana, Abhinav, Arpita and other family members. Anil’s passing leaves a void which will be difficult to fill – both personally and for the organisations with which he was associated.
A Luta Continua –“The Struggle Continues”. And we look to the legacies left by Anil and many of our comrades who have passed on, to light the way forward as we continue our work for a Nuclear Free, Peaceful and Democratic world.
