Remembering a firebrand Socialist

It is a coincidence that the birth anniversary of the former Speaker of Lok Sabha Rabi Ray, an eminent parliamentarian, veteran socialist leader and a valiant freedom fighter falls on 26 November which is the Constitution Day. Odisha has produced many political figures who held important positions but Ray will be remembered as the first Speaker of Lok Sabha from Odisha. His simplicity and modesty were awe-inspiring. He upheld values and principles and fought for the downtrodden and the poor. At a time when materialism and showmanship has taken a toll of idealism and values, he held them close to his heart.

- RUP NARAYAN DAS

Like a moth drawn to fire, Rabi Ray plunged into the vortex of the freedom movement during his college days. A deep sense of love for the motherland and abhorrence for foreign rule were ingrained in him. In early 1947, while in college, he was arrested for unfurling the National Flag in the college. This brave act of Ray forced the British Government to yield to the students’ demand for unfurling the Tricolour in educational institutions even though the country was still under colonial rule.

Born on 26 November 1926 in Bhanagarh village, Puri, he graduated in history from the Ravenshaw College and later studied Law at the Madhusudan Law College. The foundation of his political career was laid when he was elected President of the Students Union of Ravenshaw College in 1948-49 and then again as the first President of the Madhusudan Law College Students Union in 1949-50. An avowed socialist, he joined the Socialist Party as a member in 1948. Along with a deep sense of commitment to the socialist cause, he possessed leadership qualities which enabled him to remain in the forefront of the socialist movement for a long time. During 1953-54, he held the post of Joint Secretary, All India Samajwadi Yuvak Sabha. In 1956, under the leadership of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Ray founded the Socialist Party in Odisha. He was also a member of the National Executive of the party at that time. Later, in 1960, he became the General Secretary of the party for about a year.