Sarojini Balanandan was a veteran leader who played an important role in building the women's movement in Kerala. She passed away on 29 August 2023 at Kochi. She was 86. She was the former national vice president of the All India Democratic Women's Association and president of the Kerala state committee. She was also a member of the CPI (M) Kerala state committee for a long time.
Com Sarojini served as the Kalamassery panchayat member, Panchayat president and Central Social Welfare Department Welfare Board chairperson. She was the editor-in-chief of Equality, the magazine of the Mahila Association. In 1996, she became the Left Democratic Front candidate for the Aluva constituency.
Com. Sarojini raised her voice against price rise and women's oppression. During the days of famine, a militant struggle against hoarding was organised in Ernakulam under the leadership of Com Sarojini. She was the first accused in a case fabricated by the police in connection with the strike. She was brutally beaten which broke her wrist and was in the hospital for a long time.
Com. Sarojini ably handled her domestic and political-organisational responsibilities even during the imprisonment of her spouse Com. Balanandan.
Com Sarojini was an inspiring leader of women workers too and led numerous struggles for their rights. Her demise departure is an irreparable loss to our organization.
AIDWA expresses heartfelt condolences to her family and comrades and pledges to carry forward her legacy of struggles and sacrifice.
