A TRIBUTE TO Com. D.P. DUBEY

Today at 7/40 am Comrade D P Dubey , general secretary

of FMRAI for 22 years , from 1991 to 2013 , breathed his last at a Kolkata nursing home after protracted illness. The news had gone viral within minutes and condolence messages poured in social medias in large numbers.

Comrade Dubey took over the key post of FMRAI from Com.J S Majumder during a crucial time when people of  India could learn that LPG had another abbreviated version of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation other than Liquid Petroleum Gas ! Many had their fingers crossed about the capability and capacity of Comrade Dubey to tide over the situation and ability to lead after taking the baton from Com. J S Majumder who had built up the organisation to a great height by then.

However, Comrade Dubey, whatever may be his limitations, shortcomings or omissions and commissions, very quickly tightened his belt and rose to the occasion to lead from the front to mobilise the grass root members and leaders down the level to face onslaught of the management and the government duo. During his tenure, FMRAI had organised series of struggles including strike actions , general and company wise both , achieved bargaining status and grievance committees in many companies, lodged legal battles wherever needed, compelled the government to lend it's ears to FMRAI 's demands , bring ministry on the table for discussion and also established FMRAI as a force to reckon with on national trade union arena. Though his companion leaders and large number of members in general had magnificently joined hands together, but his credibility to unite and inculcate the fighting spirit over and above is a matter of record for appreciation. 

Over the years, due to the aging process and for combined ailments, he was looking tired at times but nevertheless he continued to deliver the goods to suit the needs of the organisation. Some of us who have seen him for years , rising from the general secretary of CRU to joint general secretary and then to the general secretary  of FMRAI,could feel his pain and agony to match the needs of the organisation. Even then he tried his best to fulfill his commitments. But could not beyond 2013....and he retired hurt . 

Struggling for a considerable period against his ailments he surrendered... leaving his memories and unfinished tasks to be completed by all of us.

During 22 years , from 1977 to 1999, India had nine prime ministers: Morarji Desai , Indira Gandhi , Rajib Gandhi , V P Singh , Chandrasekhar , I K Gujral , P V Narashimha Rao , Deve Gowda and A B Vajpayee .

During 22  years FMRAI had one general secretary elected unopposed 7 times ......