Mao Zedong's only living grandson has suggested that the ideas of China's Great Helmsman were being misused by groups such as the Maoists in India, who were invoking his image to wage violence against the state.
The greater relevance of Mao's philosophy in today's world was “to help maintain peace, stability and development” and create a more equitable global order, he said, suggesting that the former Chairman's ideas of “people's war” and violent struggle were less applicable in the post-colonial world.
Mao Xinyu, who is a Major General in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), is known in China as a scholar on Mao Zedong Thought. His father, Mao Anqing, was the second son from Mao's marriage to Yang Kaihui.
He has written several books on Mao's philosophy, and bears more than a passing resemblance to the former Chairman. The pudgy major general has a passion for military strategy, and, like his grandfather, professes a love for swimming.
The younger Mao said he did not see a connection between India's Maoists and his grandfather's teachings, replying to a question from The Hindu in a meeting with a small group of journalists along the sidelines of the annual session of China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on whose national committee he serves.
He was, however, aware of the Maoist movement in Nepal, but believed that the “people's war” ideas that Mao made famous were particularly applicable in the fight against colonialism, suggesting they were not so relevant in today's world.
“We need to understand Mao Zedong Thought before applying it,” he said. “Learning his ideas can help human development, peace and build a new world order.”
“The application of Mao Zedong Thought,” he added, “should help maintain stability and development,” when asked about violent struggles still being waged in Mao's name.
Mao's ideas had been of great relevance to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, who were waging anti-colonial struggles, he said.
But he suggested that a more recent and relevant legacy was his support, along with former Premier Zhou Enlai, of the “five principles of peaceful co-existence,” which he pointed out still governed the diplomacy of many countries, including India and China.
Mao Xinyu was appointed as the PLA's youngest ever major general — a move that was criticised by some Chinese commentators as a reflection of widely prevalent nepotism in political appointments. His rather unmilitary-like appearance was also the subject of ridicule for many Chinese bloggers.
Even as Chinese politics has moved beyond the days of Mao in the three decades since Deng Xiaoping's reform and opening up, Mao Xinyu has written extensively on the relevance of his grandfather's ideas. He has, unsurprisingly, glossed over Mao's failings in the disastrous Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, which claimed tens of millions of lives.
His message has been echoed by an increasingly influential New Left that has called for reviving Mao's populism to grapple with rising inequalities. Most notable among this section is the Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai, who has introduced campaigns to sing “Red songs” and emphasised more equitable economic growth. Mao Xinyu had words of praise for Mr. Bo, saying that singing red songs was “promoting China's good traditions.”
Keywords: Mao Zedong, Mao Xinyu, Maoism, Nepal Maoists, Indian Maoists, Naxalites
A): Mao´s grandson is wrong by claiming, that Mao defended the principles of peaceful co-existence. The chinese CP opened up an "Polemic over the Generalline of the communist Worldmovement" (which did split this movement) when Chrustchev did argue for co-existence with capitalist countries. They brandmarked him as a betrayer.
B) I think, Mr. Krishnan above dont has knowledge about Communism, but a lot of prejudice. Not any of the so-called communist countries has been communist in an marxist sense (=classless society.) This Stalinism (which still does serve as the rolemodel for the various indian CP´s)is the counterpart of Socialism/Communism. Maoism was just another variation of Stalinism. The "communist" revolutions in countries as China, Cuba, Vietnam have only been national or anticolonial ones. Even Lenin labeled his USSR as state-capitalist. A unfalsyfied Marxism, which western intellectuals connect with names as Rosa Luxemburg, Trotsky &Gramsci, dont really excist in India.
I believe that communism is just an utopian idea. whether anyone is following or not, how relent it is in today's world is altogether a different chapter. but as far the Indian Maoists are concerned, they definitely needed be heard, and now they are feared. But definitely they could have taken a different path. maybe that would take a long time, as also in this ideology, but might have spared the lives of a thousand innocent that were lost in this attempt to be heard.
Communism as an ideology is only sustained through violence. Maoism is no different and neither are the Indian Maoists. And history shows that violence only begets violence, even over millennium, however much the apologists may wish otherwise.
It is one thing to have a philosophy that provides a guiding line to a way of life, providing a way of thinking that galvanizes people and motivates them to work to overcome obstacles, and a whole other to borrow a crutch of a name and a partial idea in order to justify wanton violence as the primary means of expression of discontentment. We all know where Indian so called "Maoists" have chosen. Now, Mr. Xinyu confirms that.
i dont think mao's thoughts are any relevant as they were a couple of
decade's back . what have the indian maoists achieved in these years ??
nothing but bloodshed . from socio- economic reasons it has become a law
and order problem . i think the indian maoists should take a leaf out of
their counterparts parts in nepal and enter electoral politics and fight
for the poor and impoverished. that will be a very good sign for indian
democracy but the govt should also have a political will to transform
this into a reality
The one idea Mao had that I find useful is the Iron Ricebowl. Everybody eats. Marx theorized that society is evolving to a point where the means of production will hopefully free people from want and endless labor. Once everyone has enough resources to be safe and comfortable they can devote more time to being creative. Focus on the word creative. It figures prominently in his work. He considered this ultimate end to be something of a cultural revolution. Historical trends not guns in the street. Sound familiar? Gene Roddenberry tried to sneak these principles into Star Trek as a side joke :) Notice they never talk about money or lack of food on the show? It is shameful so many have misconstrued communism, like the idiots that mistake the metaphor of Plato's Atlantis for a real place. Worse, many use Mao and Marx to seek power not to help anyone. But then some idiots claim to be Jedis in the official census, too.
Mao Xinyu is not able to gauge the similar exploitative nature of colonialism and neo-colonialism facilitated by extensive globalization. Indian Maoists are fighting for their genuine rights. They are victims of exclusive developmental agenda adopted by the Indian state. When justice is continuously denied whether by colonialists or nationalists, the only way is to uproot the system.
I am unable to fathom any difference at all in the core philosophy
of Indian Maoist fighters and Mao Zedong who believed in communist
philosophy of “ help maintain peace, stability and development” and
create a more equitable global order. Indian Maoist believes that,
capitalism breeds class-consciousness and is inherently unfair
because it favors the wealthy and exploits the poor and are
convinced that Communism would create the best political, economic, and
social situation for citizens in every society. Unfortunately
Communists of whatever colour swear by belief of end justifying the means. The "end" which they
are striving for is the worldwide advancement of Communism. To reach
this "end" or goal, they will use any means whatsoever, including
lying, cheating and even murder. Many millions of people have been
brutally put to death by Communists to help the cause of Communism
and to get rid of the undesirable ones!
Mao Xinyu need not worry about the wrong use of his grandfather's name and his Communist credentials. The Indian Communist parties always are, were and will be dependent of foreign philosophies, idealogies, models of governance and sources of funds. The Indian Maoists are no different. When the Chinese stop funding the Indian Maoists, they will change their idealogies to Reaganism if the Republican Party of USA funds them.
Mao Zedong's thought and Deng Xiaoping's reforms are of great relevance to the present day China and the respect it commands now in world affairs. Both did their best to uplift masses. Communist parties with their vast mass cadre should exert influence on these disgruntled elements and bring them back to the democratic fold. It is of utmost priority to all political parties to seriously think of eliminating poverty and illiteracy and explore ways to provide employment to all. Populous countries have no other option.
I really like Mr.Mao Xinyu statements. I don't care about the intent in these statements but curious as to how our 'thinking Communists' would react to this sitting against background of 'book shelves stacked with red books'.
Nobody can sit in the same chair : there is only one Mao Zedong but they are a lot of fake Mao Zedong on the earth...
Well, that's a sweeping statement. None other than the grandson of Mao has said it. But one
tends to ask obviously the next important question; what about the funds?
A brave statement from Mao's grandson but history says Mao was a warlord too in his own ways ?
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