The disintegration of the Soviet Union and the subsequent collapse of several of its satellites gave a general feeling that Communism, after having reached its zenith, was on a course of decline within a century. Interestingly, while the socialist system of governance found its embarrassing end, the legacy that Marx left with us in terms of the analysis and study of capital and wealth continues to hold its relevance. It has, almost inevitably, found its expression in the capitalist world being compelled, beyond its familiar social and moral stance, to provide its subjects social security and human dignity.
It has been a matter of contention whether or not Marx fully comprehended the objective reality in a colonised country like India with its multitudinous problems of caste divisions, under-development, age-old religious taboos and superstitions.
The fact that apart from religious compulsions, caste-based factions have become the decisive force in the political arena of our country point to the lacuna left behind by Marxism.
In the Indian context, I think it is time to imagine an approach that combines Gandhian thoughts with Marxian ideology.
The author is a film-maker
