How one Tamil Nadu village preserves communist ideals across generations
Key Takeaways
- Families in Vannivelampatti name children after communist and revolutionary leaders.
- The tradition began during labour and land rights movements in the 1960s.
- Residents continue to promote Left-wing ideals through rallies, education and political discussions.
Families in Vannivelampatti continue a decades-old tradition of naming children after revolutionary figures
In the rural landscape of Tamil Nadu, a small village near Madurai has built a distinct identity around communist history and political activism.
Vannivelampatti, located about 40 kilometres southwest of Madurai, is home to more than 3,000 residents, many of whom are agricultural workers. For decades, families in the village have named their children after communist leaders and revolutionary figures, reflecting the area’s long-standing connection to Left-wing politics.
A Tradition Rooted in Labour Movements
The practice dates back to the 1960s when local labourers became increasingly involved in movements focused on land rights, workers’ welfare and social equality.
Residents say political awareness in the village grew further after the 1968 Keezhvenmani massacre, where 44 Dalit agricultural labourers were killed during a wage dispute in Tamil Nadu. The incident became a major moment in the state’s labour rights movement and strengthened support for communist organisations in several rural communities.
Footage recorded on Sunday showed houses painted in red, displaying the hammer and sickle symbol, while portraits of communist leaders were visible inside living rooms across the village.
Communist Ideals Passed to Younger Generations
Many residents say political values are introduced to children from an early age through rallies, protests and discussions within families.
“We never leave our children behind from communist programs; whether it's protests or rallies, we take them along. I have always taken my son with me,” said local resident Maheshwari.
Villagers say naming children after revolutionary leaders helps create what they describe as an “emotional connection” to communist ideology.
“When people heard my son's name, Ranadive (name of a Communist leader), they would often ask, 'Ranadive? What kind of name is that?' I would explain that we are communists, and we choose names for our children and grandchildren accordingly,” Maheshwari added.
From Traditional Names to Political Symbols
Another resident, Muthulakshmi, said she named her daughter Venezuela after attending demonstrations supporting the socialist-led country.
“They are the first ones to support if there is any social injustice or discrimination,” she said while referring to communist activists.
She also said future generations are expected to continue the naming tradition.
“In the past, our ancestors named us after deities, particularly the village deities. However, the current generation is now choosing names like Aleida, Karl Marx, Ranadive, Lenina, Marksiya, Venezuela, and Venmani for their children,” Muthulakshmi added.
Political Identity Remains Strong
Although Left-wing parties no longer hold the same electoral influence in Tamil Nadu as they once did, communist ideology continues to shape daily life in Vannivelampatti.
Residents regularly discuss politics within the community and maintain strong ties to the principles that influenced earlier generations of labour activists in the village.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
