Govind Pansare: News

Govind Pansare was a Communist Party of India (CPI) politician, labor lawyer, activist, and author from Maharashtra. He was impressed by communism when in school and joined the CPI in 1952. While pursuing his Bachelor's degree from Rajaram College, Kolhapur, he delved deeper into left-wing literature. After graduating, Pansare did his LLB from Shahaji Law College, specializing in labor and industrial law. Later, he became the President of the Kolhapur District Bar Association. He was a life-long member of the CPI and went on to hold key posts within the party, including that of the State Secretary and member of the National Executive. Pansare was a prolific author, writing 21 books in his lifetime. Most notable among them was his book 'Shivaji Kon Hota?' (1988), a biographical analysis of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s life from a left-wing perspective, praising Shivaji for his secular credentials, respect for women, and pro-poor policies. Originally written in Marathi, the book has been translated into English and multiple Indian languages. In February 2015, while returning from his morning walk, Pansare was assassinated from close range by two sharpshooters riding a motorcycle.