A Year of Profound Loss: Remembering Ashish Yechury, Son of Sitaram Yechury

A year has passed since the nation, and particularly the family of CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, grappled with an unimaginable loss. April 22nd marked the first death anniversary of Ashish Yechury, his beloved son, whose promising life was tragically cut short by the devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The occasion saw a wave of heartfelt tributes pouring in from political leaders and well-wishers across the country, all remembering a bright young man taken too soon.

Ashish, a talented journalist who had pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) in Chennai in 2008-09, was a vibrant presence.

He had lent his skills to esteemed organizations such as the Delhi-based Newslaundry, the Times of India, and Amar Ujala, making a mark in the media landscape. His untimely demise at just 35 years old, following a two-week battle with COVID-19 at Gurgaon’s Medanta Hospital, left an indelible void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues.

Among the many who offered their profound condolences and remembrance was Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Taking to social media, CM Vijayan shared a poignant message, expressing his sorrow and solidarity with Sitaram Yechury. "My deepest condolences and heartfelt tributes on the first death anniversary of dear Ashish Yechury. The pain of losing a child can never be healed. Comrade Sitaram Yechury and his family continue to be in our thoughts as they navigate this profound grief," wrote the Chief Minister, underscoring the deep personal and political bonds shared.

The sentiment was echoed by other stalwarts of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, a prominent member of the CPI(M) Politburo, also shared his heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the shared sorrow within the party. Former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and LDF convenor M.V. Govindan further joined the chorus of remembrance, highlighting the collective grief and support extended to Sitaram Yechury and his family during this difficult time.

Ashish Yechury's passing served as a grim reminder of the pandemic's indiscriminate cruelty, touching even the most prominent families.

As his first anniversary is observed, the tributes serve not only as a remembrance of Ashish but also as a testament to the resilience of those left behind and the enduring human spirit of empathy and solidarity in the face of immense loss. His memory lives on, cherished by those who knew him and respected by those who share in his family's enduring sorrow.