CPM Leader MM‌ Lawrence Passes Away at 95

Kochi: The body ⁢of late senior CPM leader MM Lawrence will be released for study by medical⁤ students.‌ Lawrence (95) died at a private hospital ⁤in​ Kochi at 12 noon today.

The body will be brought to Gandhi ⁤Nagar house from the⁤ hospital on Monday morning and will be taken to⁢ Lenin Centre, the CPM district committee office.⁢ There will be a‌ public viewing‌ at Ernakulam Town Hall from 9 am. ​At⁣ 4 pm, ‌the body was taken⁤ to ‌Ernakulam‌ Govt. It will be handed over to the medical college.

Early Life and Education

Lawrence was born on 15 June 1929 in Ernakulam to Mulavukad‍ Madamakal Avira‍ Mathu and Mangalat Maryam. He studied ​at St. Albert’s School and Munavirul Islam School, Ernakulam. After​ 10th standard, he completed his formal education and became active in politics.

Political Career

Lawrence was ‌the secretary of the Kochi State Students Federation. His elder brother, freedom fighter and writer Abraham Madamakal planted the seeds of communism ​in the mind of‌ MM Lawrence. He joined the Communist Party in ‌1946.

Lawrence served as CPM Central Committee Member, CITU National Vice President and State⁤ General Secretary. He became a Lok Sabha member from‌ Idukki in 1980. He contested four assembly elections but did not win.

Organizing the Unorganized Workers

MM Lawrence played a major role in organizing the unorganized workers in Ernakulam district. ⁣The scavengers shunned by society were organized for the first time in history. He led many trade unions like Dock Workers, ⁤Merchant Shipping Workers etc.

Tribute to MM Lawrence

Last year​ poet Balachandran Chullikad had come to his residence and recited a poem titled Thotti, including MM Lawrence. The poem was a tribute to Lawrence who organised the sweepers.

Red flag from the navel
Pull and hold
Who descended the steps of the earth
Put your hand on Kuppayandi’s shoulder
He called Lawrence
Company,

It is said ⁤in the poem.