In Sindh’s political, national, and intellectual history, if there is one name that still beats in hearts today, it is the name of Comrade Rasul Bux Palijo. He was not merely a politician, but a complete movement, a thought, a resistance, and a conscience — one who struggled all his life for the rights of Sindh, the Sindhi nation, and the oppressed class.
Comrade Rasul Bux Palijo was born on 21 February 1930 in an educated family in Badin district. From the very beginning, his personality possessed the courage to question, to stand against oppression, and to speak the truth. Even during his education, he realized that in this society, justice is more essential than knowledge, and without the struggle for justice, knowledge is meaningless.
Comrade Palijo’s thought was not limited to politics alone. He was a great thinker, writer, constitutional expert, and historian. He had a deep insight into Sindh’s history, its resources, national rights, and global politics. His writings are still a beacon of thought for the youth. He used to say, “Nations survive not through flattery, but through awareness.” That is why, in every era, he taught the youth to arm themselves with books, pen, and questions.
Comrade Rasul Bux Palijo set such an example of public politics where politics was not a means to gain power but a name for public service. He never bargained with power for personal gain. Whether it was martial law or so-called democracy, Palijo Sahib accepted the “sin” of speaking truth in every era. From Ayub Khan to Zia-ul-Haq and later Musharraf’s martial law, he faced prisons, bans, and torment but never retreated an inch from his stance. Comrade Palijo did not define Sindhi nationalism in terms of ethnicity or narrow-mindedness; rather, he connected it with the global struggle of oppressed nations. He said that Sindh’s freedom cannot be separated from the struggles of other oppressed nations in Pakistan, the working class, and human rights. He laid the foundation of the Awami Tehreek, which was not just a political party but a school of consciousness. The Awami Tehreek gave a new direction to resistance politics in Sindh.
As a constitutional expert, Palijo Sahib was a strong advocate of the constitution, democracy, and human rights. He clearly stated that if the constitution is for the powerful and the law is different for the weak, such a society is headed toward destruction.
Whether in the Supreme Court or at a public gathering, he spoke the truth fearlessly everywhere, which is why rulers were always afraid of him. The most beautiful aspect of Comrade Palijo’s personality was his humaneness. He treated his comrades like friends. Even in prisons, he would boost the morale of his companions, teach them, and engage them in discussions.
His life was an example of simplicity. No show of grandeur, display, or personal interest was ever seen in his character.
Comrade Rasul Bux Palijo was a strong supporter of women’s freedom, education, and equality. In his view, society can only progress when women, youth, and minorities feel secure and empowered.
He would tell the youth: “If you do not question, you remain slaves.” That is why even today, the conscious youth of Sindh consider Palijo Sahib their intellectual mentor.
On 6 June 2018, when Comrade Rasul Bux Palijo departed from this mortal world, it seemed as if Sindh had lost its conscience. But the truth is that such personalities never die. They live on through their ideas, writings, students, and struggles. The name of Comrade Palijo will forever be written in golden letters in the history of Sindh. He was a beloved leader and a brilliant personality who dedicated his entire life to Sindh and the people of Sindh.
by: Fida Hussain
