The organisation

CTS is a unique organisation, totally identified with Ayya today. Ayya is no more. Thambigaru is in saddle for the last 7 years. Ayya was an astute politician, who worked in a principled way, without being rigid. He followed Krishnaniti without being devious in any way. In an alien land, he stood up fearlessly for his people and their rights. He eschewed the path of violence but did not flinch from it in self defence. He worked from the ground level up and observed the ways of other schools of politics closely. While appreciating the golden brains of his rivals, he saved himself from their mistakes by keeping feet on the ground and listening to the basic human reaction as he called it. Steadfast he was in his pursuit of goals over nearly six decades and failures did nothing to deter or demotivate him. Can we feel the nerves of steel that made this man struggle for SIX decades? How can a people NOT worship such a leader?

Once the goal of citizenship was achieved the whole complexion of the organisation changed. From a union of workers, it has become a political party commanding a small but decisive number of MPs in a divided house. Union leaders who for long eked out a meek existence in an uncertain climate and a hostile environment are now tasting the fruits of political office and power. The old guard are disciplined and committed, yet not wholly comfortable with the young upstarts. With power, there are trappings of resources, but challenges of meeting unrealistic expectations. The young are ambitious and euphoric by early successes. Little do they realise the compulsions of statecraft and governance in a small and developing country rife with ethnic conflicts.