“Though he was born into a conservative, aristocratic family, was sent for higher studies in England, and had a lucrative career waiting for him, Basu chose to become a communist even while he was a student, and, on his return [from England], to build the party and to work for the downtrodden in his motherland. He began by organising railway workers who were then leading a slave-like existence in those parts. He also had a leadership role in establishing the CITU.” - V.S. Achuthanandan, Kerala Chief Minister.