Communication Strategy and Propaganda Techniques: A Study on Communist Movement in Kerala (1930-1957)

The present study aims at highlighting the communication factors contributed to the sworn-in of first democratically elected Communist government in the world. In 1957, Communist Party had come to power in Kerala, a small state in the southern part of India through democratic process. Apart from the tiny Italian principality San Marino, Kerala emerged as the first case of a democratically elected Communist government in the world. Whatever may be the reasons behind this victory, it is obvious that the communication strategy of the Communists had played a significant role in it. Social reawakening on socialist lines and ideological influence on art and literature during that period also substantiates the impact of Communist propaganda and persuasive mode of communication on the social life of Kerala. So it is felt that, an exploration on the communication practice of the communists would be worthwhile, in bringing out the methods they utilized to popularize such an alien, western concept like Communism in a cast oriented feudalistic society in Kerala.

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