A Proposal for Merger of Progressive South Asian Organisations in California

              A PROPOSAL FOR MERGER OF PROGRESSIVE SOUTH ASIAN ORGANISATIONS
IN CALIFORNIA
[Note: This proposal is strictly preliminary and all provisions are subject to full discussion and modification,  if
desired,  by all those concerned.   *]
PURPOSE
Independent progressive South Asian political organisations and units in
California have multiplied to the present number of at least 9, with branches
stretching from San Diego to Berkeley to Fresno.  In particular, the number
of organisations in the Bay Area alone has been a source of confusion for
those outside as well as within.  Coordination of efforts on concrete projects
has, at times, been muddled with some confusion arising principally from divergent organisational loyalties.  The functioning of individuals within a
coalition has also been a source of controversy.  In view of the apparent
relative lack of ideological differences among most of these groups and their
traditions of mutual cooperation in the recent past, this proposal for organisational merger is being put forward with a view toward opening up substantive
discussions on the subject.
POLITICAL BASIS OF UNITY
It is proposed that the political basis of unity in this new merged organisation should be the New India Coalition (NIC) Political Resolution of June
1976, as modified by the constituency of the new organisation. Appended to
this document should be an action program which follows from recognition of
the fundamental problems.  It is important to note that, unlike various proposed alliances, this basis of unity goes far beyond mere defense of civil
liberties in its discussion of economic and social democracy, nature of the
ruling classes, role of imperialism, etc.
Given the fact that differences of viewpoint will inevitably continue to
arise within the context of this political basis, as they have in the past,
it is further proposed that these differences be faced neither with tolerance
nor sectarianism, but rather with open political struggle within the organisation.     Such political struggle should be viewed as a healthy sign that we are
continuing to advance our collective political understanding and avoid the
ideological stagnation that leads to revisionism and opportunism.
SCOPE OF CONCERN
In view of the many common problems and concerns of the people of the
South Asian region, the scope of the new organisation should cover all of
South Asia, or perhaps more loosely the "South Asian region".  Thus, the ideological thrust (as distinguished from the strategy of a movement) can be disengaged from the petty nationalisms and ethnicisms that have only served the
feudal elites, imperialists, and current ruling classes in dividing the working
class.  The organisation shall not, in name or in substance, either imply a
student organisation nor one which is limited to persons of South Asian origin.