Thirssur (Kerala): Eminent nuclear scientist, Communist philosopher, writer and literacy activist Dr M P Parameswaran has passed away at his residence in Thrissur at the age of 92. A multifaceted personality, he was one of the founding leaders of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP).

Parameswaran’s 'Fourth World’ theory once sparked intense ideological debates within the CPM and Kerala’s broader Left politics. The CPM rejected the concept and expelled him from the party in 2004, bringing an end to his 33-year association with the organisation.

Born on January 18, 1935 in Kiralur of Thrissur district, to Madangarli Parameswaran Namboothiri and Madambu Savithri Antharjanam, Parameswaran received his primary education at Thrissur Namboothiri Vidyalayamu and continued his studies at CMS High School and St Thomas College. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the College of Engineering in Trivandrum, and a PhD in nuclear engineering from the Moscow Power Institute. He served as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) from 1957 to 1975.

Driven by the mission to promote scientific temper among the general public, Parameswaran became a key leader of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, formed in 1970. In 1975, he resigned from his position at BARC to dedicate himself full-time to the movement. Under his leadership, KSSP grew into a popular mass movement and a formidable influence across the country.

Author of nearly 100 books in Malayalam and English, Dr M P Parameswaran received numerous awards in science, general knowledge and literature throughout his career.

The 'Fourth World' theory

Presented in his book ‘Nalam Lokam – Swapnavum Yadharthyavum’ (The Fourth World: Dream and Reality), Parameswaran’s theory triggered major theoretical debates within the CPM and Leftist circles in 2004. The 'Fourth World' envisaged a socialist society that prioritised decentralisation of power and environmental conservation.

Departing from traditional Marxist doctrine, the theory sought to combine Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj with Marxist economic principles. Its theoretical foundation rested on the proposition that an alternative world was possible to counter global corporate markets and capitalist development models.

The CPM rejected the theory, evaluating it as contrary to Marxist-Leninist principles, and expelled M P Parameswaran on charges of promoting an anti-Marxist stance.