20/05/2026
Comrade Avtar (1 April 1943 – 19 May 2026)
The Indian Workers’ Association GB mourns with profound sorrow the passing of Comrade Avtar, who left us on 19 May 2026 at the age of 83.
With his passing, we bid farewell to one of the great pillars of the Indian Workers’ Association and the wider progressive movement in Britain, a man whose entire life was devoted to the struggle for workers’ rights, social justice, secularism, anti-racism, and international solidarity.
For more than half a century, Comrade Avtar stood at the forefront of working-class organisation and political activism. He belonged to that proud generation of post-war migrant workers who not only built lives in Britain through sacrifice and hard labour, but also built institutions of resistance, unity, and political consciousness for future generations.
Within the Indian Workers’ Association, he was a respected leader, organiser, educator, and guiding force. He dedicated countless years to strengthening the organisation and defending its founding principles of equality, secularism, and solidarity among all working people. Whether mobilising workers, supporting community struggles, organising campaigns against racism and fascism, or standing firmly against imperialism and injustice across the world, Comrade Avtar remained unwavering in his commitment.
He was also deeply involved in the Progressive Writers’ Association and the Association of Indian Communists, where his intellect, discipline, and revolutionary clarity earned him enormous respect. A lifelong Marxist-Leninist, he believed passionately in the dignity of labour and the power of collective struggle to transform society.
Yet Comrade Avtar was far more than a political activist.
He was a deeply cultured and thoughtful human being — a student of history and philosophy, an accomplished writer, a composer, and a gifted classical singer. He carried within him a rare combination of political firmness and artistic sensitivity. His speeches inspired, his conversations educated, and his music touched the soul.
Despite his immense contributions and stature, he remained humble, gentle, and generous throughout his life. He treated comrades and friends alike with warmth and humanity, always willing to guide, encourage, and support others without seeking recognition for himself.
The passing of his beloved life partner, Satwinder Kaur, in May 2016 was a devastating loss from which he never truly recovered. Satwinder Kaur herself was an active and dedicated member of the Indian Workers’ Association who worked tirelessly alongside comrades in the movement.
Following his stroke in April 2024, Comrade Avtar lost his ability to speak. In those difficult years, he was cared for at home with immense devotion and dignity by Roop, a trained nurse and mother of two grandchildren, who looked after his every need with extraordinary compassion and strength. She remained beside him until his final moments.
Today, the Indian Workers’ Association lowers its flag in honour of a remarkable comrade, a fearless fighter, and a truly beautiful human being.
His generation laid the foundations upon which many of our struggles continue today. His life remains an enduring example of courage, sacrifice, discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment to the people.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, comrades, friends, and all those whose lives he enriched through his wisdom, kindness, and lifelong dedication.
A book of condolences will be opened at the Association office, and comrade Harsev’s and Preet’s family home in Uxbridge will remain open to visitors outside office hours.
Lal Salaam, Comrade Avtar.
Your struggle and your legacy live on.
Inquilab Zindabad✊️
