Russian Revolution@100

Given that the system it gave birth to lasted only a bit over seven decades and has now been gone for over a quarter of century, does the Russian Revolution, even in its centenary year, hold much relevance? But many still know little about what is known as the Great October (or Bolshevik) Revolution, including that it was Russia’s second in 1917 and actually occurred on November 7.

Though this discrepancy in days can be explained by the fact that Russia was then using the Julian calendar, which left it 12 days behind the rest of the world, which was on the Gregorian, there are many more issues that cause confusion.

Soviet originally was a political institution being the Russian for council, and only later became the country’s name , or that the Bolsheviks were the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party’s majority faction till 1912 when they finally split to form a new outfit, which named itself the Communists in 1918.

But these minutiae apart, the Russian Revolution-like other great historical events-retains relevance, for in discerning its causes, its course and in its legacy, there are many significant lessons for all.

For revolutions may not be as spontaneous as thought, being the outcome of resentment over injustices or grievances simmering over time, but also owing their genesis to the power of ideas and political geniuses. And then, they never happen in a vacuum and their course and impact may be influenced by happenings or decisions elsewhere too.

But, above all, the prime lesson is that history, unlike what many believe (including in the Indian context), must not to be viewed as a collection of good or bad people or events, but as what it teaches us about the human condition and human nature as exemplified by actions, reactions and resolve. — IANS