By Revolutionary Students Front – RSF
A two-day National Winter Marxist Youth School was held in Lahore on January 30–31, 2026, organised by the Revolutionary Students Front (RSF) and the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF). The school brought together more than 200 revolutionary youth from across different regions for collective political education and discussion at a time of deepening global crisis.
At the start of the school, one minute of silence was observed in memory of late Comrade Gopal Charan, honouring his contributions to the struggle.
The school took place against the backdrop of intensifying capitalist instability, imperialist wars, genocidal violence, and growing resistance across the world. At a time when reactionary forces attempt to cloud political consciousness with confusion, sectarianism, and despair, this determined gathering of young comrades represented a conscious step toward revolutionary clarity and organisation.
In the face of repression, economic hardship, and ideological attacks on progressive thought, the collective effort reflected not only the continuity of Marxist traditions in the region, but also the emergence of a new generation committed to revolutionary internationalism and socialist transformation.
First session led by Dr. Vinod Kumar
Session 1: The Global Capitalist Crisis, Imperialist Aggressions, Wars, and Revolts
The opening session, led by Dr. Vinod Kumar and chaired by Rehana Akhtar, analysed the structural crisis of global capitalism — prolonged stagnation, inflation, mounting debt, and widening inequality. Discussions examined the weakening of US imperialist hegemony, sharpening inter-imperialist rivalries, and the instability of the emerging multipolar order.
The lead presentation was followed by questions and contributions. Kaleeq Diamiri, Yasir Rasool, Shahzad Arshad, and Sharjeel Shah contributed to the debate, while Imran Kamyana summed up the session in light of the discussion.
Special attention was given to imperialist wars and barbarism — particularly the genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and US aggression against Venezuela. The session also highlighted mass movements and resistance, including protests in Iran against the repressive Mulla regime, along with the broader wave of youth-led and popular revolts across South Asia and parts of Africa. The crisis of Pakistani capitalism and the growing anger of workers and youth were discussed within this international context, stressing the necessity of revolutionary internationalism.
Second session led by Altamash Tasadduq
Session 2: Marxism and Scientific Socialism — Origins and Constituent Elements
After the lunch break, the second session, led by Altamash Tasadduq and chaired by Faiza, focused on the theoretical foundations of Marxism as a scientific worldview. Participants examined the historical conditions that gave rise to Marxism, its three sources, and the transition from utopian socialism to scientific socialism.
Key concepts such as dialectical materialism, historical materialism, class struggle, surplus value, exploitation, the capitalist state, and ideology were discussed with emphasis on their relevance in understanding and intervening in today’s crisis-ridden world. The importance of revolutionary theory, organisation, and Bolshevism as a method of action was underlined throughout.
Umair Khursheed, Aliza Aslam, Mujeeb Akbar, Faizan Tariq, and Asif Rasheed made contributions to the discussion, and Altamash concluded the session by responding to participants’ questions.
Third session led by Imran Kamyana
Session 3: The Revolutionary Socialist Transitional Programme and Demands
The third session, led by Imran Kamyana and chaired by Khakula Bacha, addressed the limits of reformism in the present epoch and the necessity of a revolutionary transitional programme. Discussions centred on linking the immediate struggles of workers, students, peasants, and oppressed nationalities with the broader fight for socialist transformation.
Themes included the sliding scale of wages and working hours, nationalisation under workers’ control, democratic economic planning, resistance to austerity and repression, the national question and the right to self-determination, and the role of mass committees in struggle. Transitional demands were stressed as a practical bridge between present struggles and the goal of revolutionary change.
Umair Khursheed, Aryan, Shahzad Arshad and Danish Fida contributed to the discussion, while Imran Kamyana summed up the session.
Theatre Performance
Theatre Performance
Alongside the theoretical sessions, a powerful theatrical performance by young comrades was staged on 30 January. Through political theatre, movement, and dialogue, the performance expressed resistance to exploitation, oppression, and injustice — demonstrating that culture and art are also vital terrains of struggle.
Screening of The Young Karl Marx
Film Screening: The Young Karl Marx
On 31 January, a special screening of The Young Karl Marx was organised, marking its first-ever screening in Pakistan. The film offered an accessible and inspiring portrayal of the early political development of Marx and Engels, complementing the school’s theoretical discussions and encouraging participants to connect ideas with organisation and action.
International Solidarity
During the school, participants expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela against US imperialist aggression, and with the people of Iran against the repressive Mulla regime and imperialist interference — reaffirming the internationalist foundations of Marxism.
The National Winter Marxist Youth School 2026 was not an academic exercise. It was a conscious step toward strengthening revolutionary clarity, confidence, and organisation among youth in a period of historic crisis.
Even in times of global instability and political darkness, organised youth armed with scientific socialist ideas remain a decisive force for transformative change.
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