Alexander Dubcek

History, especially of the downfall of communism, will place Alexander Dubcek at a much higher pedestal than many others (“Alexander Dubcek, Hero of ‘Prague Spring,’ Dies,” Nov. 8). Much credit is due to him because he was the leader who stood up to the might of the then-Soviet power. It was a ruthless dictatorship of the communist elite. Dubcek was the one who initiated the process of changing communism to give it a humane face. The seeds he had then sown did bear fruit, though 20 years later; but the face that refused to change was destroyed beyond recognition.

After the Soviets crushed the Czechoslovak revolt in 1968, I tried desperately to visit Prague to interview Dubcek. It was not to be; his whereabouts were not known. I managed to get a visa much later but Dubcek was made inaccessible. I could still see his photos in some shops in Prague and proof of the indomitable spirit that he inspired.

On TV occasionally for a fleeting second 1938-1968 was shown, the years when Nazi Germany and the Soviets crushed Czechoslovakia. It was to remind the viewers. At a movie during a news review showing communist members raising their hands in support of the Soviet-installed Husak regime, there was a brief roar of laughter in the hall mocking the election.

All that nationalism and all the spirit of revolt and defiance were the result of Dubcek’s leadership and that’s why even a few months after the Soviet invasion one could see an occasional protest. The spirit had not been crushed!

Ultimately, Dubcek’s spirit won! I salute the great leader!

YATINDRA BHATNAGAR

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