Jyoti Basu passed away on 2010-01-17, aged 95. He was an Indian politician from Bengal, and held office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1977 to 2000, for a total of 23 years. He was a founding member of the Communist Party of India, and was unanimously elected as the party's Secretary General in 1992. Basu contributed greatly to the political, social, and economic progress of West Bengal. He was widely respected and admired, and his commitment to the people of West Bengal was acknowledged. He dedicated his life to the cause of social justice and was a true Marxist throughout his life. He will be remembered for his years of tireless service and his significant achievements in Indian politics.