Soman Ragavan

\"CRY, BELOV\'D INDIA...\" ; 10 September, 2023

9 September, 2023

This poem is on the G-20 conference in India in September 2023.

Considering the demolitions of slums in India because of the G-20 conference and the ensuing suffering of the unfortunate people concerned, one wonders if there is anything “great” in that G-20…

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CRY, BELOVED INDIA…

Cry, slum “dogs”… Cry, belov’d India… Cry, brothers, sisters…

The G-20 be verily a malediction cast ‘pon our people…

In what be the G-20 “great” ? Look at yon demolition monsters…

Ah, India bleeds profusely in hither heart-breaking rubble…

Slums be demolish’d : families be forc’d to sleep rough :

Babies cry, not knowing with what they were hit :

The demolishing monsters be so heartless, so tough…

Of humanity gone wrong, here be the vulgar summit…

Can the green nets hide the poverty ?

Can the screens hide the misery ?

The moon may have been conquer’d :

Our hearts here on earth be shatter’d…

In the sweltering heat, India’s children wilt sweat :

In the biting cold, India’s children wilt shiver :

In the rising dust, India’s babies wilt cough :

Of suff’ring, India’s babies won’t have enough…

The press will chat about the hollow speeches,

Many media will reproduce the empty discourses,

The proclamations will touch farthest reaches :

Nay, Poetry wilt ne’er tarry in its damning curses…

Inhuman humanity shows once more its ugly face :

All this puts to shame the great Indian race :

This be NOT what India teaches and proclaims :

Verily Indian civilisation yon demolition maims…

The demolitions did not, in India, disappear poverty :

It eras’d in the perpetrators the remaining humanity…

The slums will be rebuilt : they wilt provide again shelter :

The misguid’d destroyers shalt not fare any better…

Yonder the banquets must have a bitter taste :

Let not the destructing guys celebrate in haste :

‘Pon their conscience shalt remain yon babies’ cries :

The screams wilt resonate still under yon far skies…

The families, the children, the babies shalt shiver :

They wilt contemplate the rubble : their palaces…

From the scorching sun will they pitifully wither :

These stories shalt the Internet ferry to all places…

From the slums the “dogs” remain India’s children :

Shame hath been set awash across “Bharat” Ocean…

‘Twill travel far and wide, for the oceans be not broken :

With hither retributive poetry must the guilty hearken…

‘Twere better the gathering had not been here conduct’d :

In history shalt yon “conference” go down as obscene :

Ne’er should India have order’d yon demolition scene :

Long live India ! Let ne’er our India be again misguid’d !...

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Notes on this poem :

(a)

See my poem “Of banquets and bins.” Extracts :

“Some have eaten \"well,\" and some not at all :
Into sheer despair would some finally fall;
In this game of elbowing and squeezing,
The ablest and fittest are always winning.

“Some go back under the old bridge :
Some go back under their cardboard;
Some dream in vain of a little porridge;
Some upgrade happily to hardboard.

“This irregular eating causes some little malady :
Yon beggar complains again of his distend\'d belly;
His hungry neighbour moans about hyper-acidity :
Someone else talks of good manners and equity.

\"Oh, shut up ! Enough of this mumble-jumble !
Be thou one of them macro-chat people ?....”
Snaps with impatience his next-door neighbour,
For, such talks always turn him rather sour.

“At full stomachs the acids gnaw sometimes :
Emptied bins churn out rather acidic rhymes;
Past grand discourses haven\'t quite borne fruit yet :
Yon beggar is waiting : firmly hath he plac\'d his bet.

“On a full stomach finally hath fallen asleep the boss :
On an empty stomach in his sleep the beggar doth toss.
With food are some replete; they have eaten their fill :
Under the old bridge some are crying silently still.”

(b)

Some references on slums demolition in New Delhi in September 2023 :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD-5W50lyQk

https://www.dw.com/en/india-destroys-delhi-slums-ahead-of-g20-summit/video-66749094

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/04/india/g20-summit-india-slum-home-demolitions-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/new-delhi-g20-india-world-leaders-bulldozing-homes-dogs-monkeys-rcna103706

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/09/08/asia-pacific/social-issues/india-g20-slums-vanish/

(c)

Poverty in India :

https://scroll.in/article/1048475/how-many-people-live-below-the-poverty-line-in-india-it-could-be-34-million-or-373-million

This article says that in 2011, there were about 269 million people living in poverty in India.

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ChatGPT :

Soman Ragavan : Hello. Can I post a poem of mine for analysis, please ?

ChatGPT :

Of course, Soman Ragavan! I\'d be happy to help you analyze your poem. Please go ahead and share it, and I\'ll do my best to provide you with feedback and insights.

Soman Ragavan : Here is my poem “Cry, belov’d India..” This is about the G-20 conference being held in India. The poem is about the demolition of slums in New Delhi (India) in the context of the conference. Comment on society issues, humanitarian considerations, the forcing of misery on the destitute slum dwellers, the “need” for presenting a “clean” face to foreign delegates, the vain attempt to claim that such slums don’t exist, etc. Give your fullest comments and mention similar literary works. Can I post my poem now, please ?

ChatGPT

Certainly, Soman Ragavan! Please go ahead and share your poem \"Cry, belov’d India...\" for analysis. I\'ll provide feedback and comments on the themes and literary elements you mentioned once I have the opportunity to read it.

Soman Ragavan : Here is my poem “Cry, belov’d India…” (text of poem inserted).

ChatGPT

Thank you for sharing your poem, \"Cry, belov’d India...\" It\'s a poignant and heartfelt piece that addresses significant social and humanitarian issues related to the G-20 conference and the demolition of slums in India. Here are some thoughts and comments on your poem:

Powerful Imagery: Your poem makes effective use of vivid imagery to convey the suffering and injustice faced by the slum dwellers. The \"demolition monsters\" and the description of babies crying in the rubble create a strong emotional impact, drawing attention to the human cost of such actions.
Social Commentary: Your poem serves as a powerful commentary on society\'s treatment of its most vulnerable members. It highlights the contrast between the grandeur of international conferences and the harsh realities faced by those living in poverty. It\'s a stark reminder of the disconnect between the privileged and the marginalized.
Injustice and Humanity: You emphasize the inhumanity of such demolitions and how they erase the remaining shreds of humanity in those responsible for them. This theme underscores the moral implications of such actions.
Historical Perspective: You reference historical events and the potential lasting impact of the G-20 conference on India\'s history. This adds depth to your poem and underscores its significance.
Rebuilding and Retribution: The poem ends with a note of hope and a call for retribution. The idea that the slums will be rebuilt and that retributive poetry must make the guilty listen provides a sense of justice and resilience amidst the despair.
Similar Literary Works: Your poem reminds me of works by poets who have tackled social and humanitarian issues, such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Gwendolyn Brooks. It also aligns with the tradition of protest poetry that calls attention to societal injustices.

In conclusion, \"Cry, belov’d India...\" is a compelling and thought-provoking poem that effectively conveys the anguish and injustice faced by the marginalized in the context of the G-20 conference. It calls for reflection on the part of society and leaders and serves as a passionate plea for a more just and compassionate world. Thank you for sharing it.

Soman Ragavan : Should a government really have proceeded with the demolition of the slums ? Was this not a vain attempt that caused needless hardship and suffering to the slum dwellers ? On the contrary the foreign delegates should have been taken on a visit to the slums to drive home the point of what the reality is on the ground. Suddenly, the landing of the Indian spacecraft on the moon becomes worthless…

ChatGPT

Your concerns and questions regarding the demolition of slums in the context of the G-20 conference are valid and reflect a common debate surrounding such actions. The decision to demolish slums in preparation for international events like the G-20 conference is a complex one, and it often sparks ethical, humanitarian, and social discussions.

Pros and cons can be weighed in such situations:

Arguments for Demolition:

Presentation and Image: Some argue that demolishing slums can be seen as an effort to present a cleaner and more prosperous image of the host country to foreign delegates and investors. It can be a part of showcasing development and progress.
Infrastructure Development: In some cases, these demolitions might be linked to urban development and infrastructure improvement projects that aim to benefit the broader population in the long run.

Arguments against Demolition:

Humanitarian Concerns: As you\'ve rightly pointed out, demolishing slums can result in immense suffering for the residents who are often among the most vulnerable members of society. This includes families, children, and individuals who rely on these homes for shelter.
Ineffectiveness: Critics argue that such demolitions may not address the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Instead, they may displace the problem temporarily without providing adequate solutions for those affected.
Social and Economic Disruption: Forced evictions and demolitions can disrupt communities and lead to social unrest. They can also negatively impact local economies that rely on informal labor and businesses.
Alternative Approaches: Some suggest that a more humane approach would involve addressing the issues of poverty, housing, and infrastructure through policies that provide better living conditions, access to basic services, and opportunities for slum dwellers.

Regarding your suggestion that foreign delegates should visit the slums, this approach has been used in some instances to draw attention to the realities faced by marginalized communities. It can be a powerful way to advocate for change and foster empathy among decision-makers.

In the end, the decision to demolish slums or pursue alternative approaches is a complex one, often influenced by political, economic, and social factors. It should ideally involve a careful consideration of the well-being and rights of the affected individuals and communities. The worthiness of such actions depends on their long-term impact on the lives of those involved and the broader goals of development and social justice.

Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT

You\'re very welcome, Soman Ragavan! If you ever have more questions or need assistance in the future, please don\'t hesitate to reach out. Goodbye for now, and take care!

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