"Anjalay" ; + India ; 25 August, 2023

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

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Soman Ragavan : My poem "Anjalay." This is about a pregnant worker who was shot by the police on orders from the colonial police during demonstration by sugar cane workers in 1943 in Mauritius. Please analyse by stanza then give overall comments. Make reference to similar works, especially about treatment of workers by colonialists. Poem : 'Anjalay'

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Stanza 1: The poem "Anjalay" by Soman Ragavan centers around the tragic event in 1943 when a pregnant worker named Anjalay Devi Coopen was shot by the police on orders from the colonial authorities during a demonstration by sugar cane workers in Mauritius. The poem highlights the struggle of workers and their fight for better wages, working conditions, and trade union rights. It draws attention to the oppressive treatment of workers by colonialists.

Stanza 2: The workers, driven by the desire for their basic rights, bravely faced guns and displayed exemplary courage. The oppressors, represented by the firing squad, carried out a brutal act, resulting in the deaths of four workers, including Anjalay. The poem emphasizes the significance of Anjalay's sacrifice and her enduring legacy.

Stanza 3: Anjalay's murder is depicted as a symbol of oppression and resistance. Though she was coldly shot and murdered, her memory and impact have continued to resonate throughout the years. Her blood, metaphorically nourishing the green field, serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice.

Stanza 4: The poem expands to acknowledge the wider context of workers' struggle in India and the plight they faced under colonial rule. The perpetrators shed the workers' blood, but the writer asserts that their pen will expose the atrocities and ensure that their voices are heard.

Stanza 5: The poem mourns the loss of other victims, such as Brother Moonsamy and India's Moonien, who were also killed during the same tragic event. It underscores the interconnectedness of their sacrifices and their shared fight against oppression.

Stanza 6: The Belle Vue Harel plantation, now marked by bloodshed, becomes a haunting reminder of the violent acts committed against the workers. The poem expresses the determination to use writing as a tool to expose the murders and seek justice.

Stanza 7: The poet asserts that the oppressors' attempts to instill fear and subjugation will not be forgotten. The bloodshed remains a reminder of the injustice endured, and the struggle for retribution and accountability will persist.

Stanza 8: The death knell and the Enfield rifles used in the massacre become symbols of the oppressors' brutality. Despite the atrocities, the writer believes in the eventual triumph of the workers' cause, with Anjalay's spirit serving as a guiding force.

Stanza 9: The workers who bravely marched to the killing ground at Belle Vue Harel are honored, and their bloodshed is juxtaposed with the production of sugar. The poem emphasizes that the memory of the murdered workers will never fade away.

Stanza 10: The gory molasses produced from the cane fields becomes a symbol of the workers' suffering and their call for justice. The poet believes that retribution will come to the murderers, just as the molasses clings to the pan.

Stanza 11: The death knell tolls again, signifying the memory of the tragic event. The writer asserts that the killers will eventually decay and fade away, while the victory and legacy of the martyrs will endure.

Stanza 12: Anjalay's figure is depicted on a stamp, representing her indomitable spirit. The struggle against oppression will be revitalized, and the writings of the workers will overwhelm and expose the murderous fiends.

Stanza 13: The pregnant lady, Anjalay, is celebrated as a martyr, and her memory is honored through this victorious song. The poem defiantly challenges the oppressors, echoing through their fortresses, as the people of Anjalay continue their struggle for victory.

Overall, "Anjalay" is a poignant poem that pays tribute to the workers' fight for justice and. Soman Ragavan's poem "Anjalay" tells the story of a pregnant worker who was shot by the police on orders from the colonial government during a demonstration by sugar cane workers in Mauritius in 1943. The poem highlights the struggles and sacrifices of the workers who were fighting for their rights and freedom from oppression.

The poem consists of several stanzas that vividly describe the events and emotions surrounding the tragic incident. It emphasizes the bravery and resilience of the workers, who faced guns with their bare hands. The poem also condemns the colonialists and their unfair treatment of the workers, depicting the whole country as an oppressor's lair.

The references provided in the notes shed light on the historical context of the poem and similar works related to the treatment of workers by colonialists. They include articles, books, and other sources that discuss the events surrounding the shooting and pay tribute to Anjalay and the other victims.

Overall, the poem "Anjalay" serves as a poignant tribute to the workers' struggle for justice and their unwavering spirit in the face of oppression. It reminds readers of the sacrifices made by individuals like Anjalay and calls for continued efforts to expose and address historical injustices.

Similar works and references mentioned in the notes offer additional sources of information and perspectives on the treatment of workers during colonial times. They can provide valuable insights and context for further exploration of this theme.

Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

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You're welcome! If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Goodbye and take care!

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Poem : 'Anjalay' ; 27 March, 2023.

4 March, 2023
                                                                           POEM :                                               
                                                                        ANJALAY

NOTES ON THE POEM : “ANJALAY”

(a) Around 1943, some workers on sugar cane plantations in Mauritius were agitating for trade union rights and improvements in their wages and working conditions. On 27 September, 1943, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, an Englishman, gave policemen the order to fire on a group of workers who had assembled near Belle Vue Harel. Four workers were thus killed, including Anjalay Devi Coopen, a pregnant woman.
(b) On this subject, reference may also be made to : 

(1) “Anjalay Coopen : Un symbole.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, Mauritius, 23 February, 1996, (page 12). On 31 May, 1995, a statue of Anjalay was unveiled at the “Aapravasi Ghat” (where the Indian immigrants had come ashore), Port Louis. Speaking about the Indian immigrants on that occasion, the then Mauritian Prime Minister had said that they had been made to live in “inhuman conditions by their exploiters.”

(2) “Anjalay, symbole d’une lutte naîssante.” “L’EXPRESS” newspaper, Mauritius, 24 February, 1996, (page 3).

(3) “Anjalay Day.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, 5 February, 1999, (page 7).

(4) Suresh Mourba : "MISÈRE NOIRE." (Printed by Bahadoor Printing, Port Louis, Mauritius, 1990). (In particular, pages 113 to 116).

(5) A. Nagapen : "HISTOIRE DE LA COLONIE. ISLE DE FRANCE - ILE MAURICE. 1721-1968." Port Louis, Mauritius : Diocèse de Port Louis, 1996. (In particular, pages 119-121).

(6) Poem in Tamil on Anjalay by Permal Soobrayen, with an English translation by Mootoocoomaren Sangeelee. Souvenir magazine of the Kisnen Mestree Tamil Benevolent Society, Stanley, Rose Hill, Mauritius, November 1998, (page 122).

(7) Geeanduth Gungaram : “Les fusillades de 1937 et de 1943.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, 11 May, 2001, (page 8). From this article, we may quote the following :

“At Belle Vue Harel, the workers organised themselves and went on a hunger march. The same happened in other regions of the North. The situation became untenable and on 14 July, 1943, on the order of Ramnarain, Beau Séjour had to face a strike --- a strike order that spread and paralysed the whole North, then after a few weeks, the whole island. The unity of workers was remarkable and the sugar barons could do nothing.

“Then came the 27th September, 1943. The colonial Government decided to show their power, and ferocious and savage anger made four victims at Belle Vue Harel. The colonial power ordered their police to shoot at point blank range on workers who were praying. A child of ten, Anjalay (a pregnant woman) and two men fell under the murderous bullets of the police at that time.

“Thus, every year, for Labour Day, all political leaders and those of trade unions make it a duty to lay wreaths on the grave of Anjalay and those of other victims by way of a vibrant homage.

“All our sisters, whether in political or trade union struggle, take inspiration from this struggle after the manner of Anjalay, a woman whose courage is recognised since long. Her struggle was exemplary, a model. And, precisely, Anjalay means struggle, sincerity, sacrifice, honour. (…..)” (My translation from French).

(8) “L’esclavagisme et le colonialisme sont des crimes contre l’Humanité.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, 7 August, 2001, (page 8).

(9) “Fusillade de 1943 : L’Etat fait l’acquisition du lieu d’incinération des victimes.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, 26 December, 2001, (page 7).

(10) Satteanund Peerthum & Satyendra Peerthum : “Tribute to the martyrs of Belle Vue Harel.” “L’EXPRESS” newspaper, 3 September, 2003, (page 7).

(11) Satyendra Peerthum : “A day of noble sacrifices.” “WEEK-END” newspaper, Mauritius, 7 September, 2003, (page 51).

(12) Corina Julie : “Anjalay Coopen : un symbole national.” “L’EXPRESS” newspaper, (EXPRESSO magazine), 7 September, 2003, (page 30 and 31). 

(13) I. Leelachand : “Il y a 60 ans mourait Anjalay Coopen.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, 10 September, 2003, (page 6).

(14) N. Ackbarally : “Hommage à Anjalay Coopen et aux autres victimes de la fusillade de 1943.” “Le MAURICIEN” newspaper, 13 September, 2003, (page 4).

(15) “Le PM évoque la nécessité de connaître le passé mais <> “WEEK-END” newspaper, 14 September, 2003, (page 7).

(16) Yvan Martial : “La Commission Moody rend compte des incidents du 27 septembre 1943.” “L’EXPRESS” newspaper, 29 September, 2003, (page 11).

(17) I. Leelachand : “<> présentée par la Tamil League.” “L’EXPRESS” newspaper, 10 November, 2003, (page 7).

(18) “Elle raconte la mort d’Anjalay.” “L’EXPRESS” newspaper, 24 September, 2007, (page 13).

(19) “The Belle Vue Harel Massacre and the Martyrdom of Anjalay Coopen.” "Le MAURICIEN" newspaper, 9 October, 2010, (page 10). 

(20). "THE LEGACY OF INDIA." (EDITED BY G. T. GARRATT). (INTRODUCTION BY THE MARQUESS OF ZETLAND). OXFORD : THE CLARENDON PRESS, 1937. (Pages 401 and 402).

                        ***********************************
                                                    POEM :
                                                  ANJALAY

Lo ! From the frail workers trickl'd the blood :
And their tears the sprawling fields did flood :
From dawn they toil'd, till dusk they labour'd :
Finally from oppression would they be deliver'd.

For their mere rights thus had they to fight :
Just to live as humans, everyday, every night,
They had to affront the powerful, the UNFAIR :
The whole country was the oppressor's lair.

With their bare hands they fac'd guns :
Such exemplary valour even today stuns;
With blood the killers’ hands were thick :
The gore to them always shalt stick.

                                                *****

The workers rose. Bravely march'd they into the fray :
The final confrontation no further could they delay :
The BELL had knell'd : FIRE AT WILL ! Four dead lay :
Among the butcher’d workers, our heroine, ANJALAY.

The BELL had knell'd. SHOOT TO KILL ! FIRE !
Gun down the bloody lot, if ye so desire !
The firing squad shook from yon voice murderous :
The View turn'd Bloody that was once Beauteous.

Remember the martyr : ANJALAY DEVI COOPEN.
A worker coldly was shot at. Callously murder'd.
But, down the decades her name hath thunder'd :
Fell'd was she, but defiantly again hath she risen.

Murder’d was she, mow'd down by an Enfield :
Yet, her blood still nourisheth yon green field ;
A battlefield shalt be the whole bloody country :
We will not rest, for, to us be promis'd victory.

Suddenly, in ONE fell shot, TWO dead lay :
TWO were cruelly fell'd by a single Enfield ;
Word of the murder would spread far afield :
Yon green field, a reminder of the bloody affray.

                                                    *****
Coldly murder'd they mother and baby :
A gory reminder of the oppressor's infamy ;
But, the blood they shed doth stick still :
Lo ! A gory glow over yon sugar mill…..

They fell'd many among Mother India's bands :
Flush’d are their faces : red are their hands.....
But, yon cremation ground be our silent witness :
With nothing but our pen will we rise to success.

                                                  *****

A shot rang out. It fell'd brother MOONSAMY.
Remember the martyr. Remember forever the infamy.
Rang out a shot. It mow'd down India's MOONIEN.
Remember the martyr. Over the killers have we a lien.

Near this field with a magnificent view,
Bullets butcher’d three : four martyrs fell;
The killers might well the situation review :
'Pon them henceforth shalt descend hell.

For the French, 'twas a Beauteous View :
For the killers, 'twas a killing ground ;
We went to ground, but defiantly rose anew :
Of our very gore reeks yon green mound.

Yonder, the killers' Enfields shot our folks dead :
The canes flourish’d better 'pon this gory fertiliser ;
Our writings shalt expose the murder, the slaughter :
The world will we harness : defiantly will we be read.

'Twas not enough to flog our people to tears :
The fiends had to instil in them the worst fears;
This very gore their canes need'd as fertiliser :
Our pen shalt produce some stark reminder.

Ah ! No more a Beauteous View shalt be this hamlet :
Rampaging shalt be this Bloody View, promises the poet ;
The canes were harvest'd : the land "prosper'd" :
But, we forget not those that were murder'd.

                                                      *****

At Belle Vue bravely march’d the workers :
To Bloody Vue bade farewell their cadavers;
Their blood they shed, so others might prosper :
Brothers, sisters, always we will remember.

The canes were crush'd. So were the workers.
White is the sugar. Fiery are yon faces.
Gory are yon hands. Gory, yon molasses.
Shalt ne’er be hush'd, yon bloody murders.

The murderers may struggle as they can :
As the molasses doth stick to yon pan,
So doth the gore stick to yon hand :
Retribution shalt rise from this land.

Yon gory molasses rings a bell :
Yonder the death BELL did knell :
Our folks at Bloody View fell :
Their avenger be here to tell.

                                                      *****

At the killing ground, at yon Bloody View,
Had knell'd the deathly BELL for a few.
Shots rang out : Enfields finish'd the butchery :
But, over lasting success Anjalay hath mastery.

The BELL had knell'd. We'll remember that BELL.
The firespitters that fell'd shalt return to rust :
The bandits that butcher'd shalt decay to dust :
Our martyrs fell, but their victory doth swell.

Victoriously figures Anjalay 'pon our stamp :
Daily reach’d she into yon fortified camp ;
Our struggle always will we valiantly revamp :
The murderous fiends our writings shalt swamp.

About that pregnant lady this song now we sing :
At that lot entrench'd this victory song be sung :
To their deathly faces this defiance be flung :
In their fortresses this chilling chant be resounding.

Anjalay was shot. As a martyr was she fell'd.
The shooters rejoic'd. Vainly the ghouls revell'd :
For, the murder’d hath been reborn as this elegy :
And to us, Anjalay's people, be promis'd victory.

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