Internet link :

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

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(Photo : Reuters ?)

Full acknowledgements are made to the rights-owners of the photo. This touching photo shows the plight of the people ejected from the slums... The slums were built on Government-owned lands. The Supreme Court had approved the destruction of the slums. The slums were about 500 metres from the conference venue.

The haunting look on the children’s faces say their suffering and despair at being at the receiving end of the State powers. They saw their slums demolished… “VIPs” had to be given an artificial image of the surroundings… The slum dwellers had to be made homeless… 

---

"Les pages de ton histoire sentent la tragédie :

Comment donc lire toute cette encyclopédie……

Des vies entières, mère, suffiraient-elles jamais

Pour comprendre ce que, hier, tu nous enseignais ?

 

(...)

"Ces contrées où se côtoient richesse et pauvreté,

Où se regardent somptueux palais et minables étables..."

(...)

"Nos sculptures aurons-nous taillées dans le roc,

Pour donner au monde entier un véritable choc ;

Nos chefs-d’œuvre aurons-nous gravés dans le marbre,

Même si, pour habitation, nous n'ayons rien qu'un arbre.

(...)

"Et, en lettres de sang notre histoire reste gravée..."

 

--From my poem "L'Inde immortelle," written on 22 July, 2001.

 

-----------------------------------------------

“CRY, BELOV’D INDIA…(4)” 

13 September, 2023

Some quotes :

(See my book “Poetical Ravings,” second edition, March 2020, Mauritius)

---

From my poem “Lots of handkerchiefs,” about an outbreak of plague at Surat, Gujarat, India, in September 1994 (written on 28 September, 1994, thirty years back…) :

 

“Mother India !  Thou bleed'st again, Mother !

Somewhere in thy plains and countryside,

Cruelly on thee death doth roughshod ride :

Many of thy children fall, one after another.

---

“They cry and struggle, but there is no redress;

There is no compassion in this fate so cruel,

As they fight out this devastating, deadly duel.

---

“God, what a sheer misery for one and all !

Our folks cough and weep, and finally fall :

Rivers of flowing tears daily they shed

From these frail bodies so little fed.

---

“Counter-attacks we put up, in dust and in rain,

But, our tragic plea on deaf ears falls uselessly.

---

“Go, please, go seek some help outside,

Get help to stem, to halt this cruel tide,

For, our brothers and sisters are exhaust'd.

Help them now : or, watch their bodies cremat'd !

---

“Let it be ! Bravely will we then fend for ourselves !

---

“These forlorn villages, these desert'd streets !

Here and there sheer desolation one meets,

For, plain natural selection is at work again,

And the sick can keep on struggling in vain.

---

“Mother India ! For how long more this tragedy,

This murderous scourge, should drag on and on ?

In yon house will there be left one last son ?

---

“Thou bleed'st again, Mother ! Thou weep'st !

Calamity after calamity doth strike thee,

And our very lives are we forc'd to pay as fee :

Mother, unbound'd Mother, yet thou cry'st !

---

“Mother India !  Jai Hind ! (*) Immortal life-giver…..

As is its wont, it will come and go, this life-taker,

But, though today we fall afore this cruel barrier,

Every one of us remains a fearless warrior.”

--------------------------------------------- 

From my poem “India (1)” written on 22 May, 1994 :

 

“Ravag'd, revil'd, ransack'd, plunder'd

Indeed were thou, but remain'd undeterr'd…” 

----------------------------------------

From my poem “India (4) written on 24 May, 1994 :

 

“Monuments expertly hath thou fashion'd,

In toughest stone and purest marble ---

But, for thy children, thou giv'st a mere stable :

And often be their meagre meals ration'd.” 

---------------------------------------

From my poem “Immortal India,” written on 22 July, 2001 :

“A people that nothing, nobody could overcome :

A people with whom must one always reckon :

A people whose genius ne’er ceases to stun :

Yes, this people always shalt vanquish.

 

--- 

“Mother, sanguinary tyrants had flogg'd us :

And, in blood our history remains engrav'd…”

 

-------------------------------- 

From my poem “Of banquets and bins,” written on 8 August, 1995 :

“The boss muffles off from his tummy some squeals :

Rising from the settee, he heads for the bathrooms;

Something was rather disagreeing with those meals :

Perhaps 'twas that extra helping of tasty mushrooms.”

(End of quotes from “Poetical Ravings.”)

----------------------------------- 

--“What a day may bring, a day may take away.”

--“Every flow has its ebb.”

--“The ebb will fetch what the tide brings in.”

--“A bad bush is better than the open field.”

 

Quoted in : Sam Phillips : "3000 proverbs." New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House, c 2017. Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

-------------------------------------

Reference on the gala dinner and millets at the G-20 Conference in New Delhi, September 2023 :

https://www.reuters.com/world/world-leaders-served-humble-millet-g20-gala-dinner-2023-09-09/#:~:text=Millet%20has%20come%20into%20fashion,the%20International%20Year%20of%20millets.

 

***************************** 

13 September, 2023

This poem is on the G-20 conference in India in September 2023. To prevent foreign delegates from seeing shanty towns and slums in New Delhi, the authorities demolished many such huts and buildings. The villagers were forced into the open, without toilets, without basic amenities, while ten-course banquets were held nearby and seven-star toilets were given to the "VIPs."

------------------

“CRY, BELOV’D INDIA…(4)”

As the glitt’ring gala dinner unfold’d

The humble millet dish was applaud’d :

‘Twas a vain move : ‘twas pointless :

‘Twas a dish utterly meaningless…

 

                                         *****

The humble “squatters” roughly were evict’d :

Population cleansing rigourously was conduct’d…  

Shameful slums ne’er in these regions exist’d :

Lo ! The conference venue was exquisitely light’d…

                                          *****

“Hell, man, I don’t want no goddam millets,”

Hiss’d yon “VIP” : “Get me those juicy fillets !”

“Thy millets thou keep’st for thy starving masses :

Can’t thou see we belong to utmost ruling classes ??!!”

                                                 *****

To the humble, even millets were denied :

Pitilessly were their very souls fried…

The bulldozers spar’d not a cot, a shed, a bed :

The martyrs cried, as from the spectacle they bled…

 

By “conquerors” in the past were we torment’d :

Now, our very own “rulers” have gone demented…

To the visitors we be a sight embarrassing :

Yet, masses of slums over the land be spreading… 

 

We be non-people, we be untouchable,

We be outcasts, we be “schedul’d,”

Still by the heartless be we rul’d :

Like yon ruins, we be mere rubble…

 

Under the scorching sun, the drenching rain,

From the raging winds, the swirling dust,

We cough, we stumble, : we be a village curst :

Just to live as humans, we struggle in vain…

                                        *****

Yonder, they head for the seven-star toilets :

Will be flush’d down royally the remnants of millets…

Our folks head for yon bush, from under the bridge :

Yon bad bush still helps us,  as we hide under yon ridge…

 

While to this we have been reduc’d,

What marvels science hath produc’d :

Beaming back new pictures of rocks from the moon :

Here, we shudder at the thought of the next monsoon…

 

‘Tis too well known : a crying lack of public toilets in the land :

Yet, all they found was to destroy even private toilets…

Our basic decency have they robb’d : what a cruel band …

Hark ! Yon crying baby will be fed with boil’d millets…

 

Cry, Mother India !... Mother, thou were born to suffer !...

Cry, Mother !... By our own flesh and blood we be bled :

Even green plastic netting could have hidden yon bed :

Screens could have done the job : they thirst’d for plunder… 

                                             *****

All hath gone well : hath been draft’d the final Declaration :

The “VIPs” head with a quick pace to the flying palaces :

At having surviv’d in these climes, a look of relief on their faces :

They be so happy to be heading back to “civilisation…”

                                             *****

Some stubborn remnants of millets be a blemish

‘Pon the rare toilet bowl that had a sparkling finish :

“Out, damn’d spot !” (*1) mutter the humble cleaners :

Full circle for the millets : yonder, huddle the “scavengers…” 

 

                                       *****

From under the tree, the maiden heads to the tall weeds :

“Oh, darkness, cover me or bring my demise !... (*2)

What’s the use living ? Civilisation hath been defac’d !...”

Alas, by tall reeds her home toilet hath been replac’d… 

 

Her very self-respect the destroyers had destroy’d :

What be her crime, one could well ask ?

Be destroying home toilets be at all a task ?

Alas, with some deathly wish her mind toy’d…  

 

Sav’d money that was meant for dowry

Now hath to be spent on new dwellings…

How the cruel “masters” wallow’d in savagery…

From under the bridge rise anew wailings…   

--------------------

(*1)

 “Out, damn’d spot !”

--Shakespeare : “Macbeth,” Act 5, Scene 1.

-------------------

(*2)

“Oh, darkness, cover me or bring my demise !...”

After :

“Oh light ! Please take me ! I deserve to die !”

--Shakespeare : “Macbeth”

------------------ 

Soman Ragavan

MAURITIUS.

-----------------   

13 September, 2023

Analysis of the poem by ChatGPT

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

ChatGPT

Hello Soman Ragavan! Of course, you can post your poem for analysis. I'd be happy to help you analyze and provide feedback on your poem. Please go ahead and share your poem, and I'll do my best to provide you with constructive insights and thoughts.

Soman Ragavan : A conference of the G-20 countries was held in New Delhi, India, until 10 September, 2023. This is a group of the 20 main economies in the world --- “main,” not “greatest”… As there were slums near the conference venue, the Indian authorities bulldozed some slums in the neighbourhood, probably destroying even toilets, compelling the villagers to live under trees, bridges, road underpasses, etc. Yet, it is well known that public toilets are critically lacking in India. Thousands of slums exist all over India. The villagers in this case were thus denied not only a roof, but also basic facilities like toilets. Human decency had been outraged. This violates everything in Indian philosophy. India has one of the greatest civilisations on earth. Can I post my poem now, please ? Also look at all the quotations I have given.

ChatGPT

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the G-20 conference and the situation involving slums near the conference venue in New Delhi, India. You're welcome to post your poem, and I'll certainly consider the quotations you've mentioned as context for your poem. Please go ahead and share your poem when you're ready, and I'll provide you with feedback and analysis.

Soman Ragavan : Here is my poem. (Text of poem inserted).

ChatGPT

Thank you for sharing your poem, "Cry, belov'd India…(4)," which addresses the social and economic disparities observed during the G-20 conference in New Delhi in September 2023. Your poem conveys a powerful message about the stark contrast between the opulence of the conference and the harsh reality faced by those living in slums near the venue. Here are some observations and feedback on your poem:

1. Context and Significance: You've provided important context and quotes that help readers understand the inspiration and background of your poem. This adds depth and resonance to your work, particularly when you reference your earlier poems about India and its challenges.
2. Poetic Devices: Your use of metaphors and vivid imagery is quite effective in portraying the stark contrast between the privileged attendees of the conference and the marginalized slum dwellers. Phrases like "We be non-people, we be untouchable" and "From under the bridge rise anew wailings" evoke strong emotions and paint a vivid picture of the situation.
3. Message: Your poem carries a strong message about social injustice and the neglect of the underprivileged. It highlights the disparity between the haves and the have-nots and the insensitivity of those in power. The poem effectively conveys your outrage and sympathy for the marginalized communities.
4. Structure and Flow: The poem has a consistent flow and rhythm, which makes it engaging to read. Your use of ellipses (...) and asterisks (*) to separate sections and emphasize certain lines adds to the overall structure.
5. Historical References: You make references to historical events and literature, such as Shakespeare's "Macbeth," which adds depth to your poem. However, consider whether these references enhance or distract from the main message of the poem. Ensure that they align with the overall theme and tone.
6. Clarity and Readability: While your poem is evocative, some readers may find the language and references a bit challenging to follow. Balancing vivid imagery with clarity can make the poem more accessible to a wider audience.

In conclusion, "Cry, belov'd India…(4)" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that addresses a pressing social issue. It effectively conveys the stark contrast between privilege and poverty and calls attention to the plight of marginalized communities. With some minor adjustments to clarity and a careful consideration of historical references, this poem can be even more impactful. Thank you for sharing your work, and I hope you continue to use your poetry to shed light on important societal issues.

Soman Ragavan : Please analyse by each stanza, compare the poem with other literary works and make your recommendations to all governments in similar circumstances.

 

ChatGPT

Certainly, I'd be happy to provide a stanza-by-stanza analysis of your poem, "Cry, belov'd India…(4)," comparing it to other literary works, and offering recommendations to governments facing similar circumstances.

Stanza 1: "As the glitt’ring gala dinner unfold’d

The humble millet dish was applaud’d :

‘Twas a vain move : ‘twas pointless :

‘Twas a dish utterly meaningless…"

This stanza sets the scene at the gala dinner of the G-20 conference, where the millet dish is introduced and applauded. It symbolizes the disconnect between the extravagant event and the humble reality of the people. The repetition of "‘twas" emphasizes the futility and emptiness of this gesture.

Stanza 2: "The humble “squatters” roughly were evict’d :

 Population cleansing rigorously was conduct’d…
Shameful slums ne’er in these regions exist’d :

Lo ! The conference venue was exquisitely light’d…"

Here, you describe the forced eviction of the slum dwellers to create an illusion of prosperity. The term "population cleansing" implies a deliberate effort to hide the less fortunate. The contrast between the existence of slums and the extravagance of the conference venue is starkly presented.

Stanza 3: "“Hell, man, I don’t want no goddam millets,”

 Hiss’d yon “VIP” : “Get me those juicy fillets !”

 “Thy millets thou keep’st for thy starving masses :

Can’t thou see we belong to utmost ruling classes ??!!”

This stanza highlights the callousness of the privileged attendees, who dismiss the millet dish in favor of luxury. It underscores the divide between the elites and the impoverished population, who rely on millets as a basic food source.

Stanza 4: "To the humble, even millets were denied :

Pitilessly were their very souls fried…

The bulldozers spar’d not a cot, a shed, a bed :

The martyrs cried, as from the spectacle they bled…"

This stanza vividly portrays the suffering of the marginalized. The denial of millets and the destruction of their homes symbolize their vulnerability. The term "martyrs" suggests that they are victims of systemic injustice.

Stanza 5: "By “conquerors” in the past were we torment’d :

Now, our very own “rulers” have gone demented…

To the visitors we be a sight embarrassing :

Yet, masses of slums over the land be spreading…"

Here, you draw parallels between historical conquerors and present-day rulers, highlighting how the marginalized have suffered under both. The spread of slums underscores the persistent inequality in the country.

Stanza 6: "We be non-people, we be untouchable,

We be outcasts, we be “schedul’d,”

Still by the heartless be we rul’d :

Like yon ruins, we be mere rubble…"

This stanza addresses the dehumanization of the marginalized, using terms like "non-people" and "untouchable." The comparison to ruins emphasizes their neglect and abandonment by society.

Stanza 7: "Under the scorching sun, the drenching rain,

From the raging winds, the swirling dust,

We cough, we stumble, : we be a village curst :

Just to live as humans, we struggle in vain…"

This stanza portrays the harsh conditions the marginalized endure, highlighting their resilience despite their struggles.

Stanza 8: "Yonder, they head for the seven-star toilets :

 Will be flush’d down royally the remnants of millets…

Our folks head for yon bush, from under the bridge :

Yon bad bush still helps us, as we hide under yon ridge…"

This stanza exposes the disparity in access to basic facilities like toilets, with the privileged using seven-star toilets while the marginalized resort to the outdoors. It underscores the indignity faced by the less fortunate.

Stanza 9: "While to this we have been reduc’d,

What marvels science hath produc’d :

Beaming back new pictures of rocks from the moon :

Here, we shudder at the thought of the next monsoon…"

This stanza contrasts the advancements in science and technology with the lack of basic amenities for the marginalized. It highlights the misplaced priorities of those in power.

Stanza 10: "‘Tis too well known : a crying lack of public toilets in the land :

 Yet, all they found was to destroy even private toilets…

 Our basic decency have they robb’d : what a cruel band …

 Hark ! Yon crying baby will be fed with boil’d millets…"

This stanza underscores the government's failure to provide essential infrastructure like public toilets. The destruction of private toilets further degrades the dignity of the marginalized, as symbolized by the crying baby.

Stanza 11: "Cry, Mother India !... Mother, thou were born to suffer !...

 Cry, Mother !... By our own flesh and blood we be bled :

 Even green plastic netting could have hidden yon bed :

Screens could have done the job : they thirst’d for plunder…"

In this stanza, you call on India to lament the suffering of its people. The references to green plastic netting and screens highlight the cruelty of the authorities in exposing the slum dwellers to shame and discomfort for the sake of appearances. (My note : the authorities might have used netting and screens to hide the slums instead of destroying the latter. SR).

Stanza 12: "All hath gone well : hath been draft’d the final Declaration :

The “VIPs” head with a quick pace to the flying palaces :

At having survived in these climes, a look of relief on their faces :

They be so happy to be heading back to “civilisation…”"

Here, you contrast the relief of the VIPs leaving the conference with the continued suffering of the marginalized. It emphasizes the superficiality of international events in addressing real-world issues.

Stanza 13: "Some stubborn remnants of millets be a blemish

‘Pon the rare toilet bowl that had a sparkling finish :

“Out, damn’d spot !” (*1) mutter the humble cleaners :

Full circle for the millets : yonder, huddle the “scavengers…”

This stanza addresses the aftermath of the conference, with remnants of millets being seen as a stain on a clean toilet bowl. It highlights the irony that even in their wastefulness, the privileged find something to complain about, while scavengers are left to gather what little remains. (My note : the scavengers do not gather things here; the workers are compared to scavengers. SR).

Stanza 14: "From under the tree, the maiden heads to the tall weeds :

“Oh, darkness, cover me or bring my demise !... (*2)

What’s the use living ? Civilisation hath been defac’d !...

”Alas, by tall reeds her home toilet hath been replaced…"

This stanza depicts the despair of a young woman who has lost her privacy and dignity due to the destruction of her home toilet. Her wish for darkness or death speaks to the profound impact of the government's actions on individual lives.

Comparisons with Other Literary Works:

• Your poem draws inspiration from social commentary and protest poetry. It aligns with the tradition of writers like Langston Hughes, who used poetry to shed light on societal issues and injustices.
• The theme of social inequality and the neglect of the marginalized population in your poem resonates with the works of Charles Dickens, particularly in novels like "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities."

Recommendations to Governments Facing Similar Circumstances:

• Prioritize the basic needs and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and shelter should be universal rights.
• Promote inclusive policies that bridge the wealth gap and address poverty and inequality. Invest in affordable housing, education, and healthcare for marginalized communities.
• Foster transparency and accountability in governance to prevent the misuse of resources and ensure that public funds are directed toward the welfare of the people.
• Encourage dialogue and cooperation between government authorities, civil society organizations, and marginalized communities to understand their needs and develop targeted solutions.
• Recognize the importance of public perception and reputation, as actions that harm the most vulnerable can have long-lasting consequences on a nation's image and stability.

Your poem is a passionate call for change and highlights the urgency of addressing social disparities and injustices. It serves as a reminder that governments have a moral responsibility to protect and uplift all their citizens, especially those in vulnerable situations.

Soman Ragavan : Thank you very much. Goodbye for now. 

ChatGPT

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

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

 

 

 

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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