Poem Image
November 27, 2025

119. Postcards from Naxalbari (March 11-April 19, 1981)

To understand the context please read the post number 116 dated November 24, 2025.

 

4.

you didn't listen us during 1859

when our forefathers rebelled

against the indigo-planters

 

you didn't bother 1940 

you just ignored

Tibhaga movement

 

you ignored in 1960 

the voice of Girijan tribal peasants

in Srikakulam

 

you were too busy 

swimming in the abundance 

when famines resulted

in million starvation deaths in 1966

 

you are the same but

I am changed

 

remember now

when I appear at my weakest 

that is when you

should fear me the most

 

("Tibhaga: Demanding the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the harvested crops to one-third)

 

(From my poetry collection, “Always in Transit”)