Scattered Fates - a novel on the second partition of India

Chapter 8: THE FIRST SHOUT

  Still half-asleep, Subbaiah picked up The Hindu from his front door and sat down on his reclining chair. It was 7 'O clock and the sun was just peeping out from the clouds.

  Birds were chirping, and the morning dew still dripped from the grass on his small front lawn. Loud strains of Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam emanated from the radio inside. Malathi had just finished her morning bath and was busy in the prayer room. He would have to wait for his morning cup of tea.

  How may times have I told her to start her prayers after giving me my cup of tea.

  He unfolded the front page of the newspaper and the bold headlines jolted him wide awake.

  Hindi Declared National Language

  PM Announces Constitutional Changes

  With his heart in his mouth, Subbaiah read the full article.

  The Official Languages Act was to be repealed and starting next month Hindi would be the primary official language. All government business would take place in Hindi. States where Hindi was not spoken will have to introduce a two-language formula, where all students will be forced to learn Hindi, apart from their mother-tongue. Hindi speaking states would have no such compulsion to learn another language. The All India Civil Services examination would be conducted in Hindi alone, so it was in the interest of everyone to master the language.

  Apparently the speech was just ten minutes long and delivered in Hindi, a direct challenge. Furious, Subbaiah scanned over portions of the translated speech text.

  A nation’s strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not in what it can borrow from others....

  For over a decade our brothers from Madras have been protesting the majority decision to make Hindi the sole official language. Before taking a decision, I have consulted with all political parties across the nation...

  I have often said that I do not want to impose Hindi on anyone. Yet, in my concern for the future of our country, how can I ignore the fact that since the beginning of the British rule, English has been used to dominate and discriminate against us in social customs and in laws...

  This is unquestioningly accepted and acquiesced in by all but a minuscule minority from Madras. By allowing English to be an associate language, we are depriving ourselves of a fuller emancipation and growth. We are merely exchanging one kind of bondage for another...

  Whether the opponents of Hindi like it or not, they cannot escape their responsibility nor should they be denied its benefits...

  We want to walk together and in step with all others, but some people are still hesitating. You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist...’

  ‘Nonsense,’ he shouted, crumpling the newspaper and flinging it on the ground.

  ‘What happened?’ Malathi asked, coming out with a cup of tea.

  ‘Exactly what we feared,’ he said pointing towards the crumpled newspaper.

  She picked it up, glanced at the headlines and gave it back. It was easier to ask him for the details, she had not yet mastered the English language and was more comfortable in Telugu.

  ‘So what do your leaders say?’

  ‘The reporter tried to get in touch with Anna and Karunanidhi, but they are away in Kerala, the others in party office refused to speak.’

  ‘What do you think will happen now?’

  ‘I don't know. She made the announcement late at night yesterday without any warning. My radio was switched off because of our dinner party.’

  ‘Subbaiah, Subbaiah, you heard the news? You have a phone call,’ it was Ganapathy, shouting from the neighboring patio.

  ‘Thanks, da. I will be right over, let me just put on my shirt,’ he shouted back.

  A few minutes later, he was on the phone talking with Senthil.

  ‘What is your party going to do now?’ Ganapathy asked, as Subbaiah put down the receiver.

  ‘We have an urgent meeting at 8.30 in the party headquarters. Anna and Karunanidhi will be addressing us, they travelled overnight by car from Trivandrum and have reached Madras.’

  ‘You be careful, thalaivar. Think well before you decide anything.’

  ‘‘Don't worry. Indira deserves a fitting reply.’

  ‘So I assume there will be no work again.’

  ‘Damn right. You can safely stay indoors again till we fight for our rights.’

  ‘Hey, no need to be rude, don't take your anger out on me.’

  ‘I am sorry, da. You know how stressed out I am.’

  #

  Moon realized something was wrong when he saw Vinay packing his bags.

  ‘Again?’ he asked.

  ‘This time for good. Indira has finally made Hindi our national language,’ Vinay said, looking up.

  ‘So what did she announce?’

  ‘Read the newspaper on the table, I stole it from the mess.’

  Going through the contents, Moon realized that the situation was very grim.

  ‘When is your train?’

  ‘I plan to go directly to the station and catch the first train going north. There will be a lot of violence and they may target North Indians.’

  ‘What do you think I should do?’

  ‘They won't hurt foreigners, maybe you should ask for the first flight out of here.’

  ‘I will, if our University office is open. I don't think there will be any classes today.’

  ‘Not just today, for a long time, my friend,’ Vinay said, letting out a silent fart.

  ‘I will wake up Andy and the guys, they have to know this,’ Moon turned around and walked out with the newspaper in hand, just as the deadly vapors grazed his neck.

  As he walked down the corridor, he saw many students leaving with their bags. The exodus was not just restricted to North Indian students, but many from the south as well. They were all speaking in high-pitched voices and rushing away, almost as if they had seen a ghost.

  Andy and his friends were still fast asleep, doors open. He banged on the study table repeatedly and shook them roughly.

  ‘Wake up guys. Wake up. Emergency.’

  One by one they arose from their slumber.

  ‘What's up man?’ Andy asked rubbing his eyes.

  ‘The announcement has been made, Hindi is the national language.’

  ‘What?’ they all shouted in unison.

  Moon thrust the newspaper towards them, as they read the newspaper article.

  ‘That’s unfair...it says that all the civil service exams will be in Hindi. What about us? How will students from Nagaland, Assam andManipurget jobs?’ Andy said.

  ‘Isn't that the question Madras students were asking a few months ago? Why didn't you guys join the agitation then?’ Moon asked.

  ‘None of us bothered, we never expected the government to make the announcement.’

  ‘It has now. What is your plan?’

  ‘I guess we have to learn Hindi.’

  ‘Couldn't you protest?’

  ‘They won't listen to us. None of the powerful Congress leaders are from Northeast. There are many from Madras.’

  ‘As part of the country, shouldn't you guys demand equal rights?’

  ‘Look, Northeast is far away from Delhi, we have always been treated as outsiders, that is why we came here to study in Madras. At least no one passes snide remarks and bullies us here.’

  ‘So you mean to say that you guys will learn Hindi without any protest.’

  ‘If we have to survive, there is no option. I am sure there will be a quota of government jobs for us.’

  ‘I heard there will be protests here again, maybe if there are protests in your States too, the government may back down.’

  ‘That is not going to happen, we have to learn Hindi, it is after all the majority.’

  ‘You are speaking just like Vinay, he has packed his bags and is going back home.’

  ‘I think we too should do that, and stay away till things cool down.’

  Moon just could not understand the passive approach of Andy and his other friends. They acc
epted whatever was dictated to them, even if it was unfair.

  ‘At least the Madras students have balls,’ he thought as he headed back to his room.

  More students were streaming out with their luggage. At this rate the hostel would soon be empty.

  What about the five other foreign exchange students? They are all in the same position as I am.

  As far as he recalled there were students from Somalia, Ceylone, Iran, Japan and China. He was not aware of any other foreigner on campus.

  He had casual acquaintance with Abdi from Somalia, Jegan from Ceylone and Reza from Iran, but had completely ignored the other two students, and was not bothered about their whereabouts.

  Abdi was just coming back from the common bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist.

  ‘Hey Abdi.’

  ‘Hey man, what’s going on? Haven't seen you around lately.’

  ‘Did you hear what's happening?’

  ‘That Hindi shit? Yes, man, heard it. Makes no difference to me, my flight is tonight.’

  ‘Where are you going?’

  ‘You didn't know? My admission to Yale came through.’

  ‘Congrats. Do you know where Jegan and Raza are?’

  ‘Jegan went home last week when there were protests. He hasn't returned. Reza should be around.’

  ‘Thanks man. All the best.’

  Have to find Reza. Wonder what his plans are.

  ‘Hi Choi,’ a voice called out.

  He turned around, it was that Chinese student accompanied by the Japanese guy.

  ‘Hi, how are you?’

  ‘You look worried.’

  ‘Yeah, the hostel may shut down and everyone is leaving.’

  ‘We know, that’s why we sought a transfer to Delhi University last week. I always knew there would be trouble, especially after hearing about the riots in January.’

  ‘So you are going to Delhi?’

  ‘Yes. Our professor advised us and gave a recommendation. He said there might not be any classes this year.’

  ‘Maybe I should ask Professor Subbaiah.’

  ‘South Indian? He will say there will be no problem. Our professor is from North India, even he is leaving for Delhi.’

  ‘No harm in asking. Thanks guys.’

  ‘We could have hung out together, you always ignored us,’ the Japanese student spoke.

  Moon walked away without replying.

  #

  Subbaiah was tense. The meeting had not gone as smoothly as expected. Anna and Karunanidhi had a heated argument on the future course of action.

  Anna wanted to stage peaceful protests across all the South Indian states. After talks with the other top opposition leaders in other states, he was confident that a united front would weaken Indira's resolve. Karunanidhi on the other hand was more agitated and wanted a violent rebuttal.

  Finally a compromise was reached. If a week of peaceful protests did not work then they would advise the cadres to use strong-arm tactics against the government machinery. Essential services were not to be disrupted, as the public would be their main source of strength.

  Subbaiah was once again asked to organize the students for a demonstration in front of Fort St. George, culminating with a march to Marina Beach, where Anna and the other leaders would address them at noon. It was already nine and he had to start preparations soon.

  Subbaiah got some frowns when he pointed out that it would be impossible to gather the students at such a short notice. He requested for the 'MGR card' once again and promised the largest possible crowd, for a public meeting at 6 pm. His plan was that at this meeting, Anna could announce the demonstration schedule for the next day. Not just students, the entire city would support it.

  After being put to a vote, they accepted his suggestion and asked Senthil to help him out.

  The morning was spent meeting student representatives from colleges across the city, while Senthil made arrangements with MGR's manager. Confident that a good crowd would show up in the evening, he returned home for lunch.

  He knocked on the door, and was surprised to find Moon opening it, a book in hand.

  ‘Hello, Moon, did Malathi invite you for lunch?’

  ‘No sir, I came unannounced to meet you, I need some advise.’

  ‘It is about the anti-Hindi demonstrations right?’ he asked, glancing at Malathi who had just come out of the kitchen.

  ‘Yes sir, everyone in the hostel is going back home. Even the other foreign students have made alternate arrangements. I don't know what to do.’

  ‘Don't worry, we will think of something. I hate talking on an empty stomach. Malathi is lunch ready?’

  ‘Yes it is. I made extra rice for Moon. He hasn't even had breakfast, and was searching for you all morning on campus.’

  ‘Sir, I didn't want to disturb, but I knew you always came home for lunch.

  ‘No problem, I have been busy all day in meetings, more about it later, let me wash first.’

  Moon put down the book he was reading, and followed Malathi into the kitchen. Despite her protests, he insisted on helping her lay the table, and by the time Subbaiah returned, they were ready to go.

  ‘What happened at your meeting?’ Malathi inquired.

  ‘It did not go very well. Anna and Karunanidhi have different ideas. Anyway, we will have a huge meeting on Marina Beach at six where they will announce the future course.’

  ‘I don't want to come, I hate these political meetings.’

  ‘As you wish, you can listen to songs on the radio. Moon you should come, it will be a good experience for you.’

  ‘Of course sir,’ he reluctantly replied, remembering the earlier boring meeting on Marina.

  ‘You were saying all the foreign students have also left?’

  ‘Not all, most of them. Some have got a transfer to Delhi University and one to Yale.’

  ‘Oh, I see. It is too late for you to transfer now, the deadline was last week one month after classes begin. Why didn't you tell me before?’

  ‘I did sir, you said there would be no problems here.’

  ‘Well, the situation has changed now, be prepared for the worst.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Malathi intervened.

  ‘This time everyone in South India is going to protest. All the other parties in Andhra, Mysore and Kerala are supporting us.’

  ‘So there will be violence everywhere?’

  ‘No, not this time, we will have peaceful protests for one week and check the response.’

  ‘What if there is no response?’

  ‘There will be. Seeing us, other states may also join.’

  ‘What if they don't?’

  ‘Malathi, please relax, we have it all worked out. Anna has been in politics for decades, he knows how to push the buttons.’

  ‘I have a bad feeling about this. I told you to take that job in Andhra University.’

  ‘Please stop this negativity. Just like your mother,’ Subbaiah raised his voice, shutting her up.

  ‘Sir, what do I do if the hostel shuts down?’ Moon asked, diverting the heat.

  ‘Tolerate life if it drags you downhill. Whatever happens, happens for the good. You can stay here, as I mentioned earlier,’ he said looking at his wife for approval. She was still upset. ‘Remember, you will get only Malathi's cooking, you still have time to escape.’

  This time she responded with a grin. ‘He loves my cooking, don't you, Moon?’

  ‘Yes, Maam. It is different from Corean food, but much better than all the restaurant food.’

  ‘That settles it then, you are staying here.’

  ‘What if the agitation drags on for weeks?’

  ‘In that case I can lend you some money and buy a flight ticket. You can return it after you are safely home.’

  ‘Thank you sir, I feel much better now, you and maa’m are very kind.’

  ‘Hey, don't mention it, it is our duty, you are like a son to us.’

  ‘Moon, you never mentioned what your pare
nts do,’ Malathi asked.

  ‘My parents passed away during the April Revolution and I was raised by my uncle who owns a restaurant in Seoul.

  ‘April revolution?’ Subbaiah asked.

  ‘I am sure you know of our first President Synghman Rhee?’

  ‘I do, he was the first elected President of south in 1948 and was once again appointed President after the war unified your country.’

  ‘We had a Presidential form of government like America and he was very autocratic and corrupt. He declared martial law and jailed many members of parliament to push through constitutional amendments to get reelected. He kept rigging elections and won for four terms in a row, but the students were against it and there were violent protests.’

  ‘Just like our anti-Hindi protests.’

  ‘I was not here in January sir, so I do not know, but the agitation in 1960 is known as the April Revolution. It was violently repressed.’

  ‘Your parents could not have been students?’

  ‘No, they were not, both my parents were not educated. They had a small provision store in Masan, close to Pusan city.’

  ‘Pusan...isn't it the same city where President Rhee ran away when forces from the north invaded during the war?’

  ‘Yes sir. Masan is around 35 kilometers from there. The spark for the April Revolution was ignited in my hometown. On March 15th, there were violent student demonstrations and the police started shooting at students. After nearly a month, a body was found on the beach, the authorities claimed that the death was due to drowning, but some protesters forced their way into the hospital and found that the school kid was badly injured with a grenade. When newspapers published the photo, it shocked people.’

  ‘Naturally.’

  ‘More than 40,000 residents, including my parents staged huge protests and clashed with police, who opened fire killing many.’

  ‘What a sad story, I am sorry’ Malathi said.

  ‘I am actually proud of my parents. After their death in the demonstration, Rhee had to resign and we had true democracy.’

  ‘It is now a parliamentary democracy like India, right?’

  ‘We call it the second republic. Rhee had made it a Presidential system to remain in power, but the system is not fit for a country like ours. We need a parliamentary democracy, where no one has absolute power.’

  ‘That is not entirely true. Even in a parliamentary system there are ways to get absolute power. Look at Indira, she has absolute power in India, moreover the US is a Presidential system, and there are always checks and balances,’ Subbaiah said.

  ‘Sir, are you against a parliamentary system? It has worked very well in the United Kingdom.’

  ‘All systems have their merits and demerits, but I feel a Presidential system is better. In India and Corea, there is a fusion of powers between the executive and the legislative branches, but its success will depend largely on reforms in the political and electoral systems. Otherwise we are in danger of having a very corrupt government and policy paralysis.’

  ‘Isn't a Presidential system more appropriate for homogenous countries like USA and not India where you have so any different cultures and languages?’ Moon asked.

  ‘Good point. Corea is homogenous, and should have remained a Presidential system as it would have benefited your future growth. I am surprised that although America helped you in the war, your country chose a parliamentary system.’

  ‘Sir, as a result of the war, freedom returned, and with it there was also an increase in political activity, driven by leftist and student groups who were instrumental in overthrowing Rhee. So we are now trying to distance ourselves from America and follow the middle path. In the long run it will help us prosper.’

  ‘You know Keynes said that in the long run we are all dead.’

  ‘True, but our children will benefit.’

  ‘You plan to marry soon?’

  ‘My girlfriend is in Corea and we plan to get married after I return from India.’

  ‘Good. Maybe we will visit you someday. Malathi has never gone abroad, and I have always been interested in East Asia.’

  ‘You are welcome sir.’

  ‘Well, now that lunch is over, I have to rush to the party office once again. A lot of arrangements have to be made. Why don't you go back to your hostel and take some rest? It will be a long night of activity.’

  ‘I will be there sir, but hope you will have time to translate what is being said.

  ‘Do not worry. I will be somewhere near the stage.’

  #

  The sun was still beating down on the sand, when Moon arrived at Marina Beach.

  A huge crowd had gathered at the same place where he had attended the first meeting. This time the crowd was four times larger and included not just students but people from all walks of life. Many of them appeared to have travelled long distances, as he saw quite a few lorries ferrying people to the venue. Many of them looked like poor peasants from the hinterland.

  A huge stage had been setup and the music blaring out of the loudspeakers was keeping everyone entertained. A couple of makeshift stalls had also been setup to provide drinking water and free food to all participants.

  Traffic on the entire stretch of road along had come to a standstill as the crowd swelled and spilled over. The whole atmosphere was very festive with people shouting slogans and singing songs.

  Moon had never seen such a big crowd in one place before. His parents had not taken him along for the April Revolution, and he had never participated in a protest movement before. If he had, he would have been prepared for what was likely to take place soon.

  Thousands of policemen were keeping an eager watch on the crowd. They were fully armed with rifles and bamboo batons, standing in a combative position behind the stage. The crowd, however, seemed to ignore them. They were having the time of their life, waiting for their leaders to come and address them. Moreover, they had been told that Anna had given strict instructions to keep the meeting peaceful.

  Professor Subbaiah said it would be a peaceful meeting. Why are there so many armed cops here?

  It was nearing six, and the leaders had not yet arrived. Moon peered closely at the crowd near the stage but was still unable to locate Professor Subbaiah. He thought it best to go and stand near the stage so that he would have a better chance of bumping into him.

  However, it was impossible to move an inch. The crowd was tightly packed and there was quite a distance to cover. No one was willing to give way, as everyone wanted to be closer to the stage.

  Exasperated, he just stood staring at the stage, trying hard not to breath, since a powerful stench was hanging in the air, and it got worse as people raised their hands to shout slogans. Covering his nose with his hand, he tried to move a little further away, but was trapped between bodies of all sizes and shapes. There was no escape.

  Instinctively, he put his palm on the back pocket of the trouser to feel his wallet, but had to suddenly jerk it away in pain.

  ‘Aigoo,’ he screamed.

  He saw blood oozing out from a sharp cut on his index finger, and turned around to see a dark young man squeezing out through the crowd in a hurry.

  Moon checked for his wallet again. It was missing. He had been warned of pickpockets in crowded places, but never imagined that he would fall victim. Luckily, he had very little money on him, the only loss was his University Identity Card.

  It can be easily replaced.

  Sweating profusely, he stood still hoping for the event to start soon. Anna and the others had not yet arrived and Professor Subbaiah was nowhere to be seen.

  He suddenly heard a huge roar, as he noticed a police officer walk onto the stage and make an announcement.

  The crowd turned restive and many of them started shouting slogans, the cops behind the stage were now slowly inching forward. The officer kept shouting into the microphone. He appeared to be giving orders, and his tone seemed unusually harsh.

  The crowd was now getting agita
ted, many fists went up and people started angrily shouting slogans. Moon was slowly getting dragged along with the crowd, closer to the stage.

  He watched in horror as the entire line of cops behind the stage now was marching in front, rifles lifted shoulder high.

  They are going to shoot!

  He tried escaping backwards, but the crowd would not allow it. Suddenly, he saw a couple of stones being hurled at the cops, the officer screamed something into the microphone, even as Moon tripped and fell, headfirst.

  Luckily for him, the sand cushioned the fall. He protected his head with his hands and tried to lie still, but it was impossible, as he felt a few kicks at irregular intervals with more people stumbling on top. Gathering all his strength, he tried to get up again. It was futile. Piles of bodies just kept tripping around.

  He could now smell pungent smoke and heard a stream of gunshots. His eyes were burning, and the smell nauseated him. Now the crowd was running back, as more people fell.

  Moon was now lying underneath a pile of breathing bodies, all trying hard to get up and run away as fast as possible. He felt suffocated and the hot sand underneath him made it even more unbearable. He gasped for breath, as tears streamed down his cheeks. His energy started draining as he gasped for fresh air.

  Within seconds he blacked out, as Professor Subbaiah’s voice echoed in his ears: ‘Tolerate life if it drags you downhill. Whatever happens, happens for the good.’