Citizens' Ignorance to Poverty and Social Hierarchy within the Indian Society: An Examination by Farrukh Dhondy
In the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, a voice echoes from afar, reminiscing about the stark contrasts within Indian society. Dilip Cherian, an executive balancing India's electric vehicle dream with diplomatic reality, has penned a poignant sonnet titled "Top and Tail."
This sonnet, a reflection of Indian society, uses the metaphor of "top" and "tail" to represent the extremes of society—the affluent and the destitute. The "top" symbolizes the wealthy, privileged, or powerful sections of society who enjoy comfort, resources, and opportunity. In stark contrast, the "tail" represents those marginalized, poor, and struggling to survive.
Cherian's sonnet often explores how this gap is perpetuated by social structures and systemic neglect. Despite being parts of the same society or nation, the two groups live vastly different realities. The poem implicitly critiques how the "top" often ignores or is blind to the plight of the "tail," fostering a cycle of poverty and exclusion.
India, known for its extreme social and economic inequalities, provides a fitting backdrop for such a reflection. Cherian’s sonnet encapsulates this reality, using literary form to underscore imbalances rooted in class, caste, and economic status. The poem brings to light how poverty exists at the "tail" end of society and is often overshadowed or neglected by the prosperous "top."
Manish Tewari, a columnist inspired by an essay by Vinati Sukhdev, has also addressed these issues in his work. Sukhdev's essay spoke about her daughter's observation of poverty and hierarchical contempt in Indian society, which Tewari further explored in a sonnet-story about the use of "ladies' fingers" or "bheeda" or "bhindi" in the markets, which dominated his observation of poverty in India.
Tewari, like Cherian, grew up with a keen awareness of the shameful poverty and caste and class differentials of his motherland. He expresses concern about the grinding poverty in India and questions whether today's political leaders are dedicated to eliminating this poverty in cities and rural areas.
Meanwhile, in the vibrant markets of India, a cook named Hukam Ali gives the leftover ends of the bhindi to two young boys who follow him from the market. This simple act serves as a poignant reminder of the stark reality that exists beyond the comfortable "top" of Indian society.
The Zoroastrians, the ancestors of the Parsis, have adopted the vernal equinox as the beginning of their year, which they call Jamshedji Navroze. Interestingly, the Parsis celebrate two new years: one stable at the vernal equinox and another itinerant, which is soon to traverse July, June, and reach the vernal equinox again. Due to a historical mistake, the Parsi calendar moves one day back relative to the real calendar every year, as the Zoroastrians have forgotten to count an extra day every four years.
As we reflect on these issues, Cherian’s sonnet acts as a mirror, showing the reader the uncomfortable truth of societal divisions and urging a more empathetic and conscientious approach to these challenges. It is a call for awareness and action, reminding us that the divide between wealth and poverty is not just a fact of life, but a problem that demands our attention and action.
- The city of Ho Chi Minh reverberates with a recollection of Indian societal contrasts, mirrored in Dilip Cherian's sonnet "Top and Tail."
- "Top and Tail" beautifully portrays the coexistence within India of affluent, powerful sections and marginalized, struggling groups.
- The "top" symbolizes comfort, resources, and opportunity, while the "tail" represents those struggling to survive.
- Cherian's sonnet underscores social structures and systemic neglect as perpetuators of the gap between the "top" and "tail."
- India's extreme inequalities render it a fitting setting for such societal reflection.
- Literary form is utilized by Cherian to highlight imbalances based on class, caste, and economic status.
- Manish Tewari, inspired by Vinati Sukhdev's essay, also addresses these issues in his work.
- Sukhdev's essay remarked on her daughter's observations of poverty and hierarchical contempt in India, which Tewari further explored.
- Tewari raises questions about political leaders' dedication to eradicating poverty in cities and rural areas.
- In bustling Indian markets, Hukam Ali, a cook, symbolizes empathy by giving leftovers to two young boys, reminding us of societal realities beyond the "top."
- The Zoroastrians, the ancestors of the Parsis, celebrate two new years: the stable vernal equinox and an itinerant one.
- A historical mistake causes the Parsi calendar to move one day back relative to the real calendar each year.
- Cherian's sonnet functions as a mirror, showcasing uncomfortable societal truths and advocating for empathy and action.
- It is a clarion call for awareness and action, encouraging us to confront the divide between wealth and poverty.
- This divide is not destiny, but an issue that demands our attention, as suggested by Cherian's sonnet.
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