Standing up for justice, environment: Social movements songs in several dialects, languages

By Bharat Dogra 

There are several collections available of songs from social movements and some of these are much sought after. However the collection of songs being discussed here is one of its own kind as it brings together songs from several languages and dialects and then makes them accessible to many more readers by also presenting the same in Hindi and English as well. The main theme of each song has also been presented separately.

This book, titled ‘Geet aur Gatha—Voices from the Ground’ has been published by Anugya Books and brought out by the Geet Aur Gatha Collective. They also have a you tube channel.

This 116 page book has 36 songs in Magahi, Bhojpuri, Angika, Chattisgarhi, Kurukh, Saadri, Bundeli, Marathi, Odiya, Ho, Santhali, Tamil, Kumauni, Avadhi, Hindi, Hadauti, Bareli and Sambalpuri—about 20 languages and dialects.

The issues covered include protection of forests, protection of constitutional values, deep commitment to villages, celebration of community life and opposition to displacement.

While these songs may relate to several specific situations, the overall feelings conveyed are those of standing up for justice and environment protection, although sometimes there is also social satire in a few songs, while at other times feelings of anguish and frustration also emerge.

The Bundeli song of Nauradehi displacement brings out the distress and highlights the struggles of those people who were displaced from Nauradehi sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

The song titled ‘Namhey Ahuar’ in Kurukh is rooted in the values enshrined in India’s constitution.

The song titled ‘Aava bhaya chala bahen’ in Saadri highlights the various adverse effects of deforestation, not in very general terms but more in specific terms of the actual experiences of villages of Jharkhand which are captured in these songs. A message of returning to roots and re-strengthening community life is given by this song.

Another song that gives a somewhat similar message in Chattisgarhi is titled Gaon Chhod Kahan Jaabo. This song tells people that our life is most secure in our forests, farms and villages and instead of leaving these we should be prepared to protect these and our rights here.

The song titled Maayaa Bhim Baba in Marathi is a tribute to Baba Ambedkar. Another song titled Nustech baghta kay in Marathi expresses deep distress and anger over the exploitation of nature, land and people.

An Odiya song titled Swadhinta Samaanta emphasizes liberty, equality and unity of people in the fight against exploitation. 

A song titled Ela Tabu Haga Misika in Ho is a voice for unity and democratic rights in the community. Another song titled Chirgala pe Adivasi in Santhali is a call for action against exploitation based on unity. 

A song titled Jaid Utha in Saadri calls upon people to stand up for their rights. Another song Ponnaatha Porandha in Tamil highlights the harsh realities of workers and the need for solidarity among them. Another Tamil Song titled Sondha Naattil conveys the anguish of people who have been uprooted from their land.

Himalya, Himalaya is the title of a Kumaoni song which calls  upon the people to save their villages from various ecologically destructive practices. Phool Bagiya is the title of an Awadhi song on communal harmony.

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The reviewer is an author based in Delhi. His recent books include Kathin Daur Mein ummeed ( songs and poems in Hindi), Navjeevan (short stories in Hindi), and A Day in 2071 ( novellas and short stories in English)