SOULSPEAK: ‘Socialism will survive’

Babu ji Sach Kahu – meri Nigah me

Na koi chhota hai

Na koi Bada hai

Mere Liye har Aadmi ek Jodi juta hai

Jo mere samne marammat ke liye khada hai.

(Sir, allow me to speak the truth

In my view

No one is big, no one is small

For me, every human being who comes to me

Is nothing but a pair of shoes)

Written by revolutionary Hindi poet Sudama Pandey ‘Dhoomil’, these lines reflect my life. I, sometimes, feel that the character – Mochiram – on whom the poem is based on is me.

I am cobbler but I like reading literature and poetry. Hindi poets and novelists who challenged the status quo and questioned established norms are my favourites. I first came to know of socialism and communism when I was a young student. Injustice, inequality and casteism dominated my surrounding. I felt attracted towards communism because I wanted change, at least in my life.

The appeal that existed for socialism and communism has declined among the young today, but its relevance will remain forever. It will remain as long as injustice exists in this world.

There was a time when thousands of people would gather within a few hours for any of the rallies or strikes organised by the Communist Party of India, but times have changed. These days, Communism has become a taboo and an abuse.

Had I not been introduced to the Communist movement, I could not have understood the meaning of life. It is the only philosophy in the world which talks about a classless society. It is the only ideology, which espouses the welfare of the working class. In a time when the identity of a human being has been reduced to his religion, caste or wealth, we need socialism more than ever.

I come from a (Jatav) Dalit family. I have faced caste discrimination in my life but I do not agree with BSP’s understanding of casteism. Counter casteism cannot be an answer to the Brahmanical casteism. Annihilation of the caste should be the motive.

There are many parties which claim to be the defender of Dalits, but if you look at them closely, you will come to know that these parties are run by dynasts who amassed lot of wealth over the years in the name of fighting for the rights of Dalits.

I came to Delhi, with my father from Harda in Madhya Pradesh, when I was around 10-years-old. Vivid memories of those times are still alive in my mind — Delhi then was a much more humane and kinder city.

My father was also a cobbler. He left the village in search of a job and honour. Caste discrimination has played a key role in his decision to leave his ancestral village. Shoe polishing and repairing is not only a means of bread and butter for me but an art. From my meagre income, I donate to the party (CPI) once in a year.

Communism has given me the strength to dream, dare and think big. I am a small man but I think big and it is to bring change in the society. I feel good when someone calls me comrade. Comrade means – a dear friend.

(As told to Vishwadeepak)