Bijayata Pradhan
An Uprising – Born of Injustice (Articles and Poems) is the English translation of P.S. Golay’s Anyaya Le Janmeka Bidroha Haru (Lekh Ani Kavitaharu), translated by Khagendra Mani Pradhan. The book is divided into two parts: Part A contains two prose pieces titled “From Village to Prison” and “My Political Vision and Sikkim,” while Part B features twenty revolutionary poems.
Both the prose and poems reflect the plight of those incapacitated by injustice, living despicable lives, whose hopes for change have faltered and fretted. It is undoubtedly the journey of a man on a mission to make people aware of the contemporary degrading and degenerated scenario and to develop a healthy Sikkimese society. His dedication to literature is certain to bring a new vibe to what Sikkim is today.
While introducing the author P.S. Golay, who was born on 5th February, 1968 in the Tamang family of Sri Kalu Singh Tamang and Smt. Dhan Maya Tamang. He hails from Singling Busty, West Sikkim. He graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts from Darjeeling Government College in 1988. After graduation he worked as a teacher in a State-run school and served until 1993. Due to his active interest in social work and politics, he resigned from Government service and started participating in the political activities of SDF, the then Government of Sikkim. As the SDF candidate in the Soreng-Chakung constituency, West Sikkim, he was elected to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in 1994. During his affiliations with the SDF party, he served as State Youth Convenor and Vice President. He served in ministerial roles in the Sikkim Government for three consecutive terms. From 1994 to 1999 as the Minister for Animal Husbandry, Ecclesiastical and industry Department. From 1999 to 2004 as the Minister for Industries and Animal Husbandry. From 2004 to 2009 as the Minister for the Building and Housing Department.
But the future has something different in store for him. With the SDF’s ultimate tyranny and despotism the people were tired, discontented and disheartened and finally seeking for a change ‘Parivartan’. Consequently, on 4th February, 2013, Golay decided to form the SKM, in Soreng, West Sikkim. In the 2014 election, Golay’s party shared 42% of the total votes in Sikkim. However, he led the SKM to victory in the 2019 Assembly elections winning 17 out of 32 seats in the legislative assembly which eventually ended the 24 year rule of the Pawan Kumar Chamling Government led SDF. On 27th May 2019, he was sworn in the 6th Chief Minister of the State of Sikkim. Notwithstanding Golay led the Sikkim Legislative Krantikari Morcha to victory in 2024 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election winning 31 out of 32 seats with a historic and landslide victory. However, in 2024, Tamang was conferred with the Gorkha Gaurav Samman-2024 by the Nepali language daily Himalaya Darpan.
If the political history of Sikkim is seen, it is appropriate to say that this place is blessed with the chief ministers as phenomenal poets. A key political leader and former CM of Sikkim Narbahadur Bhandari’s contributions to literature are also notable. His poetry generally aligns with his political ethos, emphasizing themes of regional autonomy, social justice, and the unique cultural heritage of Sikkim. His poems often offer insights into his political beliefs and the socio-political context of the time.
Coming next to Pawan Chamling who is regarded as the longest-serving CM of Sikkim, he is known for his political leadership and developmental policies. His poetry often reflects his political vision, socio-economic aspirations for Sikkim and personal experiences, Chamling ‘s poems tend to focus on themes of regional pride, development, and cultural identity.
Notwithstanding Subhash Ghising in Darjeeling who is known as a political leader and activist, was also recognised for his contributions to literature, particularly poetry. His poems often reflect his political ideals, struggles for regional autonomy, and the socio-political climate of his time. As a poet, Ghising used his work to advocate for the rights of the Gorkha community and to express his vision for political activism with literary expression, making his work a unique blend of political thought and artistic endeavour.
In addition, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, was not only a prominent politician but also an accomplished poet. His poetry often reflected his political ideals, deep patriotism, and personal philosophy. Vajpayee ‘s word is noted for its logical quality and emotional depth, with themes ranging from nationalism to personal introspection.
Therefore, it can be undoubtedly said that these political leaders who are no less than a great poet use poetry as a medium to articulate their political views and to connect with their audience on a more personal and cultural level.
P.S. Golay ‘s poetic prowess helped him connect with people on a deeper level, complementing his political career and contributing to his public persona. As literature mirrors society and is lively reflected in his book. His poems often seem to be revolutionary poems and are powerful literary works that seek to inspire and give voice to the struggles of the oppressed people of Sikkim. These poems often emerge during times of political upheaval, social, injustice, and cultural transformation. They serve as both a reflection of the collective consciousness and a call to action.
His prose work and all twenty poems address issues such as freedom, equality, justice and resistance against oppression.
“When will the morning light come?
When revolution of equality would be born?
Who would restore our originality?”
The poems evoke strong emotions aiming to stir the readers’ passions. He has used vivid imagery and symbols to convey his messages more powerfully during his imprisonment. The ample use of the characters of Mahabharata like Kauravas, Pandavas, Abhimanyu, Shakuni, Arjun, Bhim and so on talking about kurukshetra in his poems like Rebellion -2.
“Shares are divided in the Assembly
Shares are grabbed in the Assembly
Shakunis (traitors) cause wonders
And society is always weighed political gambling.”
The poet wanted to be a voice for all those marginalized subalterns no matter what and he has proved himself to be a successful leader, a successful Chief Minister in recent times.
“And shall l fight the battle in the present Kurukshetra
For the future that have been rendered purposeless
And for those valiant Arjunas who have lost their objectives…”
Here the poet brings the resemblance of Arjuna who was considered the finest Archer and a peerless warrior in Mahabharata. He symbolises the ideal prince and warrior and as a person he was kind hearted, benevolent and generous and so the poet Golay in the kurukshetra of his place Sikkim. His poems often emphasize the importance of unity among the oppressed and the power of collective action.
“In the political science book of
The youthful educated children
There only is one government
And only one flag, where
Chapter on democracy never comes…”
One can compare him with Pablo Neruda, whose work often addressed political themes in Latin America; Langston Hughes, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance who highlighted racial injustices; Mahmoud Darwish, who wrote about the Palestinian experience and struggle for liberation, Walt Whitman who wrote for the revolution in America and explored the nature, the self and democracy in contemporary America.
Golay’s poetry remains a vital form of expression, continuing to inspire and mobilize people around the world in their quest for a more just and equitable society.
“…the society flounders all the times
Waiting for a new morning…”
When a poet like P.S. Golay writes poems in prison, the feelings they experience are often intense and complex. The physical and emotional isolation of imprisonment can heighten a poet’s sense of loneliness and separation from the outside world.
“..Yes, l am a prisoner
Searching the lights…
Those who could not bear the heat of my light
Into the dark room they forced me.
But even in the darkness l see
Thousands of glittering dream of the future…”
Despite his circumstances, Golay often cling to hope and a determination to inspire change, using his words as a beacon for themselves and others. Imprisonment provides time for deep reflection and introspection, allowing poets to explore their inner thoughts beliefs and experience more profoundly and so with the poet P.S. Golay.
He, while in prison might have felt a strong sense of solidarity with others who are oppressed or unjustly incarcerated, using his poems to express shared experiences and foster a sense of community. His emotions can result in powerful, evocative poetry that not only articulates the personal struggles of the poet but also resonates with broader themes of justice, freedom and human rights.
He is also a nature poet in the sense that he has captured the mystical beauty of the Kanchanjunga mountain and the rivers Teesta and Rangeet that passes by the state Sikkim.
“I can see the whole Mt. Kanchendzonga
And see the whole spotless visage of my selfless Sikkimese kin” (Rebellion –1)
And ln the Voiceless Land
“Where blissfully stands tall Kanchendzonga,
And soil of existence with strong fragrance”,
and,
“The mighty Teesta and Rangeet
Resonating with ancestral pride
Flowing down the plains nurturing the land ….”
Teesta and Rangeet are personified as if dancing and playing joyfully, flowing and nurturing the landscape. It refers that the rivers flow over centuries in a steady, rhythmic manner. The lines emphasize the eternal and powerful connection to the land of Sikkim symbolizing the enduring strength and beauty of nature. Moreover, it conveys a sense of harmony between the mountains and rivers, highlighting their sacred and timeless relationship.
The poet often mentioned Sisyphus who can be seen as a symbol of the absurd nature of human existence. It has become a metaphor for the struggle that the people face at different points in their lives. And here the poet becomes Sisyphus who have laboured tirelessly without the promise of a tangible reward, individual grappling with the mental health challenges often confronts daily battles that may seem never-ending. Indeed, he stood for the People of Sikkim against the deceitful authority.
“..Yes, I am that Sisyphus,
Upon whom the addicted authority
Conspired heavy burden through fraud and deceit
And try to enslave forever…”
Golay’s poetry and prose both address themes of progress, unity and the potential of the Sikkimese youth, aligning with his political philosophy and his aspirations for the state. His poems and prose articulate his hopes for Sikkim’s better future and the role of its natives in achieving its goals.
In his role as a public figure, Golay’s work served to inspire and motivate, blending his natural background with a vision for societal transformation, which is why his writing can be seen as having political overtones.
In a nutshell, the journey from a simple man to a poet and eventually becoming a Chief Minister is a story of personal growth, resilience, and dedication. Starting with humble beginnings, this individualfinds solace and expression in poetry, using words to capture the emotions and struggles of life. Over time, his poetic voice resonates with others, reflecting the hopes and dreams of his place and community.
As his influence grows, his deep understanding of people’s lives and aspirations leads him to take on a larger role in society. His journey from a simple man to a poet allows him to connect with the hearts of the people, and this connection ultimately propels him into leadership. His rise to becoming a Chief Minister is marked by a commitment to using his creative and empathetic nature to serve and uplift his community, embodying the transformation from an ordinary individual to a leader driven by the power of words and action.
