Scattered Fates by Ram Garikipati (best affordable ebook reader txt) 📕

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The Official Languages Act was to be repealed and starting next month Hindi would be the primary official language.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 accepted 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