A Preface by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
As a child growing up in the Kenya of the 1950’s, I remember adults in the village, whispering about an Indian Prophet who said that Independence or Uhuru would certainly come to the African people. This assertion, coming at the height of the repression of the Kenyan people by the white settler colonial state, was almost too bold to comprehend. It came across as myth, but it had the suggestive power of something coming from God, passed on the people of Kenya, through this Indian prophet. I have written about this mythic Makhan Singh in my memories of Childhood, titled, Dreams in a Time of War.
But it was not myth, it was real. Makhan Singh was the first person to call for Uhuru Sasa for Kenya and other East African territories, and fearlessly defended the call at his political trial. Though an adherent of non-violence, still his prophetic call must have given hope and encouragement to the young men who had begun to train for the armed struggle that would later become known as Mau Mau. Kenya Land and Freedom Army was actually the name of the armed resistance, but the British coined the more mystical sounding Mau Mau. By the time the actual armed struggle began in and around 1952, and a State of Emergency declared, Makhan Singh was already exiled in Lodwar, Northern Kenya, where Jomo Kenyatta and the entire leadership of the anti-colonial nationalist resistance would later join him. For many years, he remained this mythic figure in my mind. I never thought I would ever meet him in real life. But I did once, in Nairobi, at a conference of the Kenya Historical Association to which I had been invited to speak. It was nine years after Independence, the Uhuru Sasa, he had prophesied and for which he had been imprisoned for more than ten years. I had already published my novels, Weep Not Child, The River Between, and A Grain of Wheat, and he had published his History of Kenya Trade Union Movement in Kenya.
The prophet of my childhood, the legend of Kenyan struggle, was this humble, this unassuming presence, but for me, no less impressive for looking ordinary. He was after all the ordinary who did extraordinary things, ever since, he set foot in Kenya in 1927. He would later involve himself in the politics of the working class; he would become known as the father of trade unionism in Kenya.
His remarkable story is the subject of this play, The Red Prophet, by Atamjit. It is epic in scope and conception, and Brechtian in its unfolding. It covers Makhan Singh’s entire life in Kenya, but then his life is the life of the country, his story is the history of Kenya, his aspirations, those of the struggling peoples in Kenya, Africa and the world. His extraordinary life in the struggle is best summed by one of the characters: In his blood I saw nothing but humanity, only humanity.
The play is a fitting tribute to Makhan Singh. It is even more fitting that Mount Kenya, after which the country is named, is actually a character in this epic. The play is also an important addition to the literature of resistance, a tribute to the power of working people of the world, irrespective of their race and religion.
**
Atamjit Singh
The Red Prophet: A Play
(Translated from Punjabi by B.S.Parihar & Manmohan)
(Mount Kenya, Makhan Singh, Sudh Singh, Spectator (Hindpal Singh), Gopal Singh, Khushki, Jugna, Kabini, Old Woman, Giant, Narrator (Voice), Mota Singh, Gujjar Singh, Ghulam Mohammad, Satwant Kaur, Ghadri, Gahir, Beant Singh, Muthu, Justice Thacker, Attorney General, Atieno)
Scene 1: 2008
(An old man with African looks appears on the stage. He looks experienced, wise and farsighted. With his entry the map of East Africa becomes visible on the screen by a projector. As he continues speaking, a series of tableaux is seen)
Mount Kenya : I am Mount Kenya, have lived a long life. Million years ago, I was a volcano. So, most of my limbs are singed. Now, I am laden with snow, as I am quite tall, some 17-18 thousand feet. Beautiful animals dwell in my deep woods. Here lives dense population of Kikuyu clan. Jomo Kenyatta, first President of free Kenya, sprang from my womb. At close glance I can see afar. A little distance away, 400 miles towards the east is the port of Mombasa, touching the Indian Ocean. Behind my back, towards distant east, is seen the western coast of India, the area of Gujarat and Goa. Straight in front down there is the city of Nairobi… glittering… full of life. Over half of Kenya is embraced towards both its east and west ends. The rail line connecting Mombasa in east and Kisumu in the west was laid down by the Punjabis. I have seen humans and animals…. roaming and roaring…. settling and fleeing… doing and dying…all around. I stand witness to sailing seasons and passing generations… have seen paupers coming here as straws and roaring into the dens of fortune. I am also witness to the sinking logs of woods as their moral fiber was really considerable.
(Chorus sings)
Chorus : Lions grappled with the lions
On tedious terrains and not for whiles
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Set on thorny voyage Kenya
Sudh Singh of the rivers five
Landed first port Mobassa
Then Nairobi they arrive
Year Nineteen Twenty Eight
Printing cards and paper files
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 2: 1931
Makhan Singh : Father! I want to study more.
Sudh Singh : Chunni Lal told me you are one of the brightest students of the Jamhuri School. Still, 10th standard is not inadequate.
Makhan Singh : I want to be in Britain to get a degree.
Sudh Singh : Son, I could bring you only up to Kenya. I can‟t afford your studies in England. Share my burden now. I can‟t handle the printing business at my own.
Makhan Singh : You own a shop now! Why don‟t you employ someone?
Sudh Singh : Be logical. We get occasional printing jobs in Swahili. Only our languages feed us. But I can‟t manage that compositor. Even if I get one, what will I save and what would you eat?
Makhan Singh : I‟m not shirking responsibility, but I aspire to prove my worth after getting a degree.
Sudh Singh : (Irritated) Then be off to England. Jomo Kenyatta is also there… with Ishar Das… who collected the funds for him. Cringe before them… and forget about your family.
Makhan Singh : Excuse me! You renounced home after begetting a daughter and came back when she was no more. I‟m still single, my father!
Sudh Singh : That was my folly! But why should you repeat that? O my crazy son! I‟m not your enemy; you‟re my blood. When you get into the mire of Hindustan and England, and when you talk of East and South Africa I really feel scared.
Makhan Singh : Why weren‟t you scared when you left India for Kenya; that too for Uganda Rail? They were also sons of their mothers who faced ferocious lions to lay down the rail track, and that too, twenty years before you came!
Sudh Singh : One never fears for oneself, fear is always of the children! I don‟t know anything but composing words. The black ink gets them printed. This blackness is our life.
Makhan Singh : But I see light in this blackness. The black words glow like fireflies. The hymns of Gurus say the same.
Sudh Singh : But even then the matter is not so simple!
Makhan Singh : Nothing is simple my Father! One can still do a lot. That short man like me, coming from India, caused great upheaval in South Africa. He is also in England for the round-table conference.
Sudh Singh : Don‟t throw hints of England time and again. My mind is not stable. You won‟t go anywhere. Start working in the Khalsa Press right from tomorrow.
Makhan Singh : (Contemplating; with firm mind) Okay. I will. What‟ll be my wages?
Sudh Singh : The owners have profits, not wages.
Makhan Singh : But I‟ll be there as a worker only.
Sudh Singh : Alright! Be there from tomorrow; you‟ll get twenty shillings a month!
(Chorus begins to sing, but a spectator in the audience stands up in his seat and speaks)
Spectator : Excuse me, I have something to say.
Chorus : Yes, please.
Spectator : In fact, you‟ve missed something significant.
Chorus : What‟s that?
Spectator : Name of the classmate of Makhan Singh at Jamhuri School was Chunni Lal Madan, and he was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of independent Kenya….and the Jamhuri was known as Duke of Gloucester School then.
Chorus : Thanks for this information.
Spectator : Jomo Kenyatta is alright but please also talk of Odinga , who was the country‟s first Vice President.
Chorus : His mention is there. Please take your seat.
(Spectator moves back. Chorus sings)
Chorus : Sailing on the howling waves
Oceans saw Punjabis plenty
Unloading their trade Gujarati
Dawn of the century twenty
What a sinister colonial plan
Full of venom and the bile
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 3: 1932
Gopal Singh : Though iterating peace, Gandhi is still doing a good job… fasting against untouchability and bringing out a magazine „Harijan‟. He has turned Sabarmati into a big base against castes.
Makhan Singh : He is a resolute man, Gopal Singh Ji! But why did he leave South Africa?
Khushki : I tell you.
Gopal Singh : Stop, Khushki. (To Makhan Singh) Eventually, we too will go back.
Makhan Singh : Many a time. One has to come and go to survive, but we‟re to die here.
Gopal Singh : Why? Why can‟t we go back? Hindustan is our country. Rather our goal is its independence.
Khushki : Definitely we‟ll go… by boarding the ships….riding on the Bacchus…fumbling and tumbling…bustling and rustling… staggering and spewing… straight to Bombay.
Gopal Singh : Eh, shut your mouth! It‟s not for spewing, but time to talk straight.
Makhan Singh : If we are to turn back, then why so many Gurdwaras (Sikh Temple), Gopal Singh! Leave aside Nairobi. Now Gurdwaras have come up in places like Makindu, Mbarara and Tororo, and many more are coming up elsewhere.
Khushki : Why so naive Makhan Singh? What‟s bad about it? It‟s rather good that Gurdwaras have come up…we shall bow down our heads…who else‟s there to redeem our boozing? Moreover, there we get sweetmeats and partake of langer (free meals in Gurdwara) to our fill. Bhai Labh Singh will do spiritual singing. Who will be there to listen to my jokes man?
Gopal Singh : (To Makhan Singh) I mean everybody is bound by his own circumstances. Work hard here, we will support you. Your poems are heard with relish at Gurdwaras. People respect you. Your verse on Guru Nanak has become a household rage today. You command respect.
Khushki : Why not? They have published it. Just publish my jokes and then see! I bet they would be heart throbs. Else you may name me just anything.
Makhan Singh : We‟ll definitely listen to your jokes, but this is not the time..
Khushki : One is drowned in grim talks, Sirs! Where does a rat stand? Nowhere! Only the elephant doesn‟t get drowned. You‟re still youthful Makhan Singh! Listen to a new joke. A fresh out of the boat, shall I proceed?
Makhan Singh : Yes, go ahead with your joke… of the elephant and the rat.
Gopal Singh : Neither the elephant leaves him nor the rat gets out of him.
Khushki : Correct! (Starts narrating) The elephant was bathing in a pond. A puny rat called from the brink, “Big Bro! Please lend me your ear for a while.”
Gopal Singh : Then.
Khushki : The elephant retorted, “Come on.” “No, brother. You just come out, otherwise it would be bland.” Though it was dry outside, the elephant decided to listen to him from a closer range. The more it moved closer to the brink, the more the rat would dither back. By the time half of the elephant‟s frame became visible, the frail rat meekly mumbled, “Go back, brother, have fun! I am done.” The elephant angrily asked, “Now what ominous happened?” “No, brother. In fact, my underwear is not there. I thought you wear it. But you seem to be naked!”
(Both laugh)
Gopal Singh : No nonsense now. Else you are exposed!
Makhan Singh : Gopal Singh! I see no difference between India and Kenya. We are rats here and rats there. The White elephant is plundering us at both the places. English elephant is looting. We share the same fate. There is nothing beyond for an artisan.
Gopal Singh : But we‟re just helpless in this alien land. That is why I say we should save some money and go back to India. East or West, home is the best…for a commoner!
Makhan Singh : I see only the commoner who doesn‟t own even a „home‟…‟home‟ is grabbed by the rulers.
Khushki : Makhan Singh! Why don‟t you go to India then for the commoner?
Makhan Singh : Commoner is not only in India…he‟s also in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Tanganyika…and where not! He‟s being denuded in South Africa too. Surprisingly, the more he grows, the lesser is his space.
Gopal Singh : Tell us the solution. (Pause) If you can‟t, ask Teja Singh.
Makhan Singh : Teja Singh!
Gopal Singh : One who belongs to Sansarpur, whom you call Davinder Singh Qtal.
Makhan Singh : The secretary of Singh Sabha?
Khushki : Don‟t underestimate him as an immature youngster. He looks humble, but he‟s fiery.
Gopal Singh : (To Khushki) Go, brother. Bring some water.(Khushki exits) It‟s true, he‟s fiery. Without fire neither iron melts nor does clay firm up. Gandhi‟s deeds are good, but he‟s weak, can‟t get the country free. The weapon of peace is very frail. This has to be done by the revolutionaries. At present, Davinder Singh is Kenya‟s hero and Vasdev is on his side. When they and revolutionary Teja Singh Sutanter go back to India after getting training from Moscow, the country will be rekindled. That‟s why, I wish a seasoned person like you go to Moscow. Training in Moscow is certainly better than the studies in England. If I didn‟t have family I too would have joined.
Makhan Singh : I‟ve said many times, my way is not through violence.
Gopal Singh : Who asks you to be violent? I am just trying to bring home that Kenya is at the time becoming a base for revolutionaries.
(Khushki comes back with water)
Makhan Singh : I feel the unity of rats is better than becoming lions. Only then the elephant can be eaten.
Khushki : Absolutely wrong. The rat can‟t eat. Its teeth are good for nothing. It can only nibble. Look man! Wood can‟t sink, iron can‟t float; elephants don‟t nibble and a rat never grazes. How‟s that by the way?
Gopal Singh : Please stop this rhyming and fetch some tea. (Khushki exits) Look Makhan Singh! Sutantar has bamboozled the whites. He too is in Moscow at the moment after his armed training in Turkey. Now, he‟ll move to India via Kenya.
Makhan Singh : Why not direct?
Gopal Singh : The Whites haven‟t yet got the wind of it. You can easily manage new passport from Nairobi. This explains Davinder Singh‟s many aliases.
Makhan Singh : I respect revolutionaries. But upsurges are heralded by masses, not the leaders; and we‟ve not groomed the masses enough.
Gopal Singh : Both the leaders and masses have to be groomed at par.
Makhan Singh : This is what sets us apart from Gandhi. He shapes masses, we groom leaders. Rats have to unite but we all have fallen apart. Somewhere religion divides and somewhere ethnicity. One is denuded by his colour, the other by his creed. Some are conceited by their caste, others are estranged by their region. Let me share a stanza of my recent poem that I‟ll recite on Guru‟s anniversary.
Gopal Singh : Sure…why not?
Makhan Singh: Ethnic virus is contagious
Travels always where we go
Breeds wedges and breaches
Casts great gloomy shadow
Riding itself dividing people
Biggest hurdle in the growth
Sprinkling selfishness and greed
Bringing brothers to the blows
Fanning fire with vicious air
Sparks dormant infernal fire
We the prey of a dismal ire
We the prey of a dismal ire
(Makhan Singh and Gopal Singh exit. Just as the Chorus starts singing, the Spectator in the audience interrupts)
Spectator : I again wish to say something.
Chorus : Yes, please.
(Spectator comes on the stage)
Spectator : Another stanza of this poem by Makhan Singh is like this:
O the mighty massive clergy
Who‟s more biting than you
Whenever there‟s a chance to fight
Who is more inciting than you
Flames of hatred and rancor
Who is more igniting than you
Lucifer of vice and evil
Who is more inviting than you
Still you remain a holy liar
We the prey of a dismal ire
We the prey of a dismal ire
(Chorus inspires audience to extend applause and gestures the Spectator to retire.)
Scene 4:1933
Makhan Singh : We compose letters to print pages in Khalsa Press, you bind books. Do people benefit Ambu Bhai?
Ambu : Yes, only if someone reads, reflects and acts.
Makhan singh : But where‟s the outcome?
Ambu : Do you know Gandhi?
Makhan Singh : I know him fairly well. He has done a lot for Indians in South Africa. He‟s still on the job. I presume he‟s a Gujarati!
Ambu : Yes, born in Gujarat, but he‟s an Indian; striving to put all Indians on equal footing. This is what inspires him to fight against untouchability. It‟s in small measures he is succeeding, not in the twinkle of the eye.
Makhan Singh : How he fights untouchability? I mean his tools?
Ambu : He writes, he addresses and fasts…fasts for the marginalized and against the elite. Days back he set on a country wide odyssey. Put him in jail or set him free, he‟ll do the same.
Makhan Singh : He is on the right path. As long as all are not considered equals, one‟ll call the shots, the other will be at the receiving end. Equality is the pre condition of just life. This is the snag with Kenya. But why he quit South Africa?
Ambu : To serve his country, of course.
(Khushki enters)
Makhan Singh : (Introducing Ambu). This is Ambu Patel. He arrived in Kenya a few days back.
Khushki : Welcome Sir, someday will share some juvenile jokes.
Makhan Singh : He‟s Khushki… means soaked and dry…but he‟s quite juicy. His philosophy is quite simple … work like donkey and earn like a lord.
Khushki : It‟s not yet complete…I also believe in having a hearty laugh and prevailing like a cloud.
Makhan Singh : Is there anything left?
Khushki : Yes, Sir…drink to the lees and live to the brim!
Makhan Singh : I thought you had matured.
Khushki : Forget about me (Indicating towards Ambu) please talk about him! Makhan Singh : He publishes books.
Khushki : Great! Will you publish jokes? They‟ll sell like hot cakes. Nobody ventured; the new generation will pound on them. The publisher will swell, the reader will burst.
Makhan Singh : But you will never be tired of telling jokes.
Khushki : It‟s true. Shall I go ahead? A new joke has travelled from India-oven fresh!
Makhan Singh : About elephant and rat? As usual?
Khushki : No! This time lion is also there.
Makhan Singh : Then it‟s a Safari joke! As good as African!
Ambu : Please proceed.
Khushki : Have you come to Kenya all alone?
Ambu : No, my wife Leela is with me.
Khushki : Then you‟ll relish it more. It was a Lion‟s wedding. All sorts of creatures were there. Liquor was in plenty and they all danced in gay abandon! When the feast was over, the creatures started leaving. The lion also moved away with his newly wed. The rat was still dancing in the chilly night. The elephant tried to convince it, “All‟re gone, and you too now go back. Don‟t be a kid, you‟ll just be mashed. There‟s moist in the air, why‟re you running the risk of catching chill?” But the rat was in no mood to retire.
Ambu : Didn‟t the elephant chide the rat?
Khuski : Initially, he thought of blowing it away; suddenly he sensed the rat was tipsy. The elephant didn‟t want to spoil his day; rats don‟t get such festive times so often!
Makhan Singh : So!
Khushki : Finding the rat adamant, the elephant asked, „Why are you overjoyed?” The rat retorted, “It‟s a friend‟s wedding after all! Can there be a better day to drink and dance? The elephant asked mockingly, “Do you think you‟re a He-man? You‟re no patch on elephant and will just vanish in its dung.”
(Ambu and Makhan Singh laugh)
Ambu : Then, what was rat‟s reaction?
Khushki : It replied, “Big Bro! Why you take it to heart? I was also a lion before marriage.”
(Ambu has a hearty laugh)
Makhan Singh : It looks, we are waiting for the time when the lion known as the White man becomes the rat.
Ambu : What‟s the level of awakening among the people?
Makhan Sigh : They‟re innocent. That‟s why the White man enslaved them by snaching their holdings.
Ambu : How do they claim to have abolished slavery?
Makhan Singh : Trade is discontinued but not the mentality. (To Khushki) The other day you were all praise for the British for laying the rail tracks, constructing roads and raising the airports!
Khushki : Then what wrong is it? This is how we made some money.
Ambu : But you‟re unable to read the colonial mind. They are preparing ground for huge profits.
Makhan singh : You have just managed your living, but they are having slice of the cake.
Ambu : East Africa for them is a store where they are amassing wealth just as in India.
Khushki : I was under the impression, it was a favour to have invited us here..
Makhan Singh : Of course, we could win our bread here; but the truth is we are here the same way as the rat was in the lion‟s party.
Ambu : The British were incapable of confronting wild lions of Tsavo to lay large rail tracks.
Makhan Singh : They needed artisans who were brave and innocent. Ambu : We Gujratis are here for trading and shop-keeping.
Makhan Singh : Do you know the Europeans are given four times of what Whiteman gives you as wages?
Khushki : But I also get four times compared with the Blackman.
Makhan Singh : That‟s why the workers‟re not united. (To Ambu) This is the real challenge!
Ambu : Don‟t you have trade unions here?
Makhan Singh : We do have, but of a humble nature. My father had formed one at Uganda rail, ten years back.
Khushki : What was that union, Sir? It was just an urchin‟s game. Ambu : What‟s the state of print media here?
Makhan Singh : Not bad. Though „Democrat‟ of Sita Ram Acharya is shelved but „Kenya Daily Mail‟ is continuing.Vidyarthi‟s „Colonial Times‟ is also there.
Ambu : Do the Africans also publish papers?
Makhan Singh : Yes, we print them in Indian press.
Ambu : Can you read Swahili?
Makhan Singh : I can even write now.
Ambu` : What kind of matter is published?
Makhan Singh : Not very vocal. Their writings are suggestive; good enough to reach out to people and to keep the establishment in dark.
(African character Juguna enters)
Juguna : Hodi? (Do I come in?)
Makhan Singh : Karibuni! (Welcome!)
Juguna : Jambo! (Greetings!)
Makhan Singh : Jambo!
Khushki & Ambu Jambo!
Makhan Singh : Karibukiti (Welcome to the chair)
Juguna : These cards are to be printed but the time is short.
(Gives the matter to Makhan singh, he reads it)
Makhan Singh : Looks like a play performance in Desai Memorial Hall. You‟ll get it in three days.
Juguna : No, day after tomorrow….Kesho Kutwa.
Makhan Singh : Alright! I will work overnight.
Juguna : Pesa! I mean charges.
Makhan Singh : Let it be later on.
Juggna : Asante Sana. Thank you very much.
(Makhan Singh asks Ambu with a gesture whether he would like to go. He answers in the affirmative)
Makhan Singh : Can we watch the play? I know it‟s in Swahili.
Juguna : Moja? Mbili? (One or two?)
Makhan Singh : (Beckoning to all) Tatu. (Three)
Juguna : You‟re welcome!
Scene 5: 1932
(Music from East Africa. The Voice echoes from the background. “Presenting a play based on Swahili folk-tale “The Tale of Kabini.” A frightening music is heard, Smoke is seen, from which a black Giant comes out. He laughs. Suppressing his voice, the Narrator speaks from the back of the stage: “Here’s a Giant coming from the forests. But he often masks his form.” With this voice the form of the Giant changes. When the Old Woman appears, the voices of the Giant and the Narrator get suppressed.)
Old Woman : Kabini, Kabini, Kabini. Where have you gone? Don‟t know where she went! The unlucky girl… lost her mother… my loving daughter!..would her father look after her? No way. That‟s why I brought her along… but now how to protect her from the Giant?
(Giant’s voice is heard. The woman looks around confused. The giant is seen)
Giant : I haven‟t seen anyone here. Who‟re you calling?
Old Woman : (Scared) There‟s no one here. What‟ll you see?
Giant : I‟m to see Kabini.
Old Woman : Kabini? She is my dead daughter. I am calling just out of delirium.
Giant : Why then do you fear me?
Old Woman : You‟ll also get frightened if you look into the mirror.
(Giant disappears, laughing. The Old Woman bursts into tears. Kabini comes singing. The Old Woman embraces her)
Kabini : What happened, Granny? Why are you crying?
Old Woman : I was frightened. I couldn‟t know where you had gone.
Kabini : I had gone in the woods, to play with flowers. The butterflies joined. I began chasing them. Mother said butterflies and flowers are our best friends.
Old Woman : But my dear girl, there‟s a Giant also. He‟s a foe, not a friend. If I don‟t go to gather fruits in the orchard, how would we manage our meals? Go, bolt from inside and don‟t open the door. The Giant is too huge; he can‟t enter our hut.
Kabini : It is okay Granny. Just see! I go inside.
(Kabini goes inside the hut and Old Woman leaves for the forest. Giant’s voice is heard, he approaches the hut)
Giant : Kabini, Kabini!
Kabini : (From inside) I won‟t open the door. My Granny has told me not to open it.
Giant : But I‟m not a Giant, I‟m a handsome man; will kiss your finger, and go back.
Kabini : My Granny has forbidden me.
Giant : I‟ll not harm you my dear Kabini! Just meet me once.
(Kabini steps out. The Giant kisses her hand. Kabini rushes inside. The Giant laughs. He goes away as he sees the old woman coming. The old woman comes, and calls Kabini. Kabini opens the door. She takes her in her arms)
Kabini : Look, Granny! I‟m perfectly alright.
(Grandma is terribly frightened when she looks at Kabini’s hand)
Old Woman : Kabini! Where‟s your thumb? I‟m sure, you had opened the door! Oh, my God!
Kabini : It was not Giant. He was a man.
Old Woman : You little fool! He appears in many guises…a mimic, a demon. He must have kissed you!
(Both cry)
Kabini : Granny, I‟ll not do it again; will never open the door. Forgive me once… once… please.
Old Woman : If I stop going to work, what‟ll we eat? Tomorrow, I will put you into the box; I see no other way. He‟ll come again. But you‟ll not come out.
(Old woman goes. The giant, standing outside the hut calls)
Giant : Kabini, Kabini. I know you‟re inside, and Granny has stopped you…
Kabini : I‟ll not come out. Yesterday, you chucked away my thumb.
Giant : How can I do that? You‟re mistaken! Do I look like a Giant? Someone else would have taken your thumb. I‟m all love. Did you feel any pain? Come close if you feel like coming – choice‟s yours!
(Kabini comes. He caresses her, expresses his love. Kabini hurriedly goes in. The Giant chuckles. The narrator speaks. The scene changes with the narration)
Narrator : The Giant would come daily. Kabini couldn‟t resist the touch of the Giant. She kept on losing her limbs. At the end, she was reduced to a skeleton. Granny consigned the skeleton to flames. She took the pouch of her ashes to bury it in the jungle.
Old Woman : O God! Reduce the Giant also to ashes. I‟ll axe him to pieces if I see him now.
(The Giant’s voice is heard)
Giant : Kabini…Kabini!
Old Woman : Hell with Kabini; you come out… you‟ll be seen be no more.
Giant : No… Kabini is not dead. Listen… listen to her voice.
Old Woman : Voice!…where is her voice?
Giant : You‟ll hear only if you keep mum. ( The old woman is now mum; The Giant calls Kabini lovingly) Kabini… Kabini!
Kabini‟s Voice : I am inside the pouch Granny clings to her bosom. (Giant laughs. Old woman is scared)
Giant : Don‟t you hear Kabini‟s voice? Now she‟s mine.
(In panic, the Old Woman throws the pouch away. The Giant picks it up and goes away laughing. Chorus sings…)
Chorus : Sans tenable reason or rhyme
Why the Monster sends us hurt
Why we writhe in perpetual pain
Why we wrestle with moral dirt
Question Almighty if you will
Why he smothers angelic smiles
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 6: 1934
Makhan Singh : I always honoured your wishes. You asked me to come to Kenya, I came. You said I wouldn‟t not study further… I didn‟t. You said…work in the press, I surrendered. You gave word of honour to Satwant‟s father…I married her.
Sudh Singh : It‟s my considered opinion, even now. We dispose of the press and go to India. Your wife is alone there.
Makhan Singh : I don‟t agree.
Sudh Singh : You hate India?
Makhan Singh : I love it. But I love Kenya more than I love India. Now, I grow to its pains and sorrows. Destiny brought me here. Now, Kenya is my land of action.
Sudh Singh : After all, what‟ll you do here? Gopal Singh left for India. Davinder Singh, Ujagar Singh, Suba Singh- all sailed to Moscow.
Makhan Singh : People for whom I have to live are still here. The locomotive that engaged you…the spot where you formed the union…all those regular workers are made interim.
Sudh Singh : This is what I dread. You‟re picking up quarrel with all. I fail to understand why you take part in poetical symposia organized by other religious forums!
Makhan Singh : I‟ll always go to the platforms where humanity has a place.
Sudh Singh : Then, why you oppose the Gurdwaras?
Makhan Singh : I oppose only politics. There’s no point raising Gurdwaras in the name of castes. This is absolutely against the spirit of Sikhism.
Sudh Singh : But tell me why you‟re so averse to Pandit Tara Singh?
Makhan Singh : I‟m only against his ideas. He‟s a contractor. The sufferings of the workers have not touched him. A contractor and a worker are equal in Gurdwara. There, he can‟t stand against the workers. Malik Bhago (A rich exploiter landlord whose invitation for a lunch was refused by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh master) has no right to treat Lalo ( A poor honest worker where Guru Nanak joined him over a simple lunch) with contempt in a Gurudwara.
Sudh Singh : But your writings and lectures have offended our Ramgarhia (A Punjabi caste) community.
Makhan Singh : If such a large community is so parochial, I‟m helpless. They didn‟t permit the staging of the play simply because the Ramgarhias were shown in poor light. How can I keep mum?
Sudh Singh : But others are no less. Look at the Jats. (Caste, considered to be higher than Ramgarhia)
Makhan Singh : I don‟t have any interest in these castes. My concern is the common folk.
Sudh Singh : But we‟re talking about the printing press! What it gives us?
Makhan Singh : Bread to you and voice to me. I need voice. A voice to tell the people… my creed is against caste and community. I need voice to tell the people…all blacks and whites are the men of God. All have to unite. Otherwise the Giant will devour us. We‟ll be reduced to ashes…even without our knowing it. This voice must echo from Kampala to Calcutta, from Bombay to Mombasa, from Delhi to Nairobi. I‟ll wipe away the tears of the workers and will not let the innocence of Kabini die away.
Sudh Singh : Son! My fear is you‟ll be left alone in the end.
Makhan Singh : My dear father, I‟ll never be alone. My truth is with me. I‟ll never desert it. I‟m not Kabini; it‟s the word of your son.
(Chorus sings)
Chorus : Candid, fiery and uniting
Apostle of a rising dawn
Fighting for the dues of wretched
Perfect blend of brain and brawn
Nature will stand up to say
The man was honest and agile
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 7 : 1935
Ghulam Mohd. : Great to see the young leader Makhan Singh elected secretary of the Indian Trade Union.
Mota Singh : Makhan Singh is a true Sikh and a patriot beyond doubt Gujjar Singh : A true human…a solid spirit. Such leaders can fuse a new spirit in the Union.
Ghulam Mohd. : I beseech Ambu Patel to tell us more about Makhan Singh.
Ambu : Friends! We are well aware of Kenyan conditions. Our forefathers took up cudgels against the wild animals in jungles of Africa. Now when our wealth is drained out by the trains we toiled to run, they‟ve become Giants engulfing us. What to talk of making the temporary regular, even the regular workers are made temporary. They put us to torture when we set up unions… our leaders had to suffer. We have Sudh Singh…victim of their torture. Our misfortune is that woes and our strikes failed. May be, we failed to make the native Kenyan workers join our movement. Our problems are the same… less wages, forced labour, more work hours and pathetic working conditions. The greatest pity is… government has sundered us apart…in so many ways. The Europeans, the Africans, the Asians have their separate unions. Teachers and railway workers plough their own furrows. We must get out of this maze. It‟s my firm conviction…things will change. Now the spirit of Makhan Singh will flow in the veins of our ITU…(All applaud and clap) I talked with Makhan Singh… I found him a selfless, pure hearted, and fervently motivated and fully aware of workers‟ problems. He‟s bold and balanced. I request Makhan Singh himself shares his views with you.
Makhan Singh : Ambu said so much about me. Yes…you can trust me…I‟ll perform my role heart and soul. My gospel is my Guru‟s saying: „Translate enlightenment into service‟. I want to clearly demarcate right and wrong… my job is to uphold the right and oppose the wrong. Comrades! The truth is that so far East African National Congress and other Indian organisations and religious bodies have done precious little for the working class. They furthered the interests of the rich only. This led to the failure of strikes in 1931, 33 and 35.
Ghulam Mohd : No other reason?
Makhan Singh : Ambu has said all. We‟re a divided lot…in all ways… country…religion…region…colour…caste…race! So many blades are cutting us and we are rejoicing at the columns of soaring saw-dust.
Gujjar Singh : Then…what to do!
Makhan Singh : The „Indian Trade Union‟ should be converted into „Labour Trade Union of East Africa‟ to open its doors to each and every worker. Bring out newspapers in the language of the masses. And…we should reach out to people with necessary information. As I see, we should also buy a type-writer and a cyclostyle machine. We should put pressure on the establishment by writing in English newspapers to reach out to the working classes. Our voice should also reach the leading non-working class.
Ghulam Mohd : But who‟ll write in English?
Makhan Singh : Ambu can; I too will write. Yes, but keep in mind…we‟ll not oppose the right policies of the government. The rulers want that the zones of Kenya, Tanganyika and Uganda are put under a joint administration. This‟ll strengthen the economy of the whole region; will create possibilities for the workers to unite at a larger level. But Comrades! These are my personal views; let the Union take the final call. And the last point: Let‟s look within too… clear our minds of all prejudices…caste, untouchability, superstitions, injustice against women, hatred against Indian culture, open indulgence in drugs…the worst of all ills is religious bigotry. We have to hold the banner and curb these ills.
Gujjar Singh : We all express our solidarity with Makhan Singh .
(Others also join him.)
Makhan Singh : But our immediate mission is to limit work-hours, to fix monthly wages, regularise them in Rail and PWD, reduction in school fee and government aid for the injured or maimed at work.
(There is clapping. Khushki brings tea)
Makhan Singh : Lo, Khushki is there at the right time. He‟ll serve tea, and amuse you with „mousy‟ jokes.
Khushki : Here‟s the latest – oven fresh, an adult one!
Ambu : What‟s that? Come on!
Khushki : This time it‟s not the elephant with the rat. It‟s the she elephant. (To the audience). Are you ready to listen?
Scene 8: 1938
(Makhan Singh is in sleep. He feels disturbed by cacophonic noises around. The characters appear at different spots – say something and leave).
Mota Singh : The sale of „East Africa Kirti‟ has gone up to 1000. But now it‟s beyond me to muster matter. The next issue will be out only after the cyclostyle machine is repaired.
Gopal Singh : The union is left with 798 shillings in balance. Only 143 will be there after the wages of the clerk are paid off. What to do with these peanuts?
Gujjar Singh : Even though the membership has touched 2500, how to meet the strike allowances and expenses? Only religious organizations can save us. There‟s no other way.
(Makhan Singh changes side. Satwant also turns around. Ambu is seen.)
Ambu : Photographs speak the success story of the conference. Makhan Singh! You deserve laurels as all organizations took part in the conference.
Juguna : But no African Association was involved. Kikuyu Central Association just offered regrets that too after the Conference was over. If you really want to save Kabini, you must take the Africans along.
Satwant Kaur Darling! You traverse the whole universe in your dreams; I‟m not even a fraction! I only wish to wake you up and pile you with my whisperings. If I tickle you, it‟ll just be a bliss. Then, it occurs…if my dreams have not flowered, why to pluck yours!
(She caresses his head. Gujjar Singh is seen in a spotlight.)
Gujjar Singh : Your duties have multiplied. You‟re member of the executive of the „East African Indian National Congress‟, and also its standing committee. You‟re member of the Nairobi Indian Association, and secretary of the Indian Youth League.
Gopal Singh : The colonial journalists openly oppose us in dailies. They call us propagandists of colonial loot, poverty and racial bias. They say the working conditions in Kenya are better than those in India.
Satwant Kaur Darling! You have given me Hindpal, our beloved son! You think your role is over? People look upon you as the leader of the entire working class. But you‟ve easily forgotten the worker at home! When‟ll you be my leader?
(There is an anguished laugh)
Juguna : The British have passed the bill. Now, only the Highlanders and the Europeans will stay. The natives can stay only as their field workers or as squatters of colonizers. Only Samuel Bingu is opposing this move.
Ambu : The protest march he took out with Ishar Das‟s help, you know its results? He was arrested and deported to Kisumu.
Gopal Singh : We‟ll have to do something.
Satwant Kaur : What would you do for me? A woman doesn‟t need mere children; she requires much more; did you ever ponder over it?
Mota Singh : Makhan Singh! For you, the fight against imperialism is a fight of life and death. But, are we really prepared for such a fight?
(She moves towards Makhan Singh’s portrait)
Satwant Kaur : You always grumble that your father had left the house even before the birth of your sister, to only come back when she was no more! I‟ve a small question for you. Why are you a distant father even in your physical presence? You know how I‟m coping with your mother? Actually, we both can‟t do without you. At the same time, we can‟t carry on together. You had said, we would fight the colonial rule together in Kenya. But, darling! When will we be together? Why‟re you mum? Have you any answer? (Laughs) I know, you don‟t have, for sure!
(Makhan Singh appears)
Makhan Singh : Yes Satwant! I am answerless!
Satwant Kaur : Where‟re you?
Makhan Singh : Right in front of you. I‟m guilty; your humble hubby!
Satwant Kaur : Darling! In fact, you‟re silencing me. You have no time for me. Just tell me why I‟m so cursed! Perhaps you love me only in your poems and fancies.
Makhan Singh : I‟m a culprit. I don‟t have any logic. My mother is part of my destiny. If you choose…I can set you free.
Satwant Kaur : But I‟ll not liberate you so easily. You can take away my all, but not my right to suffer… never…my wounds will ever be fresh. I‟ll endure my pain in silence. This is the price you‟ll have to pay!
(She breaks down. Khushki comes)
Khushki : There‟s unrest all around. Makhan Singh and his family are restless. His friends too have no peace. But no one listens to me! I tell you… a joke is a big thing. Just think of the rat and the elephant! Imagine their attachments, their companionship and their loyalties! The elephant might get desperate in his search for the rat. To take turn, and move the neck is not that easy. The rat might not even be visible sitting at the elephant‟s feet. By the time the elephant smells the rat, it would have elephant might not hear the rat speak from the ground. When sitting at the back of the elephant, the rat might be feeling a heavenly climb. For the elephant, it might be an imperceptible movement of a lice. After long travel, the rat would hardly voyage the ears of this huge mound. It might be herculean task to trace the mouth. If, after long, the rat makes its way to the ear of the elephant, it might mistake it for the tail. So, my dear friends, let the rat and the elephant stay restless…why we lose our peace? This open air…this uncanny aroma…this is the real bliss of Nairobi. For all this, the Whites rush to Kenya. Once you‟re in Kenya, you will not go back. Be it a European, an Asian, a rat or an elephant, or your fun-loving Khushki…the merry-maker! Yes! How‟s it?
Scene 9 :1939
Juguna : For the first time, the Africans and the Asians unitedly went on strike, and shook the colony.
Gopal Singh : In fact, the May Day had made our agenda clear. When the Africans and Asians held a joint meeting in the Desai Memorial Hall, it was workers‟ train on the tracks. Since my return from India, I see the workers filled with fresh blood in their veins.
Juguna : The Azad Maidan Conference cleared all misgivings. That‟s why 6000 workers joined the strike.
Ambu : But why the government has called Makhan Singh?
Mota Singh : I tell you. The intelligence reports hold Makhan Singh and Kikuyu Workers‟ Association responsible for the strike. The Whites think if they strike a deal with Makhan Singh, an easy solution can be found.
Ambu : These Whites will never allow Africans and Asians get united. They‟ll first invite Makhan Singh for talks, and then Kariyuki, separately.
Juguna : If Makhan Singh can convince that the Africans and the Asians are inseparable, our problems stand solved.
Gopal Singh : Makhan Singh! How do you view it?
Makhan Singh : I don‟t agree. We are actually in deep trouble; victims of a bigger problem. Our closeness with the African workers has alienated many.
Juguna : Why so?
Makhan Singh : If all are equal, then Asians will have no edge over Africans…. But don‟t worry. A worker is first and last a worker – neither white nor black. The colours of blood and sweat are the same. His robes, his tears, his pains…how can you tell them apart?
(Chorus enters)
Chorus : Binding labour into bonds
He had love‟s charming rope
With a strife in his mind
Held in hands a torch of hope
In the bunch of stubborn greed
Passionate to pave luminous aisles
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 10: 1939
Gopal Singh : I can see through Ishar Singh‟s designs. He has turned out the tout of the British. That‟s why he‟s so stiff-necked!
Ambu : In fact, his very gait is repulsive.
Gopal Singh : His very ways too are not pleasing. Vasdev was right – I can vouch say he received the office for personal gains.
Ambu : You are grossly mistaken.
Gopal Singh : People pelted stones on him. Didn‟t you notice how he took to his heels?
Ambu : But no one listened to him. He was not allowed to speak. Ishar Das is not a small fry. Our people themselves had sent him with Jomo to London. Now, he represent us in Legislative Council as our elected member…people have sent him to UK.
Gopal Singh : But, what has he done for us?
Ambu : We can‟t deny him the credit of uniting the African workers with us. This is the result of what he said in the council about the white Highland. And Ishar Dass was one of the leaders of the procession.
Gopal Singh : Where was the need to be the Director of the Indian Manpower Committee? Why he slipped into the White lap? To recruit for the world war? On one hand, he gets money from Moscow for the revolutionaries, on the other, he is hand and glove with the rulers! This explains his marriage with a white woman! I don‟t trust such turncoats. A poor man‟s wife is half-wife to all, but why he disposes like a rolling stone?
Ambu : Gopal Singh Ji! Let‟s think with a cool mind, please. He is not an exception. Even the Congress and Gandhi have declared support to the war.
Gopal Singh : A blind man sees none else but his own ilk. It‟s but natural for Gujaratis to worship Gandhi. Why don‟t you take the case of Subhash Chander Bose, that Bengali, who directly supported the Japanese?
(Makhan Singh appears)
Ambu : Leave both! The Punjab Assembly has also passed the resolution to support the British.
Gopal Singh : You talk of the unionist party? What else can you expect from Sir Chotu Ram and Sikandar Hyat? They too are toddies. That‟s why people say… Sir Sikandar, a perfect kanjar. (a shameless person, a word of abuse).
Ambu : Then what would you call Lenin who said that fascism is an enemy bigger than enemy colonialism?
Gopal Singh : I don‟t care what Lenin said. But I certainly know the Earl, the chief of the same European Manpower Board who was… chopped off!
Ambu : Let‟s ask Makhan Singh. Should we support the Whites in the war, or not?
Makhan Singh : If the workers gain from the support, we must support. If workers lose, oppose tooth and nail. I have repeatedly said – we‟re neither white, nor black, we‟re workers.
Voice of Satwant : I‟m not a even a worker. No colour…no form…I‟m no one for you!
(Satwant Kaur’s laughter is heard. Only Makhan Singh hears.)
Makhan Singh : Where‟re you?
Satwant Kaur : Darling! Your quest is for the whole mankind. Look at me…I don‟t have even the family with me… severed from my siblings…desperate to connect with you. Against who can I revolt!
(Chorus enters)
Chorus : On a furlough came to India
For mirth and merry of his clan
To kindle and purge his self
But destined not for such a plan
From Mombasa sailed Mumbai
Well aware of systems‟ guiles
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 11: 1942
Mount Kenya : Makhan Singh knew well the Whites would make his life a hell in India. Words of Ghulam Mohammad kept echoing in his ears. This is why he disguised as Muslim to reach Mumbai…and took part in the gathering on 26th January. Then, he worked in Ahmedabad for the union of the Cloth Workers. It was his mission to press for better working conditions and better wages for the workers in India; he also started echoing a fervent demand for Indian independence. He cast a spell on the thirty thousand striking workers with his lecture. Police arrested him after the May Day. Without trial, the British government imposed unlawful bans on him for full five years. First, he was put in Sabarmati and Lahore jails, then in Gujranwala, in his own village, under house arrest. He became member of the Communist Party of India and translated Marx‟s Das Capital into Punjabi. Apparently, he was on vacation to look after domestic work, but he always had work in his hands, workers in mind and Kenya in his heart. In his blood, I saw nothing less than humanity, only humanity. This would sometimes make him sad!
Scene 12 :1945
Makhan Singh : Ishar Das is murdered in Nairobi by his own people.
Gadri : Was Ishar Das a revolutionary?
Makhan Singh : No!
Gadri : Must be a traitor.
Makhan Singh : No! Not a dacoit, not a murderer, nothing of the sort. Gadri : Then why this killing?
Makhan Singh : Ideological split! His whole life, he fought for the cause of his own people. But now, he had started recruiting Indians in war.
Gadri : But in war, we too are with the British in India!
Makhan Singh : In Kenya we were not!
Gadri : Then he was a traitor. Punjab never spared any traitor… ever! We crown a gadri, the rebellious, but behead a gadaar, the traitor.
Makhan Singh : One who‟s not a traitor here, how can he become one there?
Gadri : The question is not that of „here or there‟. It‟s the party that matters. If the party dubs him a traitor, he‟s none else but a traitor. For us, this is the truth!
Makhan Singh : What if the party changes its posture?
Gadri : Truth also changes. What was false in 1929 became true in 1936. It‟s the party that decides what‟s true and what‟s not true. It‟s not our task.
Makhan Singh : Do you know Davinder Singh from Kenya?… also known as Teja Singh… Lal Singh alias Santa Singh.
Gadri : You mean Sansarpuria (His viallage)? One who received training from Moscow?
Makhan Singh : Yes! He too was a gadri (a rebellious).
Gadri : No… simply a traitor! The money from Russia went to his head. Wine and women degraded him… became British informer. It was he who got arrested the killers of Bela Singh and Anoop Singh Mankoo in the Kamagata Maru case.
Makhan Singh : But where is he?
Gadri : He‟s no more! They say he took his life. But, I know for certain…it was the comrades who did him with opium.
Makhan Singh : What‟ll be the gain of killing each other?
Gadri : World will know the end of traitors.
Makhan Singh : Can you wipe them out like this?
Gadri : This‟ll contain them!
Makhan Singh : But the colony will gain strength. Violence frightens a commoner. It has a role… but not to the extent of attaining freedom. If killings become the order of the day…we‟ll be split into fractions, without an anchor…
Gadri : Are you a comrade or a Gandhi? Communists are always revolutionaries.
Makhan Singh : But revolution is not always violent! This comes from a true communist.
(Chorus enters)
Chorus : Lived by sweat of his brow
Never hankered for a prop
Begetter‟s aid passed to comraderies
Nobody there to make him stop
(The same Spectator in the hall comes on the stage)
Spectator : Excuse me. This time I stand here without permission. The moot point is missing. Makhan Singh never had any possessions… movable or immoveable. He didn‟t have even a bicycle. Yes! In India, he bought a cow. But instead of giving, the cow would drink milk because its income was more than its yield.
(Chorus enters)
Chorus : Lived by sweat of his brow
Never hankered for a prop
Begetter‟s aid passed to comraderie
Nobody there to make him stop
Small in height but head so tall,
His ample heart and mind fertile
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 13: August 27, 1947 Nairobi
Ambu : This is their moral defeat. When Makhan Singh‟s base is in Kenya; he spent his childhood and youth in Kenya…how can they stop his coming here?
Makhan Singh : Both India and Kenya are British colonies; why this objection?
Juguna : In fact it‟s the fear; you‟ll again stir up the union.
Makhan Singh : This fire can‟t be snuffed out now.
Juguna : 15000 people were on strike in Mombasa. The Kibachia demand is absolutely justified …that the wages of African labour should be at par with the wages to others.
Juguna : That‟s why he is in prison.
Ambu : You arrived in Kenya on August 22. The same day Kibachia was arrested, along with 18 senior leaders. The British must be sore that Kibachia is made president of the union even when in jail!
Gopal Singh : This is total chaos – absolute tyranny. Confusion of the worst order! It‟s floated that it‟s due to oversight Makhan Singh has sneaked into India. The government has given it in clear writing that there‟s no ban or objection on Makhan Singh entering India.
Ambu : What cheeks they have now to say he is an „undesirable immigrant‟!
Gopal Singh : What a snake bite! Now they want him to go back within 30 days. Had you listened to me…you would roast a few of them.
Makhan Singh : What difference it would have made?
Gopal Singh : Our minds would have been at peace at least.
Makhan Singh : About mind I don‟t know…but our bodies might have been chilled. Gopal Singh : Buzz off to India then…enjoy freedom there.
Makhan Singh : I have come here not to go back.
Juguna : But what to do now?… Within remaining two weeks.
(Chanan Singh the lawyer comes)
Makhan Singh : Chanan Singh Ji is here. I believe he‟ll get the orders cancelled.
Chanan Singh : Look gentlemen…I have studied the case. My effort would be to prove that Makhan Singh is a Kenyan, not an immigrant. Therefore, there‟s no question of deportation…But I know the court would construe the official order as an administrative action.
Ambu : The write-ups and the articles in support of Makhan Singh‟s case…and the resolutions passed in various countries…will they be of any use?
Chanan Singh : From legal point of view, they‟re of little use. Yes, politically they may be mobilized.
Makhan Singh : In case we lose the case in the lower court, then what‟re our options?
Chanan Singh : The situation in that case will be rather grim. Given the right to appeal we‟ll approach the Supreme Court in Tanzania. But then …if we reach there…our return to Kenya will be a remote possibility.
Makhan Singh : So what! We‟ll give a fight. The whole land belongs to us. We‟ll fight wherever we are…fight…fight we‟ll…with full might. No one can stop us from fighting.
(The spectator comes on the stage)
Spectator : Perhaps, you‟re not aware that as Chuni Lal Madan was elevated to the apex court of free Kenya as Chief Justice, same way Chanan Singh was also appointed as Judge. Right from Jomo Kenyatta up to Makhan Singh, he has fought in court the cases of all patriots …without charging even a penny.
(There is music)
Scene 14: 1947-48
Gahir : The government‟s decision is right. Five seats must be reserved for religious minorities.
Beant Singh : But there‟s no seat reserved for the Sikhs; they are tagged up with the Hindus.
Gahir : At this juncture, if we can devise a strategy, we may also be there.
Beant Singh : Makhan Singh observed a 7-day strike against religion based seats. The crazy fellow says that there should be no reservation on religious lines! Good that the government gave him a deaf ear.
Gahir : Now, no one would listen to him. The rulers will ultimately throw him out of Kenya!
Beant Singh : But why Makhan Singh has no concern for the Sikhs?
Gahir : His indifferent attitude invited the wrath of the Eldorate Sikhs: „Makhan Singh! We are waiting for your death. Here comes your coffin.‟
(Makhan Singh and Gopal Singh enter)
Makhan Singh : I am always ready for death. But let people live. Thinking on divisive lines means our doom!
Beant Singh : But they have cornered the Sikhs. Where lies the sense beating the trumpet…labour!… workers!!… working class!!!
Makhan Singh : Is Sikhism separate from worker and his work?
Gahir : Can you assure a Sikh member in the Legislative Council?
Gopal Singh : Gahir Ji! Makhan Singh had declared before the hunger strike that he would not contest.
Beant Singh : What does it mean?
Gopal Singh : Simple…Makhan Singh is above board. We should demand seats for Indians to have an effective voice in Legislative Council.
Gahir : How can union be above religion?
Makhan Singh : Religion for the mind, union for the body will always be supreme.
Gahir : What would you do if they demand separate seats for Hindustan and Pakistan?
Makhan Singh : We‟ll oppose that too.
Gahir : The real issue is the communists. By aligning with the British, the leftists have betrayed the people of India. First „East African Indian National Congress‟ should take a clear position on this.
Makhan Singh : I know it‟s a veiled question directed at me. Though a member of Indian Communist Party, I am not in their submission. I am a Kenyan. My decisions are my own. We as Africans have an independent entity. We are friends of leftists, not order-bearers.
Beant Singh : This is glib talk.
Makhan Singh : We have proved it to the world.
Gopal Singh : That‟s why Makhan Singh never made appeals for fund raising from any foreign body. He didn‟t receive even a penny from these organizations.
Gahir : Tell me, Makhan Singh ever gave any statement against the British on war?
Gopal Singh : Gahir Ji! Makhan Singh never either gave any statement in support of the alliance.
(Khushki appears on stage and straight away addresses the audience. There is gradual fade out of the dialogue between the above four)
Khushki : These days they don‟t listen to my jokes. Can‟t see why they‟re too serious! Actually, they need jokes all the more now. I‟m sure you‟re inclined! My good-self brought the latest joke from India. An lily fresh joke! Thanks for your interest. One day, rat caught fancy of the she elephant, fell flat. Who can fathom the inscrutable depths of hearts? That day, that hefty creature too was in a mood. The rat insisted it would pour its heart into its ears. It mounted. It felt it had approached the flap of its ear. But, interestingly, it was tail rather. The she-elephant sensed it was a fly. If flashed its tail in the air. And the poor rat fell twenty feet away. The lady-love felt deeply sorry and offered profuse apologies. The rat made another attempt and proposed…let‟s enter into wedlock. The she-elephant was stunned. Enraged she asked, “Have you ever seen your face in the mirror? The rat replied, “Forget the face, look at my confidence!”
(Chorus sings)
Chorus : To make him run pillar to post
It was apparent rulers design
Net was thrown to pin him down
He who not disposed to resign
It was 4th day of October
And the year was Forty Eight
Came command to quit the land
To seal forever his Kenyan fate
Solicitor Chaanan pleaded his case
And the Whites humble pie ate
News broke with thunderous applause
Kenyan comradery all in smiles
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
(Spectator appears on the stage)
Spectator : You have missed another point.
Chorus : Kindly take your seat now. We‟re moving toward the closing scenes. Please don‟t disturb.
Spectator : No intention to disturb. I‟m here to tell you Makhan Singh had asked for permanent Residency. The government didn‟t grant it. Not only this, the East African National Congress too was shying away as Makhan Singh wanted to form a Front of the non-European powers. This made him a rage among the Africans. Thank you!
(Chorus enters)
Chorus : Raised an edifice with Kubai
Posed a threat to arrogant rulers
April Twenty Third year fifty
Was the day to ask for rights
Thronged to listen to the Icon
The Icon marching for a fight
Uhuru Sasa, Freedom just now
He declared with all his might
Enough excuse to settle scores
The Icon sent behind the bar
He who might appear puerile
Was all out now for a war
He was prisoned with Fred Kubai
No court, no trials, no files.
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 15: May 1950
(Makhan Singh is seated in a court- like room. He is handcuffed. A Kenyan worker Muthu offers him water)
Muthu : Nyamaza… Nyamaza…
Makhan Singh : All are mum. Who‟re you trying to calm down?
Muthu : Nyamaza… I am on duty.. When someone blabs in the court, it‟s my job to calm him down. When no one blabs, I am frightened.
Makhan Singh : Why so?
Muthu : The fear, I may lose my job! It is true also. If no one speaks, who would I silence? Then din starts inside me. Then in fear I exclaim, „Calm down, „Calm down…Nyamaza‟!
Makhan Singh : Don‟t be scared now. I won‟t blab.
Muthu : Your silence is more eloquent. People are dying to listen to you. This is what scares me. You know, all Kenya is agog for your release! That speaks of all the hullabaloos in and out the jail. I‟m telling you repeatedly, you may or may not blab, let me speak out loud…Nyamaza!
(Another official enters with a copy and a pen and takes a position. Justice Thacker, Attorney General and Chanan Singh enter.)
Muthu : Simama! (Stand up)
(Justice takes his seat. Makhan Singh stands up)
Attorney Gen. : (Reading the text) The Director, Intelligence and Security, has declared in an affidavit that Makhan Singh is involved in left activism. In India, he was in jail for two years and under house arrest for another three years for the same reason. In jail, he wrote a book on leftist ideology. He admits having worked with Communists for two years. In Kenya too, he led a number of strikes. He receives a lot of Communist literature and as a result instigates the people of Kenya. When His Highness, the crown declared Nairobi as a city and the residents were in jubilation, Makhan Singh chose to incite public for a boycott. He is in collusion with World Federation of Trade Union that is anti-British. On 23rd April, he gave Kenya the slogan of Uhuru Sasa for the first time, meaning independence now and now. He has also published an article in Daily Chronicle with entitle: „May Day: Freedom of East Africa Day‟.
Justice Thacker : Anything in defence Makhan Singh?
Makhan Singh : In jail in India, the ban was on printing a book, not on writing. And I didn‟t get any book published. It‟s my conviction, and I repeat it…Soviet Union is free from racism, and there‟s no exploitation of human by human. In my lecture in the Desai Hall, I made no reference to any kind of slavery in Kenya. The strikes in which I took part, none was illegal. In my article published in the „Daily Chronicle‟, I had said with evidence that repression in Kenya is on the rise. It‟s not wrong to say that the government at that time imposed ban on all those publications which voiced the cause of the workers. That I boycotted the Kenyan celebrations is also true. But evidently Nairobi is not one city now…it is divided into two: Nairobi of the „haves‟ and Nairobi of the „have not‟s‟. Therefore, the celebrations are meant for the rich, not for the poor marginalized working class.
Justice Thacker : You are harping on the „workers‟, again and again. Who in your view is a worker? Do you think I don‟t work? Am I not a worker?
Makhan Singh : One who favours others with work isn‟t a worker. He‟s a profit seeker who takes money from the capital generated by the workers.
Attorney General : What was the policy of the „East African Trade Union Congress‟? Was it to create breach between the workers and the employers?
Makhan Singh : The breach was already there. The policy of the union is to bridge it. Justice Thacker : Do you admit you are a communist?
Makhan Singh : There‟s no doubt about it. I‟m a staunch communist.
Justice Thacker : The communist parties want to capture organized labour the world over.
Makhan Singh : This‟s absolute lie!
Justice Thacker : Can you say it on oath?
Makhan Singh : Is another oath needed? (All look at Justice Thacker, after a long silence he proceeds) There‟re unions in England also. Their leaders are communists. They‟re never dubbed as illegal, nor are they victimized.
Attorney General : Did you propose any resolution for amendment in the Kalolani Hall meeting on April 23?
Makhan Singh : That wasn‟t an amendment. It was an addition. The contention is that the East Africa should immediately be independent and given the right to self-rule. No foreign power has the right to rule us…and scathe our sovereignty.
Attorney General : Does it include His Majesty too?
Makhan Singh : Yes, of course! He‟s also an alien.
Chanan Singh : (To the attorney) His admission to be a Communist doesn‟t make him a criminal at all!
Justice Thacker : (To Chanan Singh) But what do full freedom and sovereignty mean? How will this country run its business? For instance, where‟ll you bring judges from? There‟s hardly one competently educated here!
Makhan Singh : Excuse me! There was a set-up here even before the British came. There was a judicial system. My point is not to make unlettered persons judges. My contention is that we can meet our needs.
(The court proceedings go on. But voices now subside – characters gradually fade out!)
Khushki : Now he has added to his woes. Makhan Singh himself names the British as elephants. What‟s he? Just a rat! And a rat can live in jungle only as friend of an elephant…not in confrontation. Why this tossing around if it has to ultimately sneak into its hole! There must be limit to over-confidence! (Spectator rises) No…No! You have said all, it‟s our time now! (Spectator sits down). Makhan Singh has three children – Hindpal Singh, Swarajpal Singh and Inderjit Kaur – a wife and old parents! Who will look after them? He just raised slogans his whole life, made no money. The Government will ask for apology. If he refuses, they‟ll let him languish there. These Whites… they have confined him to what a place…Lokitaung! What a Hell it is! None can meet him at such a cursed place. Well! For us, this is no less than fun; the real stuff for a meaty joke!
Spectator : (Jumping on his seat) You‟ve no right to jeer at Makhan Singh.
Khushki : But Sir, this is theatre; just a performance my dear. None is spared here. Don‟t be so emotional!
Spectator : For you it‟s a phoney play. For us, it‟s a painful reality!
Khushki : You speak as though you know Makhan Singh better than the author of the play!
Spectator : (Arrives on the stage) Far better than any author! What do these authors know? I‟m witness to Makhan Singh‟s agony…each travails …each bit of his woes… every inch of his hurt!
Khushki : You speak as if he‟s your son.
Spectator : Of course, he‟s not my son. But man! I may tell you he‟s my father. I am Hindpal, Makhan Singh‟s son.
(Breaks down)
Khushki : O‟ My God! Kindly forgive me. (The Spectator is overwhelmed…a long silence) My life will be hell if you don‟t forgive me! Kindly excuse me!… Forgive me please! How the performance will move on otherwise?
(Mount Kenya appears)
Mount Kenya : You remember, Hindpal! You had cried at the Delhi railway station also, when you saw Makhan Singh in police custody. A sepoy had said this to you …“you‟re the son of a great warrior. A brave son is never in tears”. Then you were just four.
Spectator : (Holding himself together) I am sorry Mount!
Mount Kenya : You yourself tell people what happened in Lokitaung! Bravo! Say it …speak it out. I‟m here with yo.
Spectator : My father pleaded with the government that he be sent to Nairobi where he could find a living to raise his family.
Mount Kenya : In case they failed to do so, then…
Spectator : In that case, he be given living allowance and permission to live with the family. But the government refused it. It rather ordered to deposit thousands of shillings.
Mount Kenya : The governor dismissed his release petition and dubbed him as an undesirable element. For his release they proposed that he leaves Kenya forever…but he turned it down!
(Mount Kenya looks at Hindpal Singh)
Hindpal : Household was in a shambles. My mother was in no position to see dad …moreover, it was impossible to keep the wolf away! To add to the woes, the contentions between my mother and grandmother had touched dead end..
Mount Kenya : De Souza too was a freedom fighter who later became a minister. He maneuvered a letter through a lawyer wherein he termed Makhan Singh a misguided youth. Makhan Singh wired the Secretariat that no one had the right to call him a misguided person.
Hindpal : But I fail to understand why I and my grandmother weren‟t allowed to see my father. Even when allowed, they put riders. A cash fine was imposed that my father didn‟t accept.
Mount Kenya : Who wouldn‟t be proud of such a brave man? When the government decreed to elect candidates on religious grounds, Makhan Singh went on 10-day long hunger strike in Lokitaung. (To Khushki) Hindpal very rightly observed …Makhan Singh isn‟t a joke. Think twice before you pooh-pooh someone… make joke of someone…otherwise you‟ll make a fool of yourself.
Khushki : Now, no more jokes! I‟ll abide to truth.
Scene 16: 1955
Atieno : Jaswant Singh!
Makhan Singh : I‟m Makhan Singh!
Atieno : Pole Sana! Please excuse me! Jaswant Singh became my friend in the Mau Mau movement. He‟s under detention, now in Mombasa. I see him he‟s just here right before me. You might be knowing him?
Makhan Singh : No!
Atieno : Shujaa! He‟s a hero! No match. He used to send us ammunition …bombs…even taught us how to make bombs. His death sentence was converted into life imprisonment! Are you too like Jaswant Singh… a mawasi …a terrorist!? (Makhan Singh shakes his head in No!) Then why‟re you here?
Makhan Singh : I demand equality, justice and freedom…equality among Africans, Asians and the Europeans… Justice for the workers and freedom for Kenya!
Atieno : Mau Mau also demanded the same.
Makhan Singh : With a difference…they have guns in their hands!
Atieno : I fail to see where you‟re wrong. You‟re only asking for it, not snatching!
Makhan Singh : They want to deport me.
Atieno : Since how long are you here in Maralal?
Makhan Singh : They sent me to Lokitaung in 1950 – Here too, I have spent four years!
Atieno : If this be so, then you don‟t know how we were compelled to work as bonded labour in our own fields! Lost everything…our fields…our fortune…dignity…our land! Still… wouldn‟t keep the wolf away.
Makhan Singh : I know it, newspapers are teeming with woes of millions
Atieno : We had no option but to take up guns. They butchered my husband because we too lived by the creed of Mau Mau. I bore all this once. In war…after all…you have to do or die. Our comrades too did that. So what if my husband died! But what they did to me was horrendous … I‟ll take revenge… First they stripped me naked… then they punched my nipples with pliers. The beasts were still not satisfied. Four bastards… Walinajisi. (Cries)… They boast to the world, that they‟re here to civilize us?
(Makhan Singh draws close. She holds him tight in a state of sorrow and anguish. Makhan Singh tries to console and calm her).
Makhan Singh : You‟re a brave lady…Jasiri. No tears please.
Atieno : You are right! I‟ll raise money by selling vegetables…buy a pistol … will pray for an occasion with those bastards once again…. this time I‟ll myself strip them naked… and invite them. Then I‟ll not fail to pierce my shot through their testicles…this might give some solace to my bruised being!
(She breaks down again)
Khushki : I deluded myself to be a great jester… had thought I was great as a jester. Today, I realise I could not rise above jokes… a plebian…a straw! Gopal Singh left for India … Makhan Singh sent to jail. Juguna‟s whereabouts not known… Ambu seen nowhere! Who I go to repent? Now I see life‟s not a joke! The excelsior travelled miles and miles. I have always been receding like sands sinking in the labyrinth of nothingness. I was always growing stale and beaten just like a joke. I will offer my remorse to Makhan Singh…whenever I meet him…
Scene 17: 1957
(Muthu is seen sitting – Attino comes)
Atieno : Who‟re you?
Muthu : Nyamaza! I am on duty; here to deliver the mail of Makhan Singh. But who‟re you?
Atieno : I am Atieno (sarcastically)… not a government servant. I come here to deliver vegetables to him.
Muthu : I never saw you earlier. Where were you?
Atieno : I was in a well! But I‟m also seeing you for the first time. Where were you by the way?
Muthu : Standing outside the same well…holding a towel in my hands! (She laughs boisterously) Nyamaza! He‟s in great pain; his mother is no more.
Atieno : Oh! He was terribly restless to see his mother; but always denied permission.
Muthu : Mother has gone far away. (Makhan Singh enters… a long silence). Here‟s your censored mail. I must leave now.
(Mutho goes)
Makhan Singh : She was destined to die! My only regret is that my mother and wife didn‟t have any bonds.
Atieno : May be it‟s because of you?
Makhan Singh : How so? I was never home my whole life!
Atieno : That‟s why! (Silence) Without you both languished in fractions…without you could neither be a complete mother nor a complete wife. (Long silence) Will you go to Nairobi for the last rites?
Makhan Singh : Have applied. They may accept my plea. Each time I‟m told I can be set free if I quit Kenya.
Atieno : For seven years, you‟re in prison. Who knows they‟ll ever let you free! Why don‟t you go to India?
Makhan Singh : Why? I‟ll not go to India. I‟m not a burden on Kenya. My Mother Kenya will never die!
Atieno : Even then, it‟s not your country.
Makhan Singh : Why not? I‟m not my sole self! I carry along my forefathers… those too who cut through the jungles, carpeted sands, were torn apart by the tigers. They raised schools, hospitals and mansions; laid bricks and seared woods. My body, my heart, my brain… all‟re here. This is my land of action. How can I leave my land?
Atieno : Samahani! No intention to hurt you. Only a glimpse of your heart! You‟re Uru, a diamond! May I be your rafiki, a companion?
Makhan Singh : Why not! (He shakes hands and then embraces and then suddenly looks at the bunch of letters). Perhaps, my leave is granted! We pray to Almighty after the recital of our Holy book. My mother was yearning to see me…but couldn‟t. (He reads the letter. Leave is not granted. He holds his head in sorrow. Atieno puts his head in her lap and caresses it). Atieno!
Atieno : Yes!
Makhan Singh : My mother is really no more!!
(Cries)
Chorus : There‟s nothing but the wounds
That can never ever be healed
Life becomes a Book of sorrows
But never let its mystery yield
Soul buried in mortal frame
Destiny so barren so futile
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
Scene 18: 1960
Atieno : O, official slut! I hate you; nakuchukya!
Matthu : How did I harm you?
Atieno : This government is a bitch and you‟re its lackey…Kahaba Dola!
Muthu : Still not a beast; I‟m human. Do you need a proof? Nakupenda!…One who loves you can‟t be a beast.
Atieno : Don‟t flaunt funny fancies. You should be content with my contempt. Muthu : Hatred is the first step to love!
Atieno : There‟s no second step for you!
Muthu : Be quiet. There comes Makhan Singh.
Atieno : Why‟re you nonplussed?
Muthu : People call him Mungu, the God! Even I see reflection of a sage in him…Takati Fu Bavana.
(Makhan Singh enters)
Makhan Singh : What‟s the news? (to Muthu) Is there any mail?
Muthu : It‟s there; but yet to be censored.
Atieno : Rather good! All‟s not well!
Muthu : The detainees are being tortured in the camps.
Atieno : The brutes are accusing us as Mau Mau…as we have killed thirty whites. And what about them who have slaughtered thousands of Africans? Eleven hundred have already been hanged.
Makhan Singh : Violence is a relentless fire that spares none.
Atieno : But now the rulers are the perpetrators, not Mau Mau.
Muthu : Those who have pledged in favour of Mau Mau, they‟re torturing them to confess it. But they‟re adamant.
Atieno : In Hola ten people were beaten to death.
Muthu : Their skulls were razed to pieces. Those who saw the fleshy pulp of the humans kept mumbling like lunatics for months and months.
Makhan Singh : Though our people triggered Mau Mau but they far exceeded us. Violence can‟t counter violence. This tyranny is sure to pack them off.
Muthu : I should leave. John may be suspicious. Pole Sana. (He exits)
Atieno : Where did you get the lesson of forbearance in times of repression? Makhan Singh : From the teachings of Guru Nanak.
Atieno : Jaswant used to refer to some name….Gobind!….The one who fought against tyranny.
Makhan Singh : He‟s right. But Gobinds don‟t emerge out of thin air. They‟ve their roots in soil. In his foundation too you can see Guru Nanak, Guru Arjan and Teg Bahadur.
Atieno : Will you sometime narrate their history?
Makhan Singh : Sure! But their history isn‟t of years, it spans over centuries. Atieno : Isn‟t it justified to nip the nick of enemy straightway?
Makhan Singh : I don‟t refute it. But you can‟t sanctify such feelings as universal gospel. Nanak too was a fighter. He was not unmindful of his surroundings. But he preached and practiced non-violence, equality, humility, diligence and self-respect. That is why I firmly hold that British violence in Hola guarantees our freedom.
Atieno : People call you Mungu. But for me you‟re Tulivu Chifu…sentinel of non-violence.
Makhan Singh : I‟m an humble person.
Atieno : Do you love me?
Makhan Singh : Any doubt? I‟m your friend.
Atieno : Then come…give me your love…I‟ll return with dividends…I‟m drenched in love.
(She invites him with her arms wide open. Makhan Singh holds his hand and caresses it.)
Makhan Singh : I honour your sentiments but how can I obliterate the memory of Satwant waiting for all those forty years? You are very nice, but reality is too harsh. My darling! Our goals are too lofty; how can we fall short? (He kisses her hand) Do you get me?
Atieno : Pole Sana! I had forgotten that you‟re a Nabii, the Prohet; and such a bond with Prophet is not possible.
Makhan singh : No, I am a comrade, just a comrade.
Atieno : Mnabii!
Makhan singh : Comrade!
Atieno : Mnabii Comrade! My Red Prophet, you‟ll get a high position in free Kenya.
Makhan Singh : I don‟t need a throne; I ask for a platform, Zukwa, that can seat the workers. My dream is the peasants get back their lands and don‟t till it with borrowed ploughs…I dream of workers getting better facilities and equal wages…they‟re not exploited…my dream is that rulers in independent Kenya serve people without greed… I dream we join together and sing the song of freedom.
Atieno : Will you recognize me?
Makhan Singh : How can I ever forget you? Look at the skies! There‟s the new dawn of Uhuru! Kenya is readying for a virgin song!! You too be a part of it!!!
(Chorus sings along with the images of Independence celebrations. Gradually, all actors fan out on the stage holding placards with images of various political leaders: Jomo Kenyatta, Tom Mboya, Odinga, Pinto Gama, Pran Lal Sheth, J M Kariyuki, Bildad Kaggia etc.)
Chorus : Land of Beauty! Land of promise!
Our Kenya Equator‟s crown
Blooming Fedora, Kiwi, Gabriela,
Roses, Inka and buds brown
Waves of delights soar in skies
Metros helmets and the towns
Freedom the spell of magic cast
The day to dismiss white frown
Leaders all are free but One
That was last to conquer exile
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
(Mount Kenya appears on the stage. There is complete silence. He calls Hindpal Singh who is in the audience)
Mount Kenya : Hindpal Singh. Come on the stage. Kenya is free now. (Hindpal Singh comes on the stage as if looking for Makhan Singh) What‟re you looking for?
Spectator : Where‟s my father in free Kenya?
Mount Kenya : Makhan Singh‟s job is over. Now they don‟t need him.
Spectator : But why not? He gave his heart and soul to the country.
Mount Kenya : That‟s true! He created history. But some people hold him in great fear.
Spectator : Simply because he was a communist?
Mount Kenya : People may think so. But this is not true.
Spectator : Then what‟s true?
Mount Kenya : The truth is, new rulers were terribly afraid of virtuous men. (He takes him close to the picture of Pinto). If to be a communist were a crime, then Pinto too was one. He was made a minister.
Spectator : But…
Mount Kenya : I know what you‟ll say! But the truth is that Pinto too was an idealist, like Makhan Singh. The bogus people thought him a danger. This was the reason why he was killed. (There is fire. Pinto’s picture tumbles down.) Bildad Kaggia was humiliated simply because he didn‟t loot people to fill his coffers. (Picture drops). Pran Lal Sheth fell victim to inner politics and was deported. (Picture drops). Tom Mboya could lay his claim to Presidential position, and for this… (Shot is fired, picture drops). The new Kenya had a fierce fight with Odinga. He withdrew from the government on his own. (Picture drops). Oneko was arrested in free Kenya. (His picture too drops). Kariyuki too was severely tortured and was killed. (Picture drops). This happened to all those who were true and strong.
Spectator : Will they all drop from history?
Mount Kenya : No! Never!! They‟ll rather shape history. Each day will give them new life. As time passes, their footprints will radiate. Your father too is like ebony that sinks in waters. But the straws float over forever. If Makhan Singh were a native of Kenya, he would have his roots in these verdant pastures. Now, he‟s an implanted sprout with no roots in Kenya. He‟s here to flower and yield fruit.
Spectator : Will he now be just penning books on the trade unions for the rest of his life?
Mount Kenya : Yes! Earlier, he created history. Now, he‟ll document it.
Spectator : Excuse me Mount, you too are biased. He left his community and family… languished here in jails for eleven years… even he had the way out…he could‟ve left Kenya. The man from outside who came here and sacrificed all he had, and asked for nothing in return…why‟re you running away from justice?
Mount Kenya : I am a frozen lava! I can‟t do justice to anyone. I can only speak the truth when occasion arises. Those with selfish motives have rumbled many here. But no one from outside ever got justice that easily!
Spectator : What‟re you saying?
Mount Kenya : But Makhan Singh isn‟t an ordinary mortal…like fragrance, he breathes with the winds…he‟s everywhere…he‟ll appear in clouds floating over the land of Kenya…he‟ll guide our destiny like a polestar… like the breeze, he‟ll blow gently… like a shower of rain, he‟ll bestow his bounties…he‟ll pulsate in the bread of each worker of this land….The coming generations of Kenya will neither be volcano nor snow. They‟ll search for their lost ebony. The small lane in front of the Republican School, that Makhan Singh Street, will embrace the entire Kenya. The memory of that great son will always remain fresh, the son…who stood fearlessly against the colonial giant. Hindpal! You saw Makhan Singh shaping Kenya. Now, it is Kenya‟s turn. (Mount Kenya says this with a tone of great affirmation) Makhan Singh is Kenya‟s one of the most illustrious gentle sons. No land will afford to forget such greats…forever. Kenya will dig out the ebony from the bottom of political waters!
(Mount Kenya retires. Chorus appears on the stage. All the characters join the chorus.)
Chorus : This is the saga of valiant hero
Odyssey of his unsung feats
Held aloft the torch of Nanak
With the rhythm of Lenin beats
In vast ocean of Asia and Africa
A gospel of unity and peace
Look at Indian Ocean my dear
There floats an eternal wreath
That is destined to bloom for ever
Antiquity shall be showering smiles
Toiled tireless Hindi workers
To run trains miles and miles
*******
Born in 1950 at Amritsar, Atamjit is author of three dozen short and full-length plays that seek to create dialogue at multiple levels of discourse, ranging from dialogue with the self, the society, and beyond that with the cultural forces that define both self and society. He juxtaposes the past and the present, the historical and the contemporary, the collective folk idiom and the contesting individual voice. In Atamjit’s plays, even in the absence of overt political commitment, display social consciousness d in a meaningful manner. His sensibility is transdisciplinary in his experiments with new themes and techniques but his works are anchored in human values that seek equality, justice, emancipation of women, communal amity and peaceful coexistence.
Known for dramatic solo recitals of his texts, he also performed the plays throughout India and abroad. Honoured with the National Awards by the Sahitya Akademi and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, he was also declared as the Living Legend by the National School of Drama during the Theatre Olympiad, 2018 at Delhi.
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