11) THREE IMPORTANT MARXIST AUTHORS LAUNCH IN B.C.

PV Vancouver Bureau

     In mid‑July there was a an important book launch for three prominent members of the South Asian community in Surrey, British Columbia. The books include Hold The Sky, by Harjit Daudharia, Kali Anehri ("Black Storm") in Punjabi by Nachhattar Singh Gill, and Prije, an epic passionate poem in Punjabi by Sufi Amarjit.

     Sam Hammond, leader of the Communist Party in BC, introduced Hold The Sky. This book of poems published in Punjabi and English editions is the latest of Harjit Daudharia's five books of poetry and two of prose. He talked of Harjit's experience and travels, his different occupations, sometimes an academic and more often a worker, but always a passionate advocate for socialism and a brighter world for peace and prosperity, for love and loyalty, for the right to live free of hunger, exploitation and war. Sam expressed the opinion that Harjit's poems expose not only what is old and outmoded politically, but also the promise of what is to come, what is worth striving for. Harjit himself spoke of the development of his literary consciousness, of childhood poverty, of the Indian caste system, his experience as a worker and trade unionist in England and his introduction to Marxism.

     The novel Kali Anehri (Black Storm), a novel by Nachhattar Singh Gill, was introduced by Dr. Sukhdev Singh from Punjabi University Chandigash (India). "Black Storm" has special significance regarding South Africa, Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela. It concerns the struggles of the African National Congress against apartheid, the liberation of the black population and the bold vision of a strong woman for a revolution in South Africa. Gill, who has lived in India, South Africa and Canada, has created a novel that is the product of his world outlook and is sure to occupy a special place in Punjabi literature. The novel is critical of the legacy of Ghandi and his capitulation policy towards the white South African regime. It explores the relation between racial discrimination in South Africa, the apartheid model that was copied from Canadian policies towards native people, and the horrors of the caste system in India. Gill has connected India, South Africa and Canada, and incriminates the colonial/imperialist historical legacy of slavery, apartheid, exploitation, invasion and displacement.

     Sufi Amarjit's Prija was introduced by Dr. Surindar Dhanjal from Kamloops, BC. Prija is an epic emotional poem about a young girl who is killed in an accident, and the silent suffering of a father whose dreams for her have been shattered. The father transfers his suffering and grief to the passionate desire that all children should be nurtured and looked after. He transfers his sorrow and dreams to all children everywhere, and to the recognition of child pain and suffering in this world.

     Nazir Rizvi and Krishna Syal made important contributions to the book launch, which was well attended by writers, poets and progressive activists. Nazir reminded the audience that Canada had practised racism against black Americans who fled to Nova Scotia, against the Aboriginal people of Canada, against the Chinese workers who helped build this country and the South Asian people who emigrated here. He pointed out that Surrey has the highest number of Punjabi speakers outside of India; their history in British Columbia has been one of exploitation that should make them natural allies of the first nations people fighting for justice. Nazir Rizvi quoted Nelson Mandela and compared Mandela's analysis of colonialism in South Africa to the First Nations of Canada: "the plunder of indigenous land, exploitation of its mineral wealth and other raw materials, confinement of its people to specific areas and restriction of their movement has, with noble exceptions, been the cornerstone of Colonialism throughout the land."

     The speakers, the authors, and all who expressed opinions that afternoon made eloquent reference to the crimes of colonialism and present day imperialism. These books will be a permanent contribution to Canadian and Punjabi literature by three progressive writers and poets.

     Copies of these works are available from Harjit Daudharia, 407‑12075 75A Ave, Surrey, BC, V3W 1S8, 604‑543‑7179.

(The above article is from the August 1-31, 2011, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)