The evil of caste system not only effects India but also other neighboring countries. Let me share little bit about our beautiful neighboring country Nepal. I have lived there about a decade to minister to the people of Western region. As I lived, I enjoyed the delicious foods, different local cultures, but also the very sweet music.
The music that I enjoyed was Lok Dohri (folk songs) and the contemporary compositions. If you understand Nepali music it's sweet and lovely. It touches your heart and emotions. I was touched by a composition of Yash Kumar (a lyricist and a popular singer in since 1990s). Yash Kumar's composition broke my heart and made me think, how deadly the caste system is. It has made people cry, down, of low esteem, cursing their birth, raising questions on their creator and religion.
Listen to such an experience through this very beautifully sung very emotional song. I have put English translation of the thoughts expressed in the composition. Translation of the repeated thoughts have been avoided to save the space and time.
Yash Kumar (Nepali famous Singer)
Ho..
la la….
Ah..
la la….
Ma aafnai aangan
ma enar banaunchhu (Nepali)
I’ll make a well
in my own yard (English)
Mero bhagwan lai
merai chhati ma sajaun chhu
I’ll put my God,
in my own heart
Ma aafnai aangar
ma enar banaunchhu
I’ll make a well
in my own yard
Mero bhagwan lai
merai chhati ma sajaun chhu
I’ll put my God,
in my own heart
Malai dhara ma
rokaa, chahe mandir ma cheka
You stop me
taking water from tap,
You put barrier for me in the temple
Ma aafnai beglai
sansar banaunchhu
I’ll make my own
distinct world
Ah ha ha...
Jahan boli matra
chha, bebahar chhaina
Where they only do lip service, but no right behavior
Jahan manchhe le
manchhe lai manchhe sochin na
Where man
doesn’t understand, another man, 'a man'
Ma yesto nagar
ma kasari ramanunchhu
How can I be
happy in this kind of town?
Tyasai le
aalagai duniya sa jaunchhu
Because of that,
I’ll differently decorate my own world
Aama malai kahan
janma diyou
O Mummy where
you gave me birth?
Yo sansar ma ma
jiuna sakina
It’s hard to
live here in this world
Baba malai kasto
yo karam diyon
O Father, what
kind of 'karma' you gave to me?
Yo duniya ma ma
ramna sakina
I could not be
happy in this world
(sharing with thanks to the singer and composer, in good spirit)
After reading and hearing this song, I believe you might have got the idea of this caste virus, troubling people not only in one country but even in other country.
Ideas have consequences, we all know this truth. These ideas about "superiority" also have consequences. They also trouble Nepal's citizens. The consequences occur, many suffer social, mental, physical and economic tortures. To get a clear picture, read their news paper, watch their TV debates and shows.
Should not these men and women deserve your and mine attention?
Ideas have consequences, we all know this truth. These ideas about "superiority" also have consequences. They also trouble Nepal's citizens. The consequences occur, many suffer social, mental, physical and economic tortures. To get a clear picture, read their news paper, watch their TV debates and shows.
Should not these men and women deserve your and mine attention?
Thank you.
Good morning Nice to see your blog.I agree the caste system in our country is like a virus that seeks to destroy. We need Christ to save us from its consequences..only He can.Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the song.God bless you.
ReplyDeletei think this is a really touching song - and I think it is so important as Christians to speak up for how we are included as part of God's world and reign - thanks Raj - Dr Kaaren
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