Three Million 7. Road to the Past
Aug 29, 2024
Kavita Puri, a journalist focused on the historical impact of the Bengal famine, journeys through India to uncover the voices of its last survivors. She juxtaposes Kolkata's vibrant present with haunting recollections of its tragic past. Kavita illuminates personal stories of resilience among those who endured the 1943 famine, striking a poignant balance between loss and hope. In her quest for a memorial for the three million victims, she discovers that the true commemoration lies in sharing these powerful narratives, which are often unheard.
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Famine Road to Calcutta
- Many walked and died along the road from countryside to Calcutta during the famine.
- Soylent Saka guides through this route, showing its historical importance in famine migration.
Famine's Lasting Trauma
- Kannalal Haight survived four to five months of hunger and lost grandparents to famine.
- He now stocks two years of food to never face such starvation again.
Famine's Social Torture
- Famine involves social torture beyond hunger, eroding societal norms and forcing survival at great moral cost.
- These cruelties leave lasting traumatic memories rarely spoken about openly.