Three Million 5. Ghosts
Mar 11, 2024
Soylen Sarka, a dedicated teacher, has devoted his life to preserving the testimonies of Bengal Famine survivors. In this discussion, he uncovers the poignant memories of those who suffered immense loss and highlights the collective shame of society's amnesia surrounding this tragedy. The need for remembrance and justice resonates throughout the conversation, revealing ongoing struggles with hunger and historical recognition. Sarka’s work emphasizes the importance of honoring the past to ensure these vital stories are never forgotten.
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Soylen Sarka's Survivor Testimonies
- Soylen Sarka dedicated his life to recording testimonies of Bengal famine survivors with pen and paper.
- His meeting with survivors like Sri Paticharan Samanta revealed stories often ignored in history.
Silence Caused by Guilt
- Survivors' stories were ignored partly due to guilt and inconvenient truths about profiteering during the famine.
- History is mostly told by those unaffected, leaving a huge gap in the famine's true story.
Famine Lost Among 1940s Turmoil
- The 1940s were marked by multiple catastrophic events, making the Bengal famine just one of many tragedies in that tumultuous decade.
- This prevented the famine from securing its own distinct place in historical memory.