Empire 170. The Bengal Famine: A Disaster on the Horizon
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Jul 22, 2024 Kavita Puri, a talented journalist and podcaster, joins the discussion to shed light on the tragic Bengal Famine of 1943. The conversation dives into the devastating impact of the British denial policy amid WWII, highlighting the starvation that pushed countless Bengalis to flee their homes. They also tackle Churchill's controversial decisions, revealing how political neglect exacerbated the crisis. Emotional stories from survivors illustrate the human cost of this forgotten tragedy and the importance of acknowledging such painful memories in our history.
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Kavita's Impact
- Kavita Puri's previous appearance on the podcast moved William Durenpool to tears.
- This time, she aims to evoke the same emotional response.
Famine's Forgotten Legacy
- Despite the Bengal famine's significance, it's barely taught in Indian schools.
- Indians often attribute the famine to Churchill, yet no memorial exists.
India's Unconsulted Sacrifice
- India's involvement in WWII was substantial, yet nationalist leaders were not consulted about the war effort.
- Consequently, this fueled resentment, with over 2.5 million Indian soldiers participating in various theaters.