How Many More Days, Democracy? By Sameer Tanti

Sameer Tanti

• Sameer Tanti is a renowned Assamese poet born and raised in the Mikirchang Tea Estate in Golaghat district of Assam.

• His parents were tea garden labourers, and he was one of the two siblings who received formal education.

• Tanti completed his education in Assamese medium schools and graduated in English literature from Dergaon College.

• He later completed his masters from Gauhati University.

• Tanti's literary career began when one of his poems was printed on the front page of Sadiniya Nagarik by Homen Borgohain, a well-known Assamese author and journalist.

• Tanti has authored 12 collections of poems, four critical and literary essay collections, two translations, and two story collections.

• His work reflects the assimilation of different communities into Assamese society and advocates for the rights of tea garden labourers.

• Tanti has received several awards for his contributions to literature, including the Chaganlal Jain Literary Award and the Assam Valley Literary Award.

 

Introduction to "How Many More Days, Democracy?"

The poem discusses the current situation of democracy. Here the poet is expressing mixed feelings like love, concern, and frustration. It starts by questioning how long democracy will stay as it is. The poet feels like democracy is in a tough spot, with ongoing harm and humiliation.

Despite these issues, the poet still loves democracy deeply. However, democracy is depicted as silenced and blinded, unable to speak or see clearly. The poet, Sameer Tanti wants to speak out in support but he himself is afraid of the consequences.

The poem, "How Many More Days, Democracy?" also highlights the contrast between the internal problems of democracy and its external appearance. The poem, "How Many More Days, Democracy" expresses its wishes for democracy to continue but is aware of the dangers it faces, like becoming ineffective or turning violent.

In the end, the poet wonders if it's better to distance themselves from democracy. Because the poet, Sameer Tant extremely disappointed with the current status of Democracy,  Overall, the poem offers a deep reflection on democracy's challenges, inviting readers to think about their own views on the topic.

Line-by-line Explanation of How Many More Days, Democracy

• "And how many more days this way, democracy?" - The poet questions how long democracy will continue in its current state, suggesting a sense of uncertainty or concern about its future.

• "Head down, on bended knees, with eyes closed" - This imagery conveys a feeling of submission or resignation, as if democracy is being forced into a position of weakness or defeat.

• "No end to your mutilation / No end to your humiliation" - These lines suggest that democracy is continuously being damaged and degraded, with no respite from the harm it suffers.

• "I hear your bedlam, democracy." - The poet acknowledges the chaos or confusion within a democracy, perhaps alluding to political turmoil or unrest.

• "How I love you with my life" - Despite democracy's difficulties, the poet expresses a deep love and commitment to it, highlighting a strong emotional attachment.

• "I see your lips sewed together / Your eyes covered with a blindfold." - This imagery symbolizes censorship and a lack of vision or awareness within the democracy, indicating a restriction of freedom and knowledge.

• "I wish to speak out, yet I cannot / Perhaps harm befalls you" - The poet desires to speak up for democracy but fears causing harm or further damage to it by doing so, showing a sense of helplessness or caution.

• "I desire to ask, yet I cannot / For fear it will offend." - There's a reluctance to question or challenge democracy, out of concern for causing offence or creating conflict.

• "Democracy, so much darkness inside your home / Yet outside I see a riot of light" - This contrast highlights the internal problems or darkness within the democracy, juxtaposed with the external appearance of prosperity or positivity.

• "Democracy, I wish you a long life / One day before you become barren / One day before you turn bloody" - The poet wishes for democracy to endure, but acknowledges the risks it faces, such as becoming ineffective or descending into violence.

• "Let me speak out for you / Democracy, before you weep" - The poet wants to advocate for democracy before it reaches a point of despair or sorrow, suggesting a desire to protect and defend it.

• "May I erase myself from your heart?" - The poet wonders if it would be better to distance themselves from democracy, possibly out of a sense of disillusionment or despair.

In conclusion, the poem, How Many More Days, Democracy?, shows that the poet loves democracy but is worried about its problems. The poet sees democracy as being hurt and humiliated, with its freedom and awareness limited. Despite these issues, the poet still cares deeply about democracy. The poem asks how long democracy will continue like this and hopes for a better future. It encourages us to think about democracy and how we can protect it.