I have taken one of the prominent post independence poets, and their experience as a port

belonging to minority religion in Post independence india.

"Gieve Patel: Portraying the Parsi Experience in Post-Independent India Through
Poetry"
Gieve Patel, a renowned Indian poet, has long been acclaimed for his insightful exploration
of the intricate social fabric of his homeland. Through his poetic masterpieces, Patel delves
into the nuances of class, caste, and societal dynamics, offering a poignant and thought-
provoking perspective on the pressing issues that shape the Indian experience.(Zitzewitz,
2009)
Born in Mumbai, Patel's poetry is deeply rooted in the vibrant urban landscape of the city,
serving as a canvas upon which he paints the lived realities of its diverse inhabitants. His
work bears the hallmarks of a keen social observer, one who is attuned to the subtle
interplay between the individual and the collective, the powerful and the marginalized.
(George, 2018) As one critic notes, Patel's poetry possesses a "poetic quality" that arises
from his skillful arrangement of sensory elements, evoking a rhythmic and emotive response
in the reader.(Sarkar, 2020)

Starting with his poem, "The Ambiguous Fate of Gieve Patel, He Being Neither Muslim Nor
Hindu in India," Patel delves into the precarious position of the Parsi community, a religious
minority in India. The poem reflects on the sense of displacement and marginalization
experienced by those who do not fit neatly into the dominant religious and cultural narratives:

“I am neither Muslim nor Hindu

I am a Parsi, a minority

Caught in the crossfire of communal violence

Detached, yet not immune to the pain”

Images of violence abound in his poems in a direct, unemotional yet forceful tone, at times
too strange for the refined tastes of the reader. As Bruce King says: “Patel’s excellent poems
derive much of their strength from the way he is both strongly aware of the local conditions
of life yet defends himself from involvement” (King).

This poem is a harrowing portrayal of communal violence. The gory barbaric communal riots
in India where the appalling violent struggle between the Hindus and Muslims disrupts the
harmony in the country and gives immense hurt to the Parsis who are not on either side

The plight of the Parsi community is also depicted as they are detached from the happenings
around them, inspite of the fact that they are also a part of the society, Patel helplessly looks
on with contempt at the rage engulfing each side seeking the blood of the other; the
detachment does not please Patel and is expressed in the following lines:

He says with bitter irony: “To be no part of this hate is deprivation”. Even hatred is welcome
because it is human. “I only burn my tail’. The world around the poet is on fire but his
community is unscathed by the raging fires. But he is no Hanuman, and the burnt tail is no
myth. Patel alienates himself from the settled land while the communal holocaust or civil riots
happen in India; and also retains his Parsi identity to witness it all. He has taken up a
particular violent incident and described the happening in a sensational manner to evoke a
strong hatred for violence inflicted on fellow human beings.
Also, It is important to note that The violent communal attacks were not directed against the
Parsis. No Parsi woman was assaulted by the Muslims or the Hindus.

But, Through this poem, Patel gives voice to the Parsi experience, highlighting the
challenges of navigating a society that often fails to accommodate or recognize the diversity
of its people. The poem serves as a poignant commentary on the need for greater inclusivity
and understanding in the face of entrenched social divisions.

The poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ can be understood as a continuous metaphor of passive
violence with the purpose of rooting out or destroying an entire culture. The poet may be
hinting at ‘the destruction of an entire culture ie Parsi culture’. The image of the tree
represents human values and ethics. The tree spreads its green branches which symbolize
a protective cover for humanity. The poet wishes to convey the fact that just as a tree takes
time to grow from a seed, a culture also develops gradually with time. The following lines
depict his vision:

It takes much time to kill a tree,

Not a simple jab of the knife

Will do it. It has grown

Slowly consuming the earth.

The tree's roots deeply embedded in the earth symbolize the connection to one's roots and
cultural heritage. This connection is crucial for the Parsi community, which has maintained a
strong sense of identity despite being a minority in India.

Patel kinda uses the metaphor of a tree to symbolize resilience, rootedness, and the struggle
for survival. This can be linked to the Parsi community's history and experience in India. Like
the tree in the poem, the Parsis have faced challenges and adversities over centuries, yet
they have managed to thrive and contribute significantly to Indian culture, economy, and
society.

The Parsis, upon arriving in India centuries ago, adapted to the local culture while
maintaining their distinct identity and religious practices. Similarly, the tree in Patel's poem
adapts and fights against attempts to destroy it:

“So hack and chop

But this alone won't do it.

Not so much pain will do it.

The bleeding bark will heal

And from close to the ground

Will rise curled green twigs,

Miniature boughs

Which if unchecked will expand again

To former size.
Lastly, we see Cultural Symbolism

In Parsi culture, trees and nature hold symbolic significance. For instance, the sacred plant,
the "Boi" (Banyan tree), is revered in Zoroastrianism as a symbol of immortality and
endurance. This reverence for nature and the environment resonates with Patel's portrayal
of the tree as a living entity deserving of respect and protection.

To conclude, Gieve Patel’s poetry serves as a profound reflection of the Parsi community's
journey in post-independence India. His works capture not only the trials and tribulations
faced by the Parsis but also their resilience and unwavering commitment to cultural identity.
Through metaphors like the tree in "On Killing a Tree," Patel invites us to contemplate the
enduring strength and adaptability of a community that has contributed significantly to India's
diverse cultural fabric.

To echo Patel's sentiments, adapting to change while embracing one's heritage is not just an
option but a testament to the Parsi spirit. In the aftermath of colonialism, the Parsis have
navigated the complexities of Indian society with grace and fortitude, leaving an indelible
mark on its cultural landscape. Patel's poems, therefore, are not just reflections of a poet’s
soul but a mirror held up to the resilience and richness of the Parsi experience in modern
India.

Thank you.