The British rightly feel pride about Britain. I, as a Brit, am proud to be British.
In the annals of history, certain events stand as stark reminders of the devastating impacts of policy, war, and colonial ambition. The Bengal Famine of 1943 is one such episode, where at least three million Indian individuals, then under British rule, perished in one of the most grievous civilian losses on the Allied side during the Second World War.
Yet, astonishingly, this monumental tragedy lacks a global memorial, a plaque, or even a significant mention in the collective memory of the world. How can three million souls vanish from our collective conscience? This question forms the crux of a new BBC Radio 4 documentary that seeks to unearth and give voice to the silenced memories of those who lived through the calamity.
As a financial expert, political commentator, and someone deeply invested in the fabric of UK-India relations, I find the obscurity surrounding the Bengal Famine not just an oversight but a profound failure of our collective memory. This neglect speaks volumes about the selective nature of historical narratives and the deep-seated legacies of colonialism that continue to shape our understanding of the past.
The Bengal Famine, precipitated by wartime policies and exacerbated by colonial neglect, is a stark illustration of how the machinery of empire was often wielded at the expense of its most vulnerable subjects. The decision to divert resources, the refusal to alleviate the suffering through timely intervention, and the subsequent denial of responsibility are all indicative of a colonial mindset that viewed Indian lives as expendable. As we strive to forge a future built on mutual respect and understanding between the UK and India, confronting these uncomfortable truths is not just an academic exercise but a moral imperative.
Kavita Puri’s BBC Radio 4 coverage on this on BBC Sounds is essential listening.
The absence of a memorial for the victims of the Bengal Famine is a glaring omission in our public spaces and historical consciousness. Memorials serve as physical and symbolic acknowledgments of suffering and loss; they are essential for the process of collective remembrance and healing. The fact that such a memorial does not exist for the Bengal Famine victims raises critical questions about whose histories we choose to remember and honour. It is high time we addressed this gap, not only to honour the memory of those who perished but also to educate future generations about the complexities of our shared history.
The BBC Radio 4 documentary represents a significant step towards filling the silence that has enveloped the Bengal Famine. By bringing to light the personal stories of survivors and witnesses, it does invaluable work in humanising the staggering statistics. Media and storytelling have the power to challenge dominant narratives, offering a platform for those voices that have been historically marginalised or silenced. As we navigate the digital age, the preservation and accessibility of these testimonies become ever more critical, ensuring that such tragedies are not relegated to footnotes in history books.
As thought leaders, educators, and citizens, we have an ethical obligation to engage with our shared history in a manner that is respectful, nuanced, and inclusive. This involves not only remembering the tragedies of the past but also understanding their implications for our present and future. The Bengal Famine is not merely a historical event; it is a lesson in the consequences of colonial policies, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of empathy and accountability.
