Price of the Modi Years

by Aakar Patel

It is why the dirge by Parul Khakhar became popular. Here is its text, translated by Salil Tripathi: Ganges, the Carrier of Corpses Don’t worry, be happy, in one voice speak the corpses O King, in your Ram-Rajya, we see bodies flow in the Ganges O King, the woods are ashes, No spots remain at crematoria, O King, there are no carers, Nor any pall-bearers, No mourners left And we are bereft With our wordless dirges of dysphoria Libitina enters every home where she dances and then prances, O King, in your Ram-Rajya, our bodies flow in the Ganges O King, the melting chimney quivers, the virus has us shaken O King, our bangles shatter, our heaving chest lies broken The city burns as he fiddles, Billa-Ranga thrust their lances, O King, in your Ram-Rajya, I see bodies flow in the Ganges O King, your attire sparkles as you shine and glow and blaze O King, this entire city has at last seen your real face Show your guts, no ifs and buts, Come out and shout and say it loud, “The naked King is lame and weak” Show me you are no longer meek, Flames rise high and reach the sky, the furious city rages; O King, in your Ram-Rajya, do you see bodies flow in the Ganges?.