Ritual songs and folksongs of the Hindus of Surinam

[p. 165]

98 Modern iii [Ansoe, 1967]
On Surinam politics

bhayle desa ājād mila kar raho eka sāth
mati karo utapāt yahi desavā mę
cāhe raho sirinām cāhe jā̈o hindustān
mati bano kristān, yahi desavā mę
jaba se bhäile khurāfāt hindū muslim donǫ sāth
taba se bhäile barabād, yahi desavā mę
mān lo gāndhījī ke kahanā tum na karo manamānā
aba na lagegā ṭhikānā yahi desavā mę
suna lo hindū muslim bhā̈ī donǫ bhārata ke pūta kahā̈ī
mati karo takarār, yahi desavā mę

The country has become independent;¹ live together in unity.
Do not cause disruption in this country.
Whether you live in Surinam² or you go to India -
Do not become Christians in this country.
Since the trouble has started between the Hindus and Muslims together -
Since then there has been destruction in this country.
Accept the teachings of Gandhiji; don't do (just according to your own) wishes -
(Otherwise there) will be no place³ (for you) in this country.
Listen, Hindu and Muslim brethren, both are called the sons of India -
Do not argue (against each other) in this country.

1 This refers to the independence of India. Perhaps the singer wishes the Surinamers to learn from the example of India in certain ways. On the other hand, the Indians of Surinam are on record as being against the independence of Surinam at this time.

2 The word Surinam has many Indianised forms: Sarnām, Sirinām (as here) and even Śrīnām and Sirīrām.

3 Or, ‘There will be no settlement’.