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ਬਿੱਲਾ ਅੱਜ ਫਿਰ ਆਇਆ
Hardcover
Published January 1, 2009
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October 1, 2024
ਅੱਜ ਬਿੱਲਾ ਫਿਰ ਆਇਆ (2009 posthumously) ਲਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲ
“Aj Billa Phir Aaya” by Lal Singh Dil is a narrative poem that vividly portrays the struggles of Punjabi Dalit communities, particularly through the eyes of its central character, Billa. A young Dalit boy, Billa represents the marginalized and discarded sections of society, who have been systematically excluded from the benefits of economic and social development. Through the lens of feudal and capitalist exploitation, Dil masterfully captures the painful realities faced by young Dalit men, who, like Billa, find themselves trapped in a world where they are deprived of land, dignity, and opportunities.
One of the central themes is the looting of common village lands by the upper-caste Jatts, who, having risen to positions of power, now dominate the police, judiciary, and political institutions. These landed Sardars manipulate the system to their benefit, switching political loyalties between Congress, Akali, and even the Naxalites, who, as Dil points out, blindly follow Russia without understanding the complexities of Indian Dalit society. This critique raises the question: Is land the exclusive right of the Jatts?
Dil emphasizes how Dalits are systematically kept away from education and dignified employment. The exploitation intensified with the advent of the Green Revolution, which, while benefiting a few, severely harmed Punjabi society, the environment, and the Dalit community. Even traditional grazing lands and ponds are now under cultivation, leaving Dalits without means to sustain themselves through cattle farming or other livelihoods. The tragic result is severe unemployment, pushing many into drug addiction or even suicide.
Dil’s poem also addresses the displacement of both unskilled and skilled Dalit labor to cities, which are unable to provide employment for all. The rural Dalit community, once deeply connected to agriculture, is further marginalized as agricultural work is now done by migrant workers from Bihar, leaving local Dalits without any meaningful employment. This is compounded by the reliance on free subsidies and the unsustainable practices of rice cultivation in Punjab, which only worsens the crisis for Dalits.
“Aj Billa Phir Aaya” serves as a powerful critique of the socio-economic structures that continue to oppress Dalits.
PS: The cover features a striking image of poet Lal Singh Dil holding a cat, yet the title’s reference to “Billa” is unrelated to the pet.
“Aj Billa Phir Aaya” by Lal Singh Dil is a narrative poem that vividly portrays the struggles of Punjabi Dalit communities, particularly through the eyes of its central character, Billa. A young Dalit boy, Billa represents the marginalized and discarded sections of society, who have been systematically excluded from the benefits of economic and social development. Through the lens of feudal and capitalist exploitation, Dil masterfully captures the painful realities faced by young Dalit men, who, like Billa, find themselves trapped in a world where they are deprived of land, dignity, and opportunities.
One of the central themes is the looting of common village lands by the upper-caste Jatts, who, having risen to positions of power, now dominate the police, judiciary, and political institutions. These landed Sardars manipulate the system to their benefit, switching political loyalties between Congress, Akali, and even the Naxalites, who, as Dil points out, blindly follow Russia without understanding the complexities of Indian Dalit society. This critique raises the question: Is land the exclusive right of the Jatts?
Dil emphasizes how Dalits are systematically kept away from education and dignified employment. The exploitation intensified with the advent of the Green Revolution, which, while benefiting a few, severely harmed Punjabi society, the environment, and the Dalit community. Even traditional grazing lands and ponds are now under cultivation, leaving Dalits without means to sustain themselves through cattle farming or other livelihoods. The tragic result is severe unemployment, pushing many into drug addiction or even suicide.
Dil’s poem also addresses the displacement of both unskilled and skilled Dalit labor to cities, which are unable to provide employment for all. The rural Dalit community, once deeply connected to agriculture, is further marginalized as agricultural work is now done by migrant workers from Bihar, leaving local Dalits without any meaningful employment. This is compounded by the reliance on free subsidies and the unsustainable practices of rice cultivation in Punjab, which only worsens the crisis for Dalits.
“Aj Billa Phir Aaya” serves as a powerful critique of the socio-economic structures that continue to oppress Dalits.
PS: The cover features a striking image of poet Lal Singh Dil holding a cat, yet the title’s reference to “Billa” is unrelated to the pet.
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