The cry of the unemployed: The mirror of Bengali poetry/ বাংলা কবিতার আরশিতে কর্মহীনের আর্তনাদ

Abstract

Unemployment brings immense difficulties. Mental anguish, regret, and even suicide emerge as people struggle against distress. Its toll touches all of society and art. Though joblessness first struck India after British rule's start, its true impact arose mid-20th century. Then, many flocked to bustling Calcutta hoping work would save them from want. All banked on government roles to end their woes. Only book learning seemed to offer positions. From that midpoint forward, the number of educated without employment ballooned exponentially. Bengali works told of sufferers' plight. Though this scourge hammers lives, strength endures in community and compassion. Creativity blooms as writers give voice to victims' resilience. Together may we ease others' burdens through empathy, reform and will to persevere where fate deals cruel blows. After the nation gained freedom in 1947, the new government was unable to alleviate the plight of the many unemployed citizens. Efforts to address the issue were lacking. Recruitment agencies instead saw corruption skyrocket, a problem persisting today. Political squabbles and abuse of authority continue damaging the lives of educated and talented individuals left searching for opportunity. Literary works portray the deteriorating struggle to survive, depicting defeat in life's battles and the attempts at self-sufficiency by those repeatedly crushed. Poetry once failed to show the unemployed finding establishment. As ever, verses broached this important matter. One poem presented a vision of the difficulties confronting youth scorched by the pain of joblessness. It also called for resisting such suffering. Another work described a man's journey after losing his role, wondering how to find purpose anew despite facing rejection at every turn.