MELBOURNE, 31 October 2023: Poetry is said to be the expression of feelings and ideas through a distinctive style and rhythm. If mixed with politics it can be a creative way to mobilise people towards a desired goal. Imran Pratapgarhi, a poet-politician from India is one who does this ably. He is Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Indian Parliament’s upper house) from the Congress party and heads its minority department.
An Urdu poet, laced with Hindi and India’s multicultural ambience, his presence here for a ‘Mushaira’ (Poetry program) event, visit to the Victorian Parliament and diaspora meetings through the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), are memorable happenings.
His poetry recitation had all the trappings of a political activist deeply embedded with the people and conscious of their issues. His cry for people’s issues in India and the vocal urge for the strife torn Manipur (India’s North-East state), the Palestine and people’s bread-butter issues are reflected vocally in his poetry. One could see the youthful glow of determination in his eyes as he recited Urdu poetry at the Melbourne Town Hall. No doubt, his poetry and visit will be fondly remembered.
During a lunch meeting at the Gaylord Indian Restaurant, I talked to him and candidly he spoke on many issues. He is unhappy that the social splits in India are effecting the Indian Diaspora and feels the Diaspora is needed by India to influence it, it needs to utilise its inputs on India because institutions are in danger, he says.
He also talks about issues like the government inaction and the PM not speaking on Manipur, ‘Kalam par pahrae hain’ (there are controls on the media), the mainstream media is with an agenda, ‘Nafrat paair pasar raha hi’ (Hate is spreading) and the positive influence of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra…
He credits Rahul Gandhi for his decision to join politics. Asked bout the INDIA alliance, he says, it is troubling the PM and the ruling party. This proves the viability of the INDIA alliance.
Imran Pratapgarhi unedited interview:
The IOC chapter President Manoj Sheoran , National Vice President Sukhbir Sandhu , National Vice President Suresh Vallath , General Secretary Soban Thomas , UP Bihar chapter IOC President Aftab Mohammad, IOC Punjab chapter President Harpreet Singh Dod , Spokesman Punjab chapter Ajwinder Singh , General Secretary Rample Brar , Afzal Abdul Kadar President Kerala chapter IOC, Lucky Joshi and other Congress workers and supporters were present in the events with Imran Pratapgarhi.
