Friday 14 June 2013


Slavery in Sudan

The most serious failing of mankind today

by Ruchir Arora

The wind was gentle and steady. Thin veils of clouds hung in the sky. It was a steel gray morning. Thousands of birds hidden in the trees broke out in a spontaneous melody. Ker Aleu Deng an Sudanese teenager, walked in timidly and came to a large uninviting door with brass hinges and a giant knob. He was warmly welcomed in this building, which the Americans call Capitol Hill. His hands were trembling and stomach, queasy from anticipation. It was a cosy place which boasted of simple clean lines with urban furniture. He stopped and remembered what all he had gone through and at that very moment his lost eyes turned cloudy. Suddenly a huge crowd along with the interviewer rushed towards him and he began. He began to tell about his quest to retrieve his own existence and the world needed to know the horrifying truth of his past. He mustered courage and he started narrating about his devastating truth. (8)

One of the most serious failings of mankind is the inability to abolish slavery. Slavery is a civil relationship whereby one person has absolute power on another and controls his life, liberty and power. Even-though slavery was made illegal in the US in 1863 it still forms dark clouds in many nations around the world. Though slavery is not legalized anywhere in the world, the number of slaves today is higher than at any point in history. It is still existent in many areas of the world, including Sudan. (1)

Sudan is one of the largest countries of Africa, located in the North East of the continent. Slavery has been endemic in Sudan for thousands of years now. There have been more than 2500 people enslaved until today in Sudan. Statistics show that around 60% of those abducted were taken to the northern Sudan by either the murahaleen or government created bodies. It is hard to imagine that slavery still exists in Sudan; in today’s era of technologies.(1)

Deng does not know where he was born, all he remembers is living in North Sudan with his mother and his slave master Zakaria. When Deng was young, his mother told him several times that his father was dead and also the fact that they were captured by Zakaria and all his other relatives were taken away by the Arab troops, named Murahaleen, as a result of the civil war.(7)

The Civil war that existed for more than 20 years between the Northern and Southern Sudan gave rise to slavery. Sudan has been at war with itself for more than 3 quarters of it’s existence. The reason for the conflict is the cultural and religious divide that characterizes the country. Northerners have traditionally controlled the country and have sought to unify it along the lines of Arabism and Islam despite the opposition of the non-muslim, christian southerners and marginalized people in the west and east. This was more than a conflict between the Northern and southern Sudan, a religious conflict between Islam and Christianity . (4)

Deng’s main work was to collect and pick hibiscus leaves for tea. Deng found Zakaria a very violent man because he often hit Deng and his mother by whipping them. At times he would beat Deng and his mother to such an extent that they would need to run to the neighbors for protection. Since his mother was a concubine to Zakaria, she had several kids with him who in front of Deng slowly disappeared without his knowledge. Deng gave a lot of respect to his Zakaria however he would always call him by bad names like “Jengei”, “abd” and “Kafir” as well. Also Deng was given an arabic name and sent to an Arabic school and was forced to not follow his religion christianity. Deng was entirely deprived of his identity.(7)

Thousands of women and children who are captured in this course of raid are forced into different kind of abuse including forced labour as domestic workers, cattle herders, marriage and even rapes. Some were sold or given to others as presents or even hired and given out as casual workers.All the money often went to the owners.In most cases the slaves were ill treated and subjected to physical abuse. Separation from families and taken to communities of which they haven’t even heard of makes it more easier for them to go into trauma and depression and the same time vulnerable to abuse and torture. (1)

“I was treated worse than the animals I slept with. Like them, I was property,” Deng later told lawmakers at a House Foreign Affairs Committee panel hearing on US policy toward Sudan.

“But the animals weren’t beaten every day. I was. Every single day, with a horsewhip… The animals were fed every day. But I wasn’t.” Said Deng in an interview.

The history of Sudan also contributes a lot to the existence of slavery in Sudan. After ancient Egyptians came to Sudan, prisoners were taken as slaves by the Nubians in Sudan centuries ago. Soon after the Arabs conquered Egypt, they tried to conquer the Nubian region, however their efforts were unsuccessful. During this time a treaty was signed between the Arabs and the Nubian, according to which Nubians agreed to supply 360 slaves annually to the Arabs, After the fall of the Nubian kingdom the Funj came into existence, who also used slaves in the army in the reign of Badi. After their own fall this region became notable for slaves under the reign of Mohammed Ali. (2)

One day some animals whose responsibility was Deng’s, escaped. Zakaria thought that this was purposely done by Deng and the fact that he thought that Deng had left hibiscus leaves because of which the animals escaped. Zakaria was very furious and decided to punish Deng . Zakaria tied Deng to a tree and Deng was hanging upside down. Then Zakaria took huge amounts of chili powder and smashed it into Deng’s eyes. To make things worse Zakaria put a fire to create a burning sensation. Deng was blinded with fear as he tore off into utter darkness. His entire body trembled for days and he was arrested by sheer panic. His own voice struck terror in his heart. He was tongue tied and remained motionless for days later until he was rescued by one of his neighbors Bakhit. He could not see anything after a few days and his vision deteriorated day by day and was later sent back to his village.(7)

Another reason is poverty. Most of the people in Sudan are either into farming or cattle herding. But because of the unpredictability of rainfall, shortage of water during the dry season and cattle raiding there is high poverty. Moreover the civil war destroyed the entire city economically so poverty existed and still exists in huge abundance and this was also one of the reasons which fuelled slavery. (3)

Lack of Proper law and governing bodies is another major reason. The Sudanese government did not have any control on the people, had no command over the nation , did not have any well built technology and infrastructure and had no support from other nations. These were the reasons which contributed to Deng’s devastating past. (3)
The government of Sudan until the year 1991 did not consider slavery as a crime but just a result of inter -tribal welfare. Human rights watch rejects this and also blame the Sudanese government for backing up the Arabs and supporting them in their acts. That is why Sudan has ratified slavery convention, the supplementary convention of the abolition of slavery, the slave trade and the institutions and practices similar to slavery. Because the Dinka communities persuaded the communities of Korfordan and Darfur the Minister of Justice established the Committee for the Eradication of Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC) on 15 May 1999 for the safe return of women and children to their families. It was mandated to investigate reports of abduction, and to bring to trial anyone suspected of supporting or participating in such activities. Several communities and even the people of the Dinka community who are helping free these slaves face numerous difficulties in carrying out their work. They have faced threats and some have been killed. Funding also continues to be a major obstacle.A comprehensive peace agreement was signed in 2005, and a new constitution, which criminalizes slavery, was adopted. However, the abduction issue has still not been fully considered and reflected upon, and the majority of those enslaved have not been released. Furthermore, once released, there is no proper support to help these slaves adjust back into their communities and to consider their education and health needs. (1)

Deng was taken to the US for treatment of his lost eyes. Deng gave an interview in Capitol hill telling his dreadful story to the world. He wanted to spread awareness and the world to know that such major social inequalities still exist today. His goal is to set all sudanese captives free and to be like his rescuers. Deng has great willpower because of which he is now getting back his vision and live a normal life. He has started getting education and also plays the piano as a hobby. He is a good example of a slave who has come out of his trauma and become one of the successful slaves but not all slaves are able to overcome this trauma.(7)

“I must get my soul back from you; I am killing my flesh without it.” Situations are now slowly getting better. They thrive for their existence every single day of their life. Love is the answer as it can mend even the deepest wounds. Love can heal, love can strengthen and yes love can make the change, love is the solution. Its time now to help these people free from atrocities and trauma and at the same time reunite with their families however slavery cannot be tackled in isolation, it is tied to other social and economical problems in Sudan and communities are helping by addressing these problems in different ways however we all can help by spreading awareness and by running charities for these poor people.Do you think that the slaves who are free know are happy and safe? Most of them are still in trauma they need love and if we can even give them the small gesture it will make them feel that there are people for that slave .And with our and several communities efforts, in the future there will be no more Moses and Deng anymore.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

(1) -"Slavery in Sudan." Anti-Slavery. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

http://www.antislavery.org/english/what_we_do/antislavery_international_today/award/2006_award_winner/slavery_in_sudan.aspx

(2) "Slavery in Sudan." Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation, 19 Apr. 2013. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_Sudan

(3) http://www.heritage.org/index/country/sudan "Sudan." Economy: Population, GDP, Inflation, Business, Trade, FDI, Corruption. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 June 2013.

(4) "Slavery in Sudan - the Evil Lives." Yahoo! Contributor Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.http://voices.yahoo.com/slavery-sudan-evil-lives-258807.html

(5) "A Brief History of Sudan - Part 1." About.com African History. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.http://africanhistory.about.com/od/sudan/p/SudanHist1.htm

(6) http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/sudan "Home - Rural Poverty Portal." Rural Poverty Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

(7) "Keer Aleu Deng." Keer Aleu Deng. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://csi-usa.org/Ker.html

(8) http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/October/Lost-Boy-Begs-US-to-Help-End-Sudan-Slave-Trade/"Christian Broadcasting Network." 'Lost Boy' Begs US to Help End Sudan Slave Trade. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

(9) "Sudanese History: The Slave Trade." Sudan Sudanese History Slavery Slave Trade. N.p.,n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.http://histclo.com/country/afr/sud/hist/sh-slave.html

(10) http://www.sudanupdate.org/REPORTS/Slavery/slave.htm N.p., n.d. Web. 13 June 2013.

Saturday 30 March 2013

Hard Work

Till last november I did not know anything about french other than "Bonjour" I knew that in UWCSEA I was going to be doing french and I knew that some the kids there would even have a 3 year experience in french.I was terrified and was kind of being lazy initially because I knew  that this was not my piece of cake . We humans have a nature and that is to resist things that are difficult to do and we claim such things as "IMPOSSIBLE"My mom told me that I needed to work hard and the fact that I was in a situation equivalent to a sinking boat.But I thought what is my definition of hard work?In my view hard work is that which challenges you?But then I thought that why not do the easiest rather than something that challenges you?

Well over a course of 2 months I have got the answers to these questions.Most people do the easiest and avoid hard work and thats precisely why you should do the opposite.The weak and superficial opportunities will be attacked by hordes of people searching for something easy to do.The real and golden opportunities will have much less competition and much less opportunities at the same time.Well this was what I started my hard work with  and it is a good and encouraging ideology to keep in mind.

Is it easy?Yes all of us working hard some or the other way in our daily lives. Being healthy is hard-work. Getting organized and managing time well is also hard work.Making goals and trying to follow and work towards them at all times is an example of a really hard work.Being happy is also  hard work:)

However it is important to have discipline in order to work hard and achieve something.When I started studying french I had irregular study patterns and at times spending days without even opening the french books.This will not work at all .Hence discipline is needed to work hard and achieve something.Another very good example of the need of discipline in hard work is losing weight.You need to have a disciplined diet and exercise otherwise things will not work out.

Your life will reach a whole new level if you stop fearing and avoiding hard-work so much instead surrender yourself completely to it and make it your friend instead of your enemy .And that  is what I did and in my last french test I scored full marks.

we must at the same time remember that in the modern generation along with hard-work even smart work is necessary . So use these holidays to excel something in which you undertake and work hard to achieve it.

HAVE GREAT HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY EASTER:)

Monday 25 February 2013

I found what is the what very fantasizing as I read through the book until page 288. I have caught up with the story well until the page 288. I felt that the content was clear and coherent helping me to be able to swiftly read the entire story. Every part of the story was organized well and was so interesting that it did not let me leave the book. The parts in which Valentino is in Atlanta and then the part as a lost boy both the parts were equally breathtaking. However there were many parts in the story that did not particularly entire me . Firstly there were many mature topics discussed that were relatively difficult to digest. Secondly in many parts of the story I felt that there was irrelevance to what and where Eggers wanted to take the  story to. Also for certain contents there was too much description that is detailed description , so in most of the places in the story the story was not concise making the story slow and difficult to read through.Like the part in which he describes about the basketball match and the scene in America there is too much description which was not really necessary.Also Eggers story does not look very organized . He talks about so many things and many of the things just pop up randomly in a chapter that at times diverted the readers from there clear understanding of the story. However for me this story is not just a book but a source to show me and tell me what life actually is and taught me the fact that  I should value life and what life has given me. I got to know more about so many things like the SPLA, the terrain and culture of Sudan,slavery,cattle culture,lost boys,diaspora,hunger ,history,war and tribes.The research process added a spark to my reading experience.

Friday 15 February 2013

what is the what


Having read 200 pages of what is the what I would like to share my experience with you.
Initially as I started reading the book I felt that the story was a contemporary story of a man's life.As I continued reading I realized that the story being a fictional one could still bring me closer to the truth than any other news article or documentaries.As I read the insightful story by Eggars I was shocked and at the same time pitied Valentino as he had seen so much at a pretty young age.There were parts in the story where I had to close the book and digest the facts while there were points where I couldn't take of my eyes from the book.In my view this story is an absolute classic because there is humor and terror in the story . The story is moving , insightful and compelling.It shows the idea of human resilience over tragedy and disaster. I learnt about many new things and and am really excited to get even more closer to the truth.I have had a great time reading this book until now.
Photography

Photograph is enthralling because it is both an art and a science.It is an art over which the photographer has a creative control but only to a certain extent.You can only take photos of what is there.Basically you need to find a good subject.. The truly great photographers are those who can see through there mind's eye, the photograph that they can create through there vision , artistry and skill.Vision comes first .If you cannot see the potential you can never be a good photographer . On the contrast artistry can be learnt and developed .You can read a book or even take lessons.You can learn from a great practitioner as well.Next comes skill.This is the technical part.Skill is exercised long before you even start to look for a subject.It is based on several factors and scientists say that such skills are not genetical but comes from practice.Experience teaches you all of this , there is no other way to learn than to try, possibly to fail,but to learn from the experience and improve.This is what marks out photographers from those who merely take snapshots .All photographers pursue the goal of perfection . In this process though they take some beautiful pictures which give them joy afterwards.



Friday 8 February 2013

MY TRIP TO FRANCE...........

My trip to france ....
 Recently in the december holidays  I visited France . It was a part  of learning french.I had never visited a more beautiful place than France. Their is a famous line which I have heard from 
most of the natives and the non-natives that "I have never left France for hollywood or even for 
getting the chance of working in the silicon valley.  Neither will I leave France for going to heaven."


"Bonjour" was the first word I heard as I entered France by the airplane attendants . I landed 

in the charles de gulle airport in paris. I loved the ambience in france and I did get an extraordinary 
feeling as I stepped out of the airport.Over the next few days I had a great time in France visiting the
Eiffel Tower , the museum of louvre and the museum of orsay  as well. The best part were the
restaurants where I experienced the french cuisine . 'Bon appetite ' as they say.the deserts were extraordinary . My  favorite being creme du brûlée. 


Having a prejudiced nature , I had built an opinion on france however my opinion completely changed when  I interacted with the french people.They were fun to mingle with since they had a cheerful and fun nature.Over the next few days I enjoyed dining and dancing with the french.



What an experience an as they say in french"c'etait unexpérience inoubliable , oh la!la!"






How to write about India.

Writing about India is not really a difficult task since there are many common or rather stereotypical ideas to touch on.To start off well the title should be particularly enticing so that it attracts readers.
The title could be based on cricket, chats , bollywood, gossiping , social inequalities or just "desi tadka"or "alag  che" as they say in hindi.

To make your writing a bit different from the conventional writings in India , avoid rambling about poverty,caste,illiteracy,pollution,corruption and overpopulation.
Talk about the mystical myths of India. Talk about weird superstitions like milk falling or the black cat superstition.Talk about chaos everywhere . Talk about entangled love stories which become successful at the end.Talk about the bollywood posters and chats.Also do not forget to sing and dance while writing so that your readers fill the colorfulness and grittiness of your writing and also at the same time give a message through your writing.


It depends on what a person wants to write about India.If a person talks about Indian families .Then have a character who is extra good and a charter who is extra bad.Talk about the families exaggerating about almost everything including the silliest of things.Do not forget to mention about love stories across the bridge which is impossible and also the family members worrying too much about  each other on one hand and on the other they fight to death . Include Ram ,Shyam,Sita etc as the names.Always include the contemporary idea of good winning evil , because that is what happens in Indian families.

If a person wants to write about the daily atmosphere of India , then there is a lot to write about.
Start with writing about a scandal in an auto of India in which the person is cheated by the auto driver because he took 5 extra rupees.Continue talking about the vegetable markets. That is just too much too digest while reading.Talk about the bargaining going on. Also continue talking about the fleas playing catching above your head.Talk about squishing of tomatoes and bananas and talk about  people being over enthusiastic since they were able to save 2 rupees.Continue talking about a new bollywood release on which people are over criticizing. Talk about a cricket match of India vs Australia on which people are betting and some ready to give up there lives to be able to witness the match. Do not forget to talk about the well running business of the priests and at the same time electricity going up and down.

If you want to talk about the politics or economy of India then that is not very difficult . Mention Sonia Gandhi,Manmohan Singh and Anna Hazare.Please mention about the growth of India rather than just poverty.Even if slow there is growth and it is not long before India will have one of the best economy in the world.
Lastly please mention about the rich heritage and close knit bonds which are only in India.

Monday 4 February 2013

Blogging is an integral part of the english curriculum.

Blogging is an integral part of the english curriculum and also otherwise because it lets your  thoughts and opinions come out in the form of writings .

I have been blogging for months now and on various different topics . My english grades have also improved , because  in my blog posts I described , narrated and debated as well.There are many reasons why a person should blog and why blogging should become an integral part of the english curriculum.Firstly it enables you to build trust . People are skeptical. People are skeptical about the various strangers on the Internet.Writing an interesting and well written blog can enable you to form the distrust to trust.Secondly it exercises your creativity.It has often been observed that the ones who are creative succeed the most.The third reason is that it is a good business model that enables you to advertise your brands and products.Fourthly in my view it is the foundation of all social media sites . You can easily put a blog that expresses yourself better unlike twitter and Facebook.


 ultimately, blogging will lead to growth as you learn about yourself, your audience and the world around you…leading to further creativity and profitable insights. 
Ruchir Arora 8RKE