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| Abeer Sikder |
On Feb. 14, I had the honor of attending a lecture by Priscilla A. Clapp, a former US diplomat who served as the Chief of Mission in Burma from 1999-2002. She has also held many similar positions in the State Department related to foreign relations with Burma and other countries. Clapp primarily discussed the evolution of Burma since its independence in 1948. While Burma was initially governed as a parliamentary democracy, there was a military coup in 1962. Since then, the nation has been gradually returning to a Western-style democracy.
When I picture the development of Burma – especially in the 21st century – I can’t help but envision my parents’ native land of Bangladesh (which happens to border Burma). I have been to Bangladesh a number of times since my childhood, and the most noticeable aspect of each trip is how vastly the country has transformed. Traffic is more organized, the air is cleaner, the streets are shinier, and technology has boomed. Modern Bangladesh, like Burma, was founded on the ideals of democracy, freedom, and equality; while both countries are still developing, they have made great strides in overcoming the reactionary forces that are still trying to re-establish authoritarianism.
This parallel relationship between Bangladesh and Burma inspired me to write a short poem (surprise!) about how one day, both nations – along with the rest of the developing world – can become more prosperous democratic states.
Bangladesh and Burma
An end to inequality is what these people yearn.
Blessed is their freedom, which shall one day return.
Civic virtue has already thwarted the military might
And re-established your rights in this patriotic plight.
And although political instability still exists
The people’s voice can alter its manipulative twist.
While there are those with power who install the corrupt
Support is always there for statesmen who are just.
Elect the leaders who promote true progress
And will defeat the reactionaries that divide this desh*.
So much greatness and equality has already been achieved
One day you will inspire the whole world toward peace.
*Desh is the Bengali word for “country.”
Abeer Sikder, of Johnson County, is a junior McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He is studying economics, finance and political science.