‘Olga Berggolts’ – who gave hope to millions through her Poetry.
‘Olga Berggolts’ – who gave hope to millions through her Poetry.
I had come across the story of Soviet-era poet ‘Olga Berggolts’ during my visit to Saint Petersburg, and recently when I was writing my article, ‘Saint Petersburg – the most Enchanting, Majestic city in the World!’, I remembered her. I found her life story very intriguing, inspirational and more relevant to the current times.
So, what is so special about her life? And why her life story is so relevant in current times?
Saint Petersburg which was formally known as Leningrad, went through great suffering during World War II. Nazi Germany had blocked the city. The blockade is known in history as ‘The siege of Leningrad’, for a span of 872 days, from 1941-1944. It was one of the darkest times in Russian history.
‘Olga Berggolts’ a Soviet poet became a muse of Leningrad. A radio speaker, she became a solitary familiar voice that many survivors have said, kept them alive during those dark and lean days.
As the Nazis strangulated Leningrad, Olga broadcasted her poems and the poems of others. The city was bombed continuously and bodies piled up on the streets, but she did not stop. From her microphone straight into the barricaded apartments of the besieged city, Olga read her poems, delivered the news about bombings or fires in the city, and, above all, encouraged the besieged Leningraders to hold on to their last hope of life.
She too suffered, was blocked off, locked in, starved but she stayed focus, continued to give desperate citizens hope. Her husband died in 1942. She dragged his body to the cemetery in the biting winter temperatures on a child’s sled, her face was described as being nearly “black with frost”.
That winter was brutal. In one month over 50,000 died. Temperatures fell to -30 degrees. Desperate for food, people began to peel wallpaper for the glue, made of animal hooves. Rations were minuscule, rotten bread usually made with wood shavings. A few even resorted to cannibalism.
The Siege left almost a million dead, 600,000 from starvation alone. Survivors claimed it was the voice of Olga that comforted and kept them alive.
She survived the siege. On May 9, 1960 Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery was opened dedicated to the victims of the ‘Siege of Leningrad’, with the words by Olga Berggolts engraved on the wall behind the Motherland monument. The last line “No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten” became a catchphrase since, often mentioned in Russia during memorial days.
She was truly a Soldier-poet. She is credited in part that it was due to her optimism that Leningrad and the people could survive the Germans. She saved many lives. Through her experiences, she encouraged the starving to hang on. To fight to live. She urged her listeners not to have their spirits or faith broken.
Her life is much more intriguing and inspirational. She went through a lot of ordeals which I am not bringing here. There are many books and articles written on her Life, which one can refer to.
The aspect of her life which stands out for me, relevant to the current context, is her poetry and voice which gave hope to the millions of Leningraders. That is the power of Pen. That is the power of a Poet.
In difficult and desperate times, it is the power of pen and the creativity of the writers and the poets which has always become the source of inspiration and hope for many. During India’s Independence struggle, it was two magical words ‘Vande Mataram’ of Poet Bankim Chandra Chatterjee which brought all Indians together. One must not forget how the poetry and stories during those times, inspired millions of Indians to take a plunge into the fight for Independence, and undoubtedly that was the best era of Indian literature.
At present, I see our lives in Corona times no different. We may not be in that kind of worse situation but the truth remains, we cannot deny we have a situation of despair and uncertainty. Loss of loved ones, loss of income – many are feeling disoriented, lost, and lonely which is leading to a rise in cases of depression.
So who can give hope to People?
Government? Political Parties ? Media? The less we expect from them the better.
Only writers, poets, and creative people can; they must rise to help people to overcome these tough times. The saying ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ is a truth that has stood through Times. A small literature work can inspire thousands, change the lives of millions, and give a many hope to sail through the tough times.
As Swami Vivekananda had told one of his followers, “Become gay and happy again. Build up your health. Do not dwell in silence upon your sorrows. Transmute your emotions into some form of external expression. Your spiritual health requires it. Your art demands it.”
His words are eternal truth. The poets and writers must rise, and become soldiers of humanity. ‘Olga Berggolts’ life is an enduring example how even one small candle can guide many through the dark forest.
In these tough times, let each one of us be the guiding light, and help many to overcome the sorrow, grief, and financial stress.
–
Rakhi Sunil Kumar
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_Bergholz
https://bounddv.medium.com/a-woman-you-should-know-olga-berggolts-b2f4834ec4f8
