In 2008, the renowned Indian playwright Dr. Atamjit made a special visit to Toronto. His purpose was to share his latest Punjabi play called 'Mungu Comrade,' which sheds light on the remarkable life and achievements of Makhan Singh. This unsung hero played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle and Trade Unionism in Kenya. What makes Makhan Singh truly unique is that he was the sole East African leader to face imprisonment by colonial forces in both India and Africa. Remarkably, his total time in detention adds up to 17 years, surpassing any other African leader.
Makhan Singh’s heroic initiative
On May 1 1950 ,in Nairobi's Kaloleni Hall, Makhan Singh made history as the first person in Kenya to demand "Complete independence and sovereignty of the East African territories - Uhuru Sasa" His unwavering dedication to the cause of the impoverished was unmatched, distinguishing him as one of the few unwavering heroes in Kenya's fight for freedom against the colonial powers. Fred Kubai, a close companion and fellow freedom fighter, describes Makhan Singh as a true champion of the working class, a fearless nationalist, and a devoted comrade in both trade unionism and the struggle for the nation's independence.
Mungu Comrade: The play
The play is a captivating adaptation of Zareena Patel's book 'Unquiet, with valuable contributions from Mr. Hindpla Singh Jabbal and Mr. Amarjit Chandan. Atamjit, a renowned director in Canada, is well-known for his thought-provoking productions that leave a lasting impact. Among his notable works are 'Fish of Kamloops,' 'How to Define Relations,' and 'The Spirit of Punjab,' which are still fondly remembered by the people of Toronto. Now, his latest masterpiece 'Mungu Comrade' has been making waves, receiving enthusiastic readings in Delhi, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jullundar, London, and Nottingham. The play holds special significance for Hindpal Singh, son of the late Makhan Singh, who commended Atamjit for beautifully capturing his father's essence as an unwavering idealist and fearless freedom fighter in Kenya's struggle for independence. Makhan Singh's name may have been unfamiliar to Atamjit just two years ago, but his passionate dedication has resulted in a heartfelt tribute to this unsung hero.
Dr. Harish Puri, a retired Professor of Political Science from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, was deeply moved by the play he witnessed in Ludhiana. In his heartfelt reflection, he expressed, "Mungu Comrade is a sensitive playwright's homage to the grandeur of an ordinary man's extra-ordinary social imagination and struggle. His hero, Makhan Singh, an Indian (Punjabi) settler in Kenya, represents a fascinating human saga of negotiation between one's cultural roots in one country and belongingness to a distant other (Kenya). The Kenyan worker's struggles for freedom and dignity against colonial rulers' machinations and bondage became to his life no less central than the struggle of Indians for Independence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.”
A beautiful message
In her book "Mercantile Adventurers," English writer Dana Seidenberg captures the essence of Makhan Singh, a remarkable figure in Kenya's history. Singh's unwavering dedication to Kenya's fight for freedom and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of the country's lowest-paid workers have firmly established him as the most significant Asian individual to have ever resided in East Africa during the twentieth century.
Makhan Singh effortlessly surpassed societal and political barriers, while infusing his life's work with the remarkable blend of Nanak's spirit, Gandhi's wisdom, and Lenin's ideals. The play ‘Mungu Comrade’ has a striking authenticity, thanks to thorough exploration and research. Furthermore, Atamjit's renowned imaginative prowess, deeply rooted in a unique philosophy of life, unveils an extraordinary yet overlooked Punjabi figure, an unsung hero of Kenya's fight for freedom, and captures the hearts of people in both nations.