On the way up
Call these rivers?
Bistirno duparer
Ashonkho manusher
Hahakar shunye-o
Nishobdo nirobey
O Gonga tumi,
Gonga boyechho kyano
In the lyrics and music inspired by Paul Robeson's version of "Ol' Man River", Bhupen Hazarika addresses the Ganga as the mighty one that flows on and on, disregarding the misery of millions along its banks. Originally sung in Assamiya and referring to the Luit, the song would allow rivers some agency, harking back to the powerful watercourse of Southasian myth and history.