From the Ganga to the Tay by Bashabi Fraser sampler

within the poem form the basis of an ‘ecological echo’ which can be
heard around the world, revealing an almost timeless relationship
between rivers.
The ‘conversation’ reveals a contemporary questioning edge, yet it
also recalls ancient parables, many of which are alluded to on Pictish
symbols carved in stone.
The poem is a poignant joining of these two iconic rivers of the
world. I was first introduced to Bashabi Fraser in 1998. Since then,
the relationship formed and the personal journeys made by Bashabi
and myself have converged to form a kind of visual poetry which is as
much a catalyst to stimulate discussion as it is a dialogue between the
two rivers. Travelling to India several times has enabled me to start to
consider the differences between the two rivers; comparing the deep
connection between people and river along the banks of the Ganges
with that along the banks of the Tay.
I recently discovered an East India company coin dated 1832, which
inspired me to research my family history, and found that two of my
ancesters lived in India in the mid 19th century. Private James
Blacklaw and his wife Janet Binnie, my great-great-grandparents,
travelled from Stirling to India with the 42nd (Royal Highland)
Regiment of Foot, the ‘Black Watch’, in 1862. Their first daughter was
born near Rawalpindee in 1865 and they returned to Edinburgh in
1868, disembarking at Burntisland. The photos reflect this personal
journey and celebrate the rich cultural connections between India
and Scotland.
Kenny Munro
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