Nissim Ezekiel – Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.
Nissim Ezekiel’s “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” is a humorous and satirical poem written in typical **Indian English** (Indian Pidgin English). The poem captures the speech delivered by a colleague at a farewell party for Miss Pushpa, who is going abroad. Using simple language, repetitive expressions, and exaggerated praise, Ezekiel brilliantly mocks the Indian habit of delivering awkward, overly polite speeches full of clichés.
About the Poet – Nissim Ezekiel
- Nissim Ezekiel (1924–2004) – Father of Modern Indian English Poetry.
- Known for poems like Night of the Scorpion, Enterprise, The Professor, and Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher.
- His poetry often reflects urban Indian life, satire, simplicity, irony, and human behaviour.
Summary of the Poem
The poem is narrated by an unnamed colleague who gives a farewell speech for Miss Pushpa. His speech is filled with awkward English, unnecessary digressions, and exaggerated compliments, which create humour.
Opening of the Speech
The speaker happily announces that they have gathered to say goodbye to Miss Pushpa, who is “leaving for foreign.” This phrase itself creates humour by reflecting typical Indian English usage.
Character Sketch of Miss Pushpa
The speaker describes Miss Pushpa as always “smiling,” “optimistic,” and very “cooperative.” These praises are vague and overly general, highlighting the artificial nature of farewell speeches.
Irrelevant Digressions
The speaker suddenly shifts to talk about Miss Pushpa’s family, especially her father, who was a “highly respected advocate in Bulsar.” This irrelevant information adds to the humour and awkwardness.
Miss Pushpa’s Qualities
The speaker praises her friendliness, saying she is “coming from good family,” another typical Indian English expression. He insists that she is popular with “male and female” colleagues alike.
Conclusion of the Speech
He invites others to speak, using polite but ungrammatical phrases. The poem ends mid-speech, highlighting the spontaneity and simplicity of the speaker’s language.
Major Themes
- Indian English / Hinglish – The poem humorously reflects the way English is spoken in India.
- Satire on Office Culture – Ezekiel mocks the artificiality of farewell speeches.
- Social Courtesy – Exaggerated politeness shows how Indian formal gatherings work.
- Humour & Irony – The humour comes from language, digressions, and stereotypical praise.
- Middle-class Aspirations – Going “to foreign” is treated as a matter of great prestige.
Important Lines Explained
- “We are meeting today to wish good luck to Miss Pushpa…”
Typical Indian English sets the humorous tone. - “She is popular with all, you know, friends, and also colleagues.”
Shows unnecessary elaboration and misplaced confidence. - “I am always appreciating the good spirit.”
Shows literal translation from Indian languages. - “I am not remembering now what I was saying…”
Exposes the speaker’s confusion and unpreparedness.
Style & Language
- Indian Pidgin English used deliberately for humour.
- Repetition of phrases (“very smiling,” “good spirit”).
- Colloquial tone, as if spoken directly.
- Irony – the poet does not attack, but gently mocks.
- Simple structure like a speech at an office event.
Symbols & Ideas
- Speech – Symbol of Indian middle-class formality and awkwardness.
- Smiling nature – Represents the superficial qualities often highlighted in farewells.
Critical Analysis
- Ezekiel captures the unique flavour of Indian English without insulting it.
- The humour arises not from mocking Miss Pushpa but from the speaker’s language.
- The poem reflects urban Indian office culture and its pretensions.
- It shows how English is indigenized in India — becoming local, warm, and full of character.
- The poem is a gentle satire, not harsh criticism.
Character Sketch – Miss Pushpa
- Cheerful and optimistic.
- Friendly and cooperative.
- Comes from a respected, educated family.
- Generates affection among colleagues.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | Nissim Ezekiel |
| Poem | Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. |
| Year | 1972 |
| Genre | Satire / Humorous Poem |
| Theme | Indian English, office culture, humour |
| Tone | Light, playful, ironic |
| Style | Spoken-speech format with Indian Pidgin English |
| Setting | Farewell gathering in an office |
| Message | Celebrates and gently mocks Indian English & social etiquette. |
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