Why Georgia? A Roving Indian in Stalin's Land

I met many Georgians who shied away from criticizing their government or Russia

- SHASHI SHEKHAR

A visit to former Soviet republic of Georgia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war raging in its neighbourhood was exciting and instructive. Tucked in the breathtaking Caucasian mountains on Russia's borders, this country of less than 4 million citizens lives with the burden of a tragic and sad history.

Despite their indomitable courage, the Georgians had to endure the rule of their mighty neighbours, including Persians, Ottomans, Russian Czars and the Soviets for more than four centuries between 1578 to 1991.

The Georgians have proclaimed themselves free since the breakup of the Soviet Union. It's ironic that Georgia became a part of the Union, and Joseph Stalin, a Georgian himself, played a pivotal role. He remained at the helm for 30 of the 69 years of the Soviet Union. Stalin was born in Georgia's Gori village. So, if the Georgians consider the breakup of the Soviet Union their liberation, how do they view Stalin's autocratic rule? I tried to probe people near the Stalin museum in Gori. Everyone excused themselves citing lack of language abilities.