नयी राह

These lines come amid the rising tension between nations and between individuals, all due to the hunger for more power; more authority. We, as humans, need to forget about the boundaries of regions and religions to make this world a better place for everyone. We need more love, more understanding, and more compassion.

For my non-Hindi readers, because you’ve been so kind as to visit this page, there is an English translation of the poem at the end, which started as a blank verse, but I could finally manage a rhyme scheme!

Here’s to the victims of war and conflict; to all those who are suffering directly or indirectly!

रूह की बंजर ज़मीं पर
प्रेम की बौछार लाओ|
शिथिल-सी ज्ञानेन्द्रियों को
गीतों से अपने जगाओ|

निराशा की लौ ज्वलित,
हाँ! चल रहा तूफ़ान है|
अब न जाने किस दंभ में
खो रहा इंसान है|

बात फिर से चल रही है
सत्ता की, अधिकार की|
नहीं मगर किसी को भी
है व्यग्रता विकार की|

मूर्च्छित-से होकर पड़े हैं
वृक्ष भी, और इंसान भी|
अपने ही वतन में हैं कुछ
प्रच्छन्न भी, अंजान भी|

चलो, अब कलियाँ खिलायें;
लायें ज़रा बहार नयी|
छोड़ें मंदिर-मस्जिद के नारे,
बनायें कुछ राहें नयी|

The English translation:

A NEW WAY

On your deserted soul,
Allow the showers of affection
And let your songs be the cause
Of your awaited resurrection.

The flame of despair is ablaze.
The storms are wild and loud.
Oh! Man has lost all his ways
Covered in an egoistic shroud.

There is a widespread hunger
Of power, of authority
But not a soul would think
Of the moral deformity.

All lie withered –
The trees, and the men.
Living in their very nations
Whilst identities are hidden.

So come, let’s foster some buds.
Let blossoms make it gay;
Forsake the religious slogans,
And pave a brand new way!

Featured Image Courtesy: World Press Photo of the Year: 1980 Mike Wells, United Kingdom. Karamoja district, Uganda, April 1980