Came across this beautiful poem composed by Makhanlal Chaturvedi who was not only a poet but also a writer, essayist, playwright, journalist and was also part of India's national struggle for Independence.
He was awarded the first Sahitya Akademi Award in 1955 for his work, हिम तरंगिनी (Him Tarangini) though he is better known for छायावाद (Chaayavaad) and most Indians will recognise the poem that I have reproduced below. If you are around my age you would remember the poem being recited on Indian TV in the 80's.
पुष्प की अभिलाषा
चाह नहीं मैं सुरबाला के
गहनों में गूँथा जाऊँ
गहनों में गूँथा जाऊँ
चाह नहीं, प्रेमी-माला में
बिंध प्यारी को ललचाऊँ
बिंध प्यारी को ललचाऊँ
चाह नहीं, सम्राटों के शव
पर हे हरि, डाला जाऊँ
पर हे हरि, डाला जाऊँ
चाह नहीं, देवों के सिर पर
चढ़ूँ भाग्य पर इठलाऊँ
चढ़ूँ भाग्य पर इठलाऊँ
मुझे तोड़ लेना वनमाली
उस पथ पर देना तुम फेंक
उस पथ पर देना तुम फेंक
मातृभूमि पर शीश चढ़ाने
जिस पर जावें वीर अनेक ।।
जिस पर जावें वीर अनेक ।।
For readers in English, here is the translation.
The Yearning of a Flower
Desireth not to be on the young lass’
Tresses…living twice all over,
Tresses…living twice all over,
Desireth not to be in a garland
Binding, enticing young lovers,
Desireth not to rest on the mortals
Of Emperors – aren’t we equally God’s own?
Of Emperors – aren’t we equally God’s own?
Desireth not to be on the heads of Gods
To take pride in mere fortune,
Pick me out, O Gardener!
Strew me on the path that the Brave tread
Strew me on the path that the Brave tread
To sacrifice for Motherland!
Let me, in obeisance, bow my head!
Does it bring back memories? From your childhood and about India's struggle for freedom? It does so for me.
