Pandit-Ji* – A Poem for Jawaharlal Nehru.
(November 14th 1889 – May 27th 1964)
1.
The moon cast an enveloping shadow over the teeming multitudes,
as they made their tryst with destiny**,
with you as the bearer of the light,
and at the stroke of the midnight hour,
you emerged an icon, from the long and desolate night.
Long years had passed,
since those humid evenings spent,
languishing in jail,
yet your mind remained unshackled,
putting words on paper in the dim candlelight,
as the gaudy glare of empire began to pale.
2.
Today,
you live,
within us,
though not amongst us,
and,
your discovery***,
your glimpses***,
smoulder within me,
your immortal words,
my compass.
I am now,
the soul of nations,
once suppressed,
that have,
found utterance**.
I am now,
me.
I am now,
finally,
free …
* – ‘Pandit-Ji’ was the name that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, was respectfully called.
** – excerpts from Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech on 15th August 1947.
*** – two of the few books written by Nehru – “Glimpses of World History” and “The Discovery of India“
Absolutely beautiful Afzal. What a wonderful and moving tribute.
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as ever many thanks to you, my dear friend.
much appreciated and humbled.
Peace ✌ my dear friend
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Peace always
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Always
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Was it written in hindi.. do you have that version Mm
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This piece was written in English by me. No Hindi version unless someone would be kind enough to translate my poem.
Warmest wishes and peace ✌
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okay.. that’s beautiful ❤
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many humble thanks, my friend. your kind and generous words are heartwarming and deeply appreciated.
I wish you and all those dear to you all of the very best.
Respectfully, and with peace and hope for all
Peace ✌👍✊
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Ameen
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Ameen Summa Ameen
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WOW! This was an absolutely wonderful dedication!
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many humble thanks. deeply appreciated and heartwarming so thank you yet again for your kind and generous words.
warmesr wishes to you and to all those dear to you.
Peace and Hope and Freedom and Gender-Rights and Equality and Dignity and Justice for All ✌✊👍
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👍👍Awesome Post
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many humble thanks my friend. deeply appreciated.
Peace Shanti uKuthula ✌
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Peace Shanti uKuthula ✌😊
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✌🤗
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