I Am India

Dhirendra Kumar Jha “Dhirendra “

I am India.
Trampling
subjected on me repeatedly
ruined me badly
wounded intolerably;
many times I tolerated
suppressions from my enemies
Nevertheless, I kept my prestige intact
my existence was not destroyed
I was not made lifeless
I am nectar,
not anything else.

My nature is immortal
My culture
is true and permanent
I have no defects,
no demerits
I am the descendent
of God
I am His pledge,
His acceptance.
I will never see
my degeneration
my destiny is well- written
I am of that culture,
not another.

Getting melted
by raindrops,
Getting killed
by thunderstorms,
Getting frightened
by enemies,
Getting rotten
by trampling,
Getting suppressed
by enemies’ power—
No, I am not;
I am not like that.

I am great,
apparent example of talent
of sages and saints,
Gods and Goddesses
The Vedas and the Upanishads
The knowledge of the Gita
I am wealthy in
the six branches of philosophy
I am the center of
Patanjali’s yoga.
I am the targeted bow of Arjuna.
I am incomparable;
I am the life-saving armor kawach- kundal
donated by Karna, the great warrior.
I am the melodious song
sung by Lav and Kush.
I am the path of devotion and meditation
that leads to Lords Krishna and Rama.

I am the thought and the knowledge
Which inspire world-family concept
I am the treasure of
religion which encourages humanity.
I am the proof of
metaphysics.
I am present in tantra and mantra
in the shape of scriptures.
I am radiant with
a unique light.
I am everywhere.
But I am not that.

Translated by Ayodhyanath Choudhary