Tempest of time (poems)

Tempest of time (poems)

-Kondapalli Niharini

Translated by Elanaaga

25. ‘Re’public Day

All the beautiful occasions of hoisting
the existence flags open as festivals.
A victory drum sounded at the midnight of
Fifteenth August, Nineteen Forty- Seven;
the sky of national feeling blossomed
in the form of hubbub everywhere.
It stood in front of us as full independence
on Twenty-Sixth January, Nineteen Fifty.
It has been sprouting every year as a festivity
for the last seventy years.
If the bale of freedom struggle is opened,
Gandhi who flung the arrow of peace,
Nehru the first PM of independent India,
Nethaji the great valiant freedom fighter,
and many others whose work yielded fruits
shine brilliantly – their wisdom as well.
Freedom from the tyrannical rule
of British opened its voice;
it explained the meaning of pens’ liberty.
RajyangaParishatwas formed with Rajendra Prasad;
laid new roads to new lights,
self-governance, elections.
Ambedkar’s constitution-drafting committee
went on correcting for two years, eleven months
and seventeen days; emitted bright light at last.
Became the biggest written constitution;
made the whole world look at us with awe.
All liked and appreciated it.
On the first Republic Day, Rajendra Prasad
arrived in a horse buggy to receive thehonour.

Isn’t theRajpath today offering courage
Removing the fear of dangers from neighbours?

It’s good if constitution is in the hands of
Efficient men; the reverse is bad, said Ambedkar.
Let us remember this always,
salute child warriors, valiant soldiers.
Let’s become the shoulders of societal welfare,
and eyes of national integrity; move united
for equal chances for everyone.
Guarding the country is essential,
56
nation means we all, elders’ words
are worth establishing in hearts.
Let us not forget the constitution which brings
fair rule to illiterate have-nots.
Let us not forget the freedom struggle,
the importance of a public holiday today,
salute our national flag.
Let’s celebrate Republic Day.

Satyam News, KaviPrapancham, 26th January 2021

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(To be continued-)