Mother India Laments!

Is this a day for grand celebrations?

Is this a day for merrymaking and jubilation?

To understand my agony no one is there.

Since seven decades I am free

But chained I'm everywhere,

With shackles of ceaseless corruption

Nepotism, terrorism, exploitation.

Unity in diversity I am!

But fragmented everywhere, every moment,

In the name of regionalism and communalism.

Rich and resourceful I am!

But countless children of mine die of starvation

And my farmers suicide due to frustration.

Pure and peaceful I am!

But wounded and mutilated every moment.

All around there is blood and gore.

My daughters shrivel in the wombs

Before they bloom,

And molested and raped

Publicly on the roads.

My dream to be a land of peace

And an abode of love

Is dashed to the dust,

My desire to be the crown of the world

Is lost in the dreary desert of dishonesty.

O' my children!

Save me from this horrifying humiliation.

Or else

Kill me! Finish me,

No more torment,

Just gently relieve me

Of my pain with one stroke!