My Dear Friend

A revolution is approaching. Stop it if you can.

They promised that freedom would be every Indian’s right.

But against their misrule, if my voice I raise,

The police come knocking on my door at night.

“My dear friend, you can sing but only paeans in our praise”.

They promised to dole out, one scheme after the other.

Come elections and it’s raining largesse.

But the file remains stuck in an office corner.

“My dear friend, we’re trying but the whole system is in a mess”.

They promised us jobs and decent salaries.

But with a labyrinthine system, the incentive is killed.

There are few investors and fewer industries.

“My dear friend, show me even one regime which promised and fulfilled”.

They promised to give us the best infrastructure.

But it is as always in a pitiful state.

Roads are full of potholes, for weeks no water.

“My dear friend, good things come to those who wait”.

They promised to maintain law and order.

Rid the country of all things dreadful.

But the police protect only those in power.

“My dear friend, at least you are safe, so be thankful”.

They promised to bring back from abroad,

Black money as well as fugitive crooks.

But like all other promises, it was a fraud.

“My dear friend, things are not as easy as they look”.

Promises of leaders work as opiates.

Subduing the resentment simmering inside.

As public memory fades, hoping it will abate,

While taking the country for a ride.

But no more shall we bow down and suffer.

The country and its citizens deserve better.

Up in arms, now we shall rise.

Our forefathers’ dreams, we shall realize.

Years ago an entire generation,

Laid down their lives for the cause of our nation.

My dear friends, it is up to us now, the time has come,

For India to awaken, once again, to light and freedom.