Join me in wishing India a very happy Independence Day – the picture has a boat with colors of the Indian flag.
Reproduced below is my favorite poem ‘Pushpa Ki Abhilaashaa’ (The Desire of a Flower) by Poet Makhanlal Chaturvedi.
The poem is dedicated to all the martyrs who laid down their life to free/defend their country.
चाह नहीं मैं सुरबाला के
गहनों में गूँथा जाऊँ,चाह नहीं प्रेमी-माला में
बिंध प्यारी को ललचाऊँ,चाह नहीं, सम्राटों के शव
पर, हे हरि, डाला जाऊँचाह नहीं, देवों के शिर पर,
चढ़ूँ भाग्य पर इठलाऊँ!मुझे तोड़ लेना वनमाली!
उस पथ पर देना तुम फेंक,मातृभूमि पर शीश चढ़ाने
जिस पथ जावें वीर अनेक।
A rough English translation is below
I do not wish to be woven into ornaments for a beauty
I do not wish to be made into a lover’s garland that tempts a beloved
I do not wish to be proffered as a mark of respect to deceased kings
I do not wish to be an offering to Gods and be filled with pride at my good fortune
Oh Gardener – please pluck me!
And throw me on the path, down which
Go the many brave hearts willing to sacrifice their lives for the motherland