Swadeshi Poem

The occasion of Indian Arrival Day presents itself as an opportunity to remember what our ancestors have done for us. They have enjoyed many accomplishments but have had to endure much suffering along the way. Modern times have seen the demise of many aspects of cultural life. It is therefore up to us as young individuals to restore the beauty that is Indian culture. Here is the winning poem in the Swadeshi Poetry competition for age group 18 years and over. The poet is Amrica Aruna Seepersad of SWAHA Divya Ashram.

One hundred and sixty-six years ago across the kalapaani

Bhaarat ke parampara Chinidad me bahane lage

Bringing with it a rich and vibrant culture

Surviving hardship, struggle and torture.

Many years later we excel and overcome

and after much effort we have only just begun.

We cannot let our heritage slowly slip away

Yahan parampara, anushtaan, aur abhyaas raha rahe hai!

As the years have passed on

Society has broken down

Taking a toll on our community

and attempting to destroy a beautiful dynasty.

Now that we have learnt the hard way,

To our forefathers I say, “Mujhe afsos hai.”

We recognise the need to preserve its sanctity

and we are building a vision to become a reality.

O bachee! Our culture is in despair

when daaru ke gane pervade everywhere!

Please restore it to what it ought to be

Bring it back to its beauty and all its glory.

Fearless and courageous at the start

From our noble teachings, we must never part.

I urge you, please respect our ancestry

and do what you must to preserve our identity!

Bhai aur behin, our culture lies in our youth

In a doha of virtue and a katha of truth.

Mere dosto, we have a tradition to maintain

that our ancestors’ hard work won’t go in vain.

Bhaashaa, bhojan, geet aur capre

Voh laaye hamaare ke liye!

So let us all direct the flow of our culture

and do all that we must to preserve our Dharma.