Question

As an example of how some event gets reflected in literature and how a poet perceives that event, study the poem ‘Aavahan’ written on the backdrop of the Sino-Indian war by the noted Marathi poet Kusumagraj. Find pieces of literature based on contemporary events.

Answer 1

Our towering northern borders, inch by inch, we shall fight with pride and sacrifice and raise our flag high, high.

As enemies attack, each home becomes a fortress, These countless strong arms will become flagpoles, Making our chests the shield, facing the bayonet with valor.

The mighty stands like the Himalayas, ending the beast, This snow-clad mountain, this bare peak, this trident and golden Ganga, Even if hordes of foes arrive, we'll fight battle after battle.

If a thousand of our kind melt in crisis, When the enemy circle tightens, with fourteen tongues but a single voice, Whether parties or sects, our goal is to drown them in the ocean.

The nation's firm resolve, to resist with our lives, The blood in our veins will burn the tyrannical throne, We are no one's slaves, we will again create a new history.

Injustice happens next door, or in the global market, We will rush there too, singing the mantra of freedom, Always spreading the cry of liberty, fraternity, and equality.

- Vasant Bapat