77th Independence Day Celebrations, India,2023 Poem by Dr John Celes

India is Bharat and Bharat, India;
Its history, sacred heritage are great;
The peace-loving citizens want no war;
Indians are now global and abhor hate!

Our freedom came by lost lives and blood-shed;
Our patriotism had made us free;
Despite the torment, all kept cool a head;
The world is stunned to see our unity!

The land has grown in ‘leaps and bounds' quite fast;
In population, it stands number one;
With pride, the tricolor adorns each mast;
Nigh are the moon and mars and even sun!

Our diversity is our real strength;
Our foes are scared of Indian development;
The love of neighbor spans its breadth and length;
More people aim for ken and employment!

Some bickering within must better stop;
Let poor receive a fairer share and rights;
The country could ascend soon to the top;
The youth can labor by days and nights.

We need good governance and leaders strong;
For greater glory globally, we thirst;
In righteous path, we walk and do no wrong;
Our nation's first and shall be always first!

Our fortitude and hard-work bring success;
Nothing divides the peoples of this land;
We climb life's rungs with wisdom and prowess;
Let corruption not stain our hearts and hand!

Secularism ushers integrity;
Terrorism will see its natural end;
The grace of God will bestow unity;
To injustice, our heads will never bend!

All Indians come from states across the land;
We will turn soon a superpower too;
Bharat was not born with a magic wand;
To foster peace on earth, all things we do!

India can solve its internal problems;
If love prevails, we all can live in peace;
All Indians are priceless like gold and gems;
We share the water, air and sun with ease!

"Happy Independence Day to all Indians world-over"
Copyright by Dr John Celes 15-08-2023