My Country(2) Poem by DEEPAK KUMAR PATTANAYAK

I often wonder
Where is India
What is India
And how is India
In the present context
While alighting from the glorious and golden past
With a baggage stacked in valuables
Full of essence and substance and ambiance
Lettered in golden letters upon its face
"The Bharatavarsha"
Now modernized as "Bharat"
Also officially and lovingly called
Shining like gold in the morning sun
And unto noon it is a diamond
And unto night with moon it is a paradise born
Mughals called it Hindustan
And to the whole world
"India" it is best known
Derived from Indus originating from the Old Persian word Hindu
That again stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu
I feel it synonymous with a progressive diminution
Of differences with distinct and sweet names as such
But whatever it may set one's sights on
It goes deeper than what I explore and am aware
For the appellation is beautiful and divine
With diverse terrain from the towering icy Himalayan peaks to coastline
Along sun-washed beaches of Indian Ocean on the south,
The Arabian Sea on the southwest and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast
And the history reaching back five millennia
I revel in its breathtaking panorama and its natural beauties
The spirit of God begins to dwell in you
When exquisite temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras beckon to all and you
And strengthen the wings of love amongst Hindus, Muslims, Christian and Sikhs
Pluralistic, multilingual and multiethnic indeed a land of notable diversity
It sustains on sharing instead of dividing the riches of love, pain and pleasure
Amongst all cultures that assimilate to outgrow into a fusion of a new wonder
Indeed a gem of gems; a garden of gardens
Where flowers bloom to be flourished and enrich lives
Pluck one they will all wither
Embrace one they will all rise to be your breather
A parliamentary republic
It's the world's most populous democracy
Let truth alone prevail
And let life thrive on non-violence and peace
So told by Mahatma Gandhi, the "high-souled" Indian
And the apostle of truth the world has ever known
And born here were
Many a Saint, Nobel laureate and Statesman
From ancient traditions and creative heritage
To magnificent landscapes and culinary presentation
It will certainly ignite your curiosity
You will fry, simmer, sizzle, knead, roast and flip
Across a deliciously diverse repertoire of dishes
Masterfully crafted by master chef
From marinated meats and thalis
To the simple splendor of vegetarian curries and deep-sea delights
And then breezes in its spirituality simply soul stirring and awakening
Deep-rooted and irresistible with associations countless
Painted across the wide and varied canvas of timelessness
And then there are its cultural and traditional festivals too!
From Holi to Diwali fall many celebrations
Formidable like city parades
To simple like country fairs paying homage
To locally worshipped Gods
However my soul is not overcast without its shortcomings
Oh India! Night-breeze may bring you peace
And dew drops solemnity
But I am saddened by your infirmity
Moon you may charm me with your astounding beauty
But you can't keep me from your distressed smiles
For I know your darker side
The poverty is confronting
The dirty politics is polluting
The corruption is very alarming
And the Indian bureaucracy is exasperating
Yet this is all part of Indian beauty
For its people have the ability
To inspire and frustrate,
Thrill and confound
Digest and reject all at once
What is needed is fair attitude
And that will be wise if we wish to retain our sanity
Love it or loathe it
To embrace India's diversity is to embrace its soul
With this "I bow to Thee, Mother "