A Child Smiles Poem by Nikhil Parekh

Only in a world of freedom,
Can a child unfold and bloom.

Only with the Sun piercing right through the dark hut,
Can a child see the wonderful sights of this world.

Only in an ocean of unprejudiced love,
Can a child speak to its heart's content.

Only through the eyes of soft empathy,
Can a child see its true reflection.

Only in surroundings of unadulterated society,
Can a child open its mind wholesomely and dream.

Only when applauded at its tiniest achievement,
Can a child come to know its hidden potential.

Only in lanes without propagation of caste,
Can a child recognize its own identity.

Only in the cradle of happiness,
Can a child fantasize and create.

Only in vicinity of the learned,
Can a child imbibe the essentials of life.

Only in the pages of medieval history,
Can a child understand its ancestors better.

Only in unpolluted waters of the Ganges,
Can a child splash its hands and wholeheartedly swim.

Only without discrimination of gender and status,
Can a child flourish to achieve its goal.

Only in the gentle hands of its mother,
Can a child shield its eyes and sob.

And Only in an atmosphere of complete equality,
Can a child stimulate his urge for learning, prosper and smile.