Ensuing Independence Day Celebrations Of 2012, In India Poem by Dr John Celes

Freedom we have got but free we are not!
Let's think about how freedom-fighters fought;
Let's do our duty well and change our lot;
By unity, selflessness, things are wrought!

In life, our struggles continue for long;
And woeful always seems our earthly song;
With time, we do lesser right things than wrong;
Elusive stays the D-day and its gong!

A billion-strong democracy looks sad!
With time, our problems multiply and add;
Our rosy future suddenly turns bad;
We yearn for days when we were lass and lad!

What ails this newer generation, say?
The youth and adults want to have their way;
Impulsively, they do things, come what may!
For pelf and lucre just, they slog all day!

But do they know their virtues have turned scarce!
Even for proper rest, they do not pause;
Their promises, resolve have become farce!
Their selfishness appears to be root cause!

They don't obey their elders anymore;
They don't believe in wisdom to the core;
They will not heed to history and folk-lore;
They wait for chance to knock upon their door!

Respect for elders is a bygone thing;
They frown upon advice from an earthling;
They dream of bliss and joyfully, they sing;
They cannot accept woes that life may bring!

Their love of fellowmen has vanished fast;
A content family is thing of past!
To burn the midnight oil, they look aghast!
To them, the modern world is small, not vast!

People today don't look into own hearts;
They think that crafts can turn with ease to arts!
They look at brother with arrows and darts;
Their narrow-mindedness become like warts!

Who cares about the problems faced by poor?
Who shares their excess with others in need?
Who dares to fight for cause of the unborn child?
Who airs his views supporting justice, truth?

A corrupt nation cannot success taste!
Many a thing aplenty goes to waste;
Adultery can't make a nation chaste;
Wars shouldn't begin with pride and undue haste!

All lives are priceless, indispensable;
Strong wills alone make people capable;
Immorality can't turn men stable;
All risks taken must be practicable!

Let youngsters emulate their elders' feats;
Let courage goad them on despite defeats;
Let youth march on without hasty retreats;
Let sacrifice be prime and take front seats!

A nation poor is treading on new ground;
Through love and integrity, it is bound;
Rich culture, godliness are always found;
God makes the mountain seem akin a mound!

‘Victory to Indians; Glory to the Indian nation! '
Speech intended by Dean Dr. A. Celestine Raj Manohar MD
at IRT PMC & H, RTS & SoN, Perundurai

Copyright by Dr John Celes 2-8-2012