Ekla Chalo

Bengali and Urdu are the two languages I really wish I knew... Bengali for Tagore, and Urdu for Faiz and Ghalib. Reading poetry in it's own language is a joy. But till we get there, here is a translation of a simple and profound Tagore composition:


If they answer not to thy call, walk alone;
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
Open thy mind and speak out alone.

If they turn away and desert you when crossing the wilderness,
Trample the thorns under thy tread,
And along the blood-lined track travel alone.

If they do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,
With the thunder-flame of pain ignite thine own heart,
And let it burn alone.

- Tagore