‘Ai Rahabar Mulk-o-qaum Bata, Yeh Kiska Lahu Hai Kaun Mara!’

Years ago, read a poem by Sahir Ludhianvi, ‘Yeh Kiska Lahu Hai Kaun Mara’. He had penned it in 1946 to honour the Sailors who participated and some of whom were killed in the Naval uprising against the British. The tone and fervor were patriotic. The poet both questioned and served an ultimatum to the colonial masters. It’s an awe-inspiring poem! Vividly recall reading and reciting with much enthusiasm!

A few years later, came across lyrics from a film Dharmputr (1961) in which Sahir had used opening stanza of his 1946 poem ‘Ai Rahabar Mulk-o-qaum Bata, Yeh Kiska Lahu Hai Kaun Mara’. Its vehemence was more intense, its tenor had changed to demand from the rulers of Independent India responses after a communal riot. Lyrics of song are-

Ai Rahabar Mulk-o-qaum Bata, Yeh Kiska Lahu Hai Kaun Mara
Yeh jalate huye ghar kiske hai, Yeh katate huye tan kiske hain
Taksim ke andhe tufan me, Lutate huye gulshan kiske hain
Bad bakt kijaye kiski hain, Barabad nasheman kiske hain
Kuchh ham bhi sune hamako bhi suna,

Its 2020, and communal riots are still a reality!

Kill, maim, beat up, burn down houses, businesses- all in the name of God!!

Shahir’s poem still beckons answers from leaders of country and communities, ‘Whose blood has spilled? Who died?’

And why?? Why in name of God??

Maybe, time to find answers within!!

Time to contemplate, re-visit beliefs, check premises! Sixty years later we are at the same spot Sahir found himself in in the sixties!

Is this progress?