V. Lalitha Kumari

Dear father of our beloved nation

Here I offer you my salutation

With deep insight and great foresight

You’ve shown us a way safe and bright.

When I learnt of the massive disaster

I thought of you our guide and master-

You’ve proved correct in word and act-

That was indeed the first impact.

‘Tread not from Truth’ you did insist

On the self-same path you did persist;

‘God’s mills grind surely though slowly’

was the adage you believed in wholly.

If ends are right it is not enough

Means must be straight, tho’ they be tough

Reach your goal by hook or by crook

Is the religion but of the crook.

Armed with Ahimsa, armoured in Patience

You led the fight with rare resilience

Maneuvering and manipulation

Weren’t there in your dispensation.

This wisdom of yours words my mind recalled

The edifice won’t stand which is sand-walled

True it is, dear father of the nation

Here I offer you my salutation.