Rajendra Singh Baisthakur
Living beings move and grow
Evolved beings think of values and character
Rama and Gandhi are our models
But we made them only idols.
Centuries of dependence made us subservient
Even after political independence
We are still slaves without self-respect
We still expect alms to be given
Neither government nor intellectuals
Made us realize loss of our fund of wisdom
Loss of self-respect gave way to loss of culture.
Self-respect comes with realization of potential
Lack of it makes one crave for freebies
Politicians use this weakness to get power
Accepting freebies consolidates your beggary
And confirms your slavery.
