Poem: The India that I dream of

The India that I dream of

is one where no one needs to sleep hungry

the India that I dream of

is not limited to narrow metrics like the GDP and the Gini

but, is an India where a certain satisfaction and dignity of life is assured

the India that I dream of

is a country where her people are happy, and children educated

the India that I dream of

is one where you cannot be evicted from your land and your livelihood stolen

because you stand in the way of this certain idea of  ‘development’

but one where will only move out of your own vocation

the India that I dream of

is one where any religion (or none) can be practiced

without fear and with one’s head held high

the India that I dream of

is one where we can also accept a contrary option

and everyone’s concerns are taken care of

the India that I dream of

is not a military superpower

but a country strong enough to defend herself if need be
the India that I dream of
is a country which allows you to be different

the India that I dream of

is one where we are at peace

not just with ourselves but also with those around us

but most of all the India that I dream of

is one where all her children are truly free.

Mukund Palat Rao

(August 15, 2012)