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Today as we celebrate our 67th Independence Day, I could not resist recollecting a poem by Shiv Mangal Singh Suman. On this occasion let me attempt a translation of this inspiring poem…
(The poem in Hindi can be found here)

Forget not the path O Traveler
There will be thrones on the way
And so will be forests, rivers, streams
And mountains and gardens green
But in this mirage of beauty and charm
Forget not the path O Traveler

When on this stern treacherous way
The pedestrian would be desperate
When dreams are all wiped off
And the only way is to move ahead
Then depressed by your first failure
Forget not the path O Traveler

When even your dear ones turn back
And appear to to be strangers
And dark monstrous clouds of dejection
Surround you at each step
Then in this solitary phase of journey
Forget not the path O Traveler

On hearing the loud war cry
When soldiers would be marching ahead
When a few hearts would melt
And tears would urge you not to go
In this battle of love and duty
Forget not the path O Traveler

When a few heads are all that’s required
To complete the glorious garland of victory
When your mother cries out for sacrifice
For the never-ending flame of freedom
Not for a moment you do hesitate
Forget not the path O Traveler!

O my supreme mother! I am a traveler who wishes to lead you through the glorious path. Please bless my so that I never forget my path!

Happy Independence day to all! Let us all work together to make our motherland the land of our dreams…