By Vipul Saini
I am blessed to be born in this great nation,
A sacred land beyond imagination.
No other country, now or before,
Holds the richness that India has in store.
Born with freedom, wrapped in grace,
A life of luxury, time, and space.
To question the world, to seek the divine,
This birth right, uniquely, is mine.
From Vedas' chants to Gurbani’s song,
From Bible verses to the Quran strong.
Buddhist peace and Jain restraint,
Each teaching pure and open to embrace.
I light up with joy during Diwali’s glow,
Holi’s colours, a vibrant flow.
Eid brings warmth, love shining bright,
I wait for Haleem and Biryani with delight.
Serving Langar at the Gurudwara,
Has got me over most of my life’s trauma,
Buddhist calm, Jain festivals wise,
Each moment grounds, uplifts, and ties.
Carols ring, Bhajans rise,
Sufi rhythms to meditative skies.
Silent stillness to soulful beats,
Each path to God, uniquely sweet.
All these gifts I cherish, mine to enjoy,
Spoiled for choices, filled with joy.
Lucky as an Indian, blessed to embrace,
A tapestry of faith, love, and grace.
Parsi tales from uncles dear,
Stories of courage, hope, and cheer.
Even Halloween, a playful spree,
Each shaped the person I’ve come to be.
These memories helped me grow and see,
Fired my imagination endlessly.
Learning from each, they shape my heart,
A rare treasure trove, worlds apart.
Jain meals light, full of care,
I pick out potatoes to show my friends I’m aware.
I wait for that biryani, a friend’s mom's best,
Weddings crashed for them, but with love and zest.
Christmas feasts with friends I treasure,
Rum cakes, wine & steaks, bring me joy without measure.
The lights at home are never unwound,
Why bother? Another festival’s just around!
In short, I am Indian—rich and free,
Spoilt for choice, yet rooted deeply.
The world’s finest within my reach,
Embraced by all, their love my keep.
As I lived and travelled across these lands,
Doors swung wide, with outstretched hands.
Though customs varied, their love was the key,
Each home I entered felt like family.
Blessed by birth in India's embrace,
I've lived her love, felt every grace.
Diverse in faith, yet one at heart,
Each culture shaping life's true art.
From temples grand to humble homes,
A boundless warmth, wherever I roam.
United by love, rich and free,
Forever Indian—gratefully me.