By Ramanan Duraiswami
A tapestry of myriad hues,
A potpourri of many views.
Rivers flowing East and West,
Encompassing all that is best.
There are languages galore,
Aryan, Dravidian, and more.
Austro Asiatic in the East;
A lovely linguistic feast.
Cuisines, a veritable delight,
Dosas, parathas, what a sight!
Biryanis, dhoklas rich in flavor,
Sweets and samosas to savor.
A rich culture of music and dance.
Across India's vast expanse.
Bharatnatyam's classical grace.
Bhangra's frenetic pace.
Beautiful Rabindra Sangeet,
Such a mellifluous treat.
Carnatic music's dulcet notes,
Gently in the atmosphere float.
Folk music from Rajasthan,
Tribal songs at break of dawn.
Traditional beats from the hills,
Guaranteed to enchant and thrill
Mosques and churches stand side by side.
Glorious temples are our pride.
The sweet chimes of bells resonate;
The chanting of prayers pulsate.
We are different, yet we are one.
Let not our unity be undone
By fanatics who fan hatred.
For them, nothing is sacred.
Shoulder to shoulder, full of pride,
Let's not succumb to any divide.
This great land of diverse wonders,
Must never be torn asunder.