A Poem on Persistence

There is a Hindi poem that is close to my heart since my childhood. Recently, it got reiterated when I was making my son recite the same as part of his school assignment. I realized that the poem is so amazingly powerful that it was valid ages ago and it holds true even now. It is a truly inspirational piece which is sure to retain a corner in your mind and heart. Most of the Indians would have read it at some or the other stage in their life but I wish to share it with you all today. It’s written by the famous Indian poet, Harivansh Rai Bachchan. I am providing the English translation along with as the poem proceeds.

 

 

                               कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती !

(People persistent in their efforts, never fail!)

 

 

लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती

कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती !

 

A boat can’t reach the shore if its frightened of waves

People persistent in their efforts, never fail!

 

 

नन्ही चींटी जब दाना ले कर चलती है

चढ़ती दीवारों पर सौ बार फिसलती है

मन का विश्वास रगों में साहस भरता है

चढ़ कर गिरना, गिर कर चढ़ना न अखरता है

आखिर उसकी मेहनत बेकार नहीं होती

कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती !

 

When a tiny ant treads carrying its grains

It mounts up the walls and a hundred times it falls

Faith in its heart, boosts up its courage

A fall after ascent and rising after each fall, isn’t a deterrent

Eventually, its efforts do not go in vain

People persistent in their efforts, never fail!

 

 

 

डुबकियां सिंधु में गोताखोर लगाता है

जा जा कर खली हाथ लौटकर आता है

मिलते नहीं सहज ही मोती गहरे पानी में

बढ़ता दुगना विश्वास इसी हैरानी में

मुट्ठी उसकी खाली हर बार नहीं होती

कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती !

 

The diver plunges into the deep ocean

Only to return bare handed on each occasion

It’s not so easy to locate pearls in the deep ocean

This astonishing realization doubles up his devotion

But his hands aren’t empty, every time he sails

People persistent in their efforts, never fail!

 

 

असफलता एक चुनौती है, स्वीकार करो

क्या कमी रह गयी, देखो और सुधार करो

जब तक न सफल हो, नींद चैन सब त्यागो तुम

संघर्ष का मैदान छोड़ कर मत भागो तुम

कुछ किये बिना ही जय जय कार नहीं होती

कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती !

 

 

Failure is a challenge, accept it

Find out the shortcomings and work on it

Until you are successful, relinquish your sleep and peace

Do not elude the struggles and its battlefield

Without efforts, no one attains fame

People persistent in their efforts, never fail!

 

 

                                                                                                                                    -हरिवंश राय बच्चन

                                                                                                                  – Harivansh Rai Bachchan

The poem has been beautifully recited (in Hindi) by the famous bollywood superstar and his son Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. Here is the link for the same.