Not Durga, Not Lakshmi

While walking through rural Haryana, I was deeply struck by the names given to young girls: names like Antima, Kaafi, Maafi, Batheri, and Kshama. The irony of these names—synonyms for apology and regret—contrasted sharply with the lofty rhetoric of empowerment. This poem emerges from that memory, a stark reflection on the hollow celebrations of Women’s Day and the harsh reality many women endure.

And while we sit

in our plush cabins,

dressed in the choicest garms,

talking about empowerment, 

inspiration and elevation 

of "we, the women", 

a girl is born

in the rural remotes,

and for the rest of her life, 

she will be called, 

no,

not by the names of Durga or Lakshmi, 

but by the synonyms

of apology and regret.

Happy women's day.

Sounds so hollow...right???

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Navratri Collection 2023 - Day 6

Thy name rings in all realms.

Thee showers us with grace.

All cosmos in embrace,

ever beside.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all

Rab Rakha 

Navratri Collection 2023 - Day 5

Thy name breathes life in us.

Thy hand ferries across.

To light, through dreg and dross,

this sword of faith.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all

Rab Rakha 

Navratri Collection 2023 - Day 3

Deep yearning to be Thine.

Thy service, our reprieve.

Blest are those who believe,

their demons slayed.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all

Rab Rakha 

Navratri Collection 2023 - Day 2

Under the wings of faith,

we dwell on Thy hymns, songs.

Thee impairs all our wrongs.

Our brood rests safe.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all

Rab Rakha 

Jai Mata di

Grey and blues of skies. 

Constant rhythmic reminder, 

of Thy gracious glance. 

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha