Rashtragaan is probably ‘the’ poem which has made me popular among my small group of audience, though it was never intended to be so. I still remember on the day, when I launched the second edition of my book, ‘Anabhra Ratri Ki Anupama‘, the audience applauded on this poem. Here’s the video-
Read the poem here.
I wrote this poem in utter agony after witnessing bloodbath in communal riots. It was more than 5 years back, when I was only 17 years old. Today things have changed. This poem has mixed reactions, often controversial. Many of my readers have disliked this poem because of the negativity it carries in itself. Raashtragan is a poem which I will probably never defend, because even I will hate it if someone complains and cribs against my country. But it is mine. I have written this, and I will stand by it, no matter what. These are the kind of poems for which their authors would always be emotionally attached to, even if they no longer agree to the notion expressed. Our views change with time, as we evolve, but such writings become a part of ourselves! I feel very close to myself when I read this, even though I might differ to some extent in the idea they convey now!
