Bye Kalam Sāb, We will miss you a lot!

Today, I have lost one of my most endearing role models, one of the greatest Indians ever- APJ Abdul Kalam, a true Karmayogi who served the country till his last breath. May his soul rest in peace.

As a tribute to the great scientist, philosopher, administrator, teacher youth icon, and a greater human being, let's pledge to make his vision a reality.

let's work towards a better India, an India of his dreams!

Tagore's Inspiration: Ekla Chalo Re

Jodi Tor Dak Shune Keu Na Ase Tobe Ekla Cholo Re -If no one responds to your call, then go your own way alone, commonly known as Ekla Chalo Re, is a Bengali patriotic song written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905. Originally titled as "Eka", the song was first published in the 1905. It was influenced by Harinaam Diye Jagat Matale Amar Ekla Nitai Re, a popular Bengali Kirtan song.

The song exhorts the listener to continue his or her journey, despite abandonment or lack of support from others. The song is often quoted in the context of political or social change movements. Mahatma Gandhi, who was deeply influenced by this song,cited it as one his favorite songs.

Here is the translation in prose of the Bengali original rendered by Rabindranath Tagore himself.

If they answer not to your call walk alone

If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,

O thou unlucky one,

open your mind and speak out alone.

If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness,

O thou unlucky one,

trample the thorns under thy tread,

and along the blood-lined track travel alone.

If they shut doors and do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,

O thou unlucky one,

with the thunder flame of pain ignite your own heart,

and let it burn alone.

Checkout Shreya Ghosal's serene rendition of the epic poem

HINDI TRANSLATION

तेरी आवाज़ पे कोई ना आये तो फिर चल अकेला रे
फिर चल अकेला चल अकेला चल अकेला चल अकेला रे

यदि कोई भी ना बोले ओरे ओ रे ओ अभागे कोई भी ना बोले
यदि सभी मुख मोड़ रहे सब डरा करे
तब डरे बिना ओ तू मुक्तकंठ अपनी बात बोल अकेला रे
ओ तू मुक्तकंठ अपनी बात बोल अकेला रे

तेरी आवाज़ पे कोई ना आये तो फिर चल अकेला रे

यदि लौट सब चले ओरे ओ रे ओ अभागे लौट सब चले
यदि रात गहरी चलती कोई गौर ना करे
तब पथ के कांटे ओ तू लहू लोहित चरण तल चल अकेला रे
तेरी आवाज़ पे कोई ना आये तो फिर चल अकेला रे

यदि दिया ना जले ओरे ओ रे ओ अभागे दिया ना जले
यदि बदरी आंधी रात में द्वार बंद सब करे
तब वज्र शिखा से तू ह्रदय पंजर जला और जल अकेला रे
ओ तू हृदय पंजर चला और जल अकेला रे

तेरी आवाज़ पे कोई ना आये तो फिर चल अकेला रे
फिर चल अकेला चल अकेला चल अकेला चल अकेला रे
ओ तू चल अकेला चल अकेला चल अकेला चल अकेला रे

Courtesy: Wikipedia, Youtube