By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat
Know your homeland, where your roots reside,
A journey to cherish, a bond to confide.
The soil beneath and the skies above,
Each whispers a tale of heritage and love.
From the peaks of the Himalayas, eternal and grand,
To the sunlit beaches of golden sand.
India, a homeland diverse and vast,
A mosaic of cultures, a history amassed.
Begin in Kashmir, where the chinars sway,
In a valley kissed by the dawn’s first ray.
Snow-clad peaks and meadows so green,
A paradise alive in every scene.
Travel south to Punjab’s fertile plains,
Where courage and festivals fill the veins.
Golden temples and fields of gold,
Stories of valor and traditions untold.
Cross to Rajasthan, the desert’s embrace,
Palaces and forts, a royal grace.
Camels stride through sands so wide,
Echoes of kings in the winds abide.
In Gujarat, find colors that dance and sing,
Kites that soar and bells that ring.
Where the salt of the Rann meets the sea,
A land of resilience and artistry.
Head east to Bengal’s cultural feast,
Where art and intellect never ceased.
Durga’s power and poets’ lore,
In every corner, there’s something more.
To the south, where Tamil Nadu thrives,
Temple cities where spirituality arrives.
Kerala’s backwaters and coconut skies,
A tranquil haven where peace lies.
The Seven Sisters call from the east,
A treasure trove of culture, nature’s feast.
Their hills and dances, vibrant and free,
A testament to unity in diversity.
In every state, in every town,
Legacies rise, challenges drown.
Know your homeland, its truth, its art,
Feel its pulse, let it touch your heart.
For the land we call ours is more than ground,
It’s where dreams and destinies are found.
Its rivers flow with ancient grace,
Its mountains stand as time’s embrace.
Dr. Bhat’s call is loud and clear,
Explore your homeland, hold it dear.
Be it student, seeker, or curious mind,
In this journey, treasures you’ll find.
Learn the culture, feel the beat,
The rhythm of history beneath your feet.
Taste the flavors, see the hues,
Live the stories, hear the news.
For knowing your homeland is knowing your soul,
A journey that makes the spirit whole.
A land so rich in heart and lore,
A treasure chest waiting to explore.
So rise and wander, take the stride,
Let your homeland be your guide.
Discover its beauty, its truth, its song,
In its embrace, you’ll find where you belong.