Gandhi Jayanthi Poem by Dr John Celes

You won the hearts of Indians globally –
O beloved Father of India!
You stood for truth, non-violence totally,
And gave the freedom we enjoy.

Born in Porbandar on October two,
Mohandhas Karamchand Gandhi,
You stood against odds of all sorts
To win innumerable patriotic hearts.

About you, Albert Einstein said,
‘Generations to come will scarce believe
that such a man as this had walked
upon the earth in flesh and blood.’

You were a mediocre student;
You were so timid and too shy;
You went to England to learn law,
To South Africa to practice!

The racial state of Africa
Had influenced your mind aright
To enter politics and fight,
And born were Satyagraha, Ahimsa!

What mattered was not skin-color,
But pangs of hunger and dolor!
What mattered was not caste or race,
But love of mankind and a smiling face!

You loved India’s poor peasantry;
You fought the British valiantly;
You led the nation brilliantly,
And won the freedom gallantly!

You fasted for the people’s sake;
You kept the freedom cry awake;
You didn’t use things of British make,
And made salt boldly with your rake!

Happy Birthday Gandhiji!
Though dead, you’re live in Indian hearts!
Your noble sacrifice on earth
Will shower Indians immense mirth!

You loved to pray to God always!
You trod the land by feet most days;
You kept the Freedom Struggle’s pace,
And won the battle against race!

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!
Jai Gandhiji!

Copyright by Dr John Celes 2-10-2009