WHY ARE YOU GETTING BURNT?






















“The tree is on fire; its leaves are burning…
Why are you getting burnt when you have wings?”

“We have been eating fruits of this tree, shitting on its leaves…
This is our moral duty to get burnt with it!”



Frankly, I did not know that, this morning, I would stumble upon this poem. And yes, I had no hint that it would inspire my Post today.


I am thankful to Mr. Sunil Kumar, a very senior and respected member of our housing complex. As I am the Hon. Chairman of our Society, I was privileged to stand next to Mr.  Kumar as he did the honors, this morning: hoisting of the National flag on our 65th Independence Day.


After doing the honors, Mr. Kumar spoke a few words urging all of us to be loyal, grateful and committed to the place we live in…


Which was the ‘place’ Mr. Kumar was referring to?


Our Country? Our State? Our City? Our Society? Our home?... Or, our own heart?


There were more than two dozen lovely little-angels, today, immaculately dressed, yes in their ethnic best, and they led the National Anthem with such zeal and passion… These little ones were too tender to answer this question!


And, there were so many of us, the ‘grown-ups’… who were old enough to do that!


There was I, standing right next to the Chief Guest…


So, I needed to hear it and understand it the most! I needed to have an answer!


Which was the ‘place’ Mr. Kumar was referring to?







It was befitting that Mr. Kumar ended his impromptu speech with the popular Hindi poem, which he roughly translated for us.


Unable to understand the mystery, the on-looker asks the little birds:

“The tree is on fire; its leaves are burning…
Why are you getting burnt when you have wings?”


To that, the tender birds reply:

“We have been eating fruits of this tree, shitting on its leaves…
This is our moral duty to get burnt with it!”



“Why are you getting burnt when you have wings?”…


Kumar sir, the on-looker’s question still haunts me!




GERALD D’CUNHA

Pics.: Vinod Kargaonkar


Comments

Aruna Sharma said…
Great post Gerry, very inspiring.

Aruna
August 15, 2012 at 2:45 PM
Anonymous said…
I liked the little poem presented by Mr. Sunil Kumar. It is appropriate for the occasion... and, a million thanks to him and you Gerry for making ID so special. Love. Deepa
August 15, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Ritesh Mishra said…
Awe-inspiring poem! Thanks to Mr. Kumar and to u Gerry for inspiring me.

Ritesh
August 15, 2012 at 3:14 PM
Gerald D'Cunha said…
Thanks Aruna. Love, GERRY
August 15, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Gerald D'Cunha said…
Thanks Deepa. Love. GERRY
August 15, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Gerry,thanks for inviting me.Infact,it was my privilege and honour to unfurl the national flag on 65th IDay.Small speech and poem was spontaneous though it has depth and inspiration and true in todays context.People for their false ego & petty benefits cheat anyone.
first time I have gone through your blog & it is wonderful.Thanks & best wishes. Sunil Kumar A3/103
August 15, 2012 at 7:37 PM
Anonymous said…
Hey Sir,
Most of the times i have a fair idea of what will i get to read on ur blog as u share when i come to class but today it's an Independence Day treat sir as we could not meet.Great inspirational words by Mr.Kumar n thanks to u for sharing
And yes HID sir..

Regards Soniya.
August 15, 2012 at 8:04 PM
Gerald D'Cunha said…
Sir, thank u so much for the kind words... Mean a lot to me. Need ur wishes and blessings. Love. GERRY
August 15, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Gerald D'Cunha said…
Hey Soniya, yes, u missed the loely poem... it was a treat when rendered in chaste Hindi...Glad u loved it. Thanks. Love. GERRY
August 15, 2012 at 10:51 PM
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