Ladka, Ladki: A Poem on Discrimination
Hindi:
लड़का, लड़की, एक ही धरती पे पैदा,
फिर क्यों अलग-अलग हक़ है, ये क्यूँ है सज़ा?
लड़का, पढ़े, सीखे, दुनिया को जीते,
लड़की, घर में रहे, सपने भुला के जीते।
खिलौनों में भी, अलग-अलग रंग,
क्यों है ये अंतर, ये धरती का दंड?
लड़का, आसमान छूने के लिए,
लड़की, सिर्फ़ घर के चार दिवारों में जीने के लिए।
English:
Boy, girl, born on the same earth,
Why different rights? Why this curse?
Boy, study, learn, conquer the world,
Girl, stay at home, forget dreams unfurled.
Even in toys, different colors we see,
Why this disparity, this earth's decree?
Boy, to touch the sky, to soar high above,
Girl, confined to the four walls, bound by love.
Both:
This discrimination, a stain on our soul,
Let's break these chains, make everyone whole.
Equal rights, equal chances, for all,
Let love and justice, stand tall.
Translation:
Hindi:
Boy, girl, born on the same earth,
Why different rights? Why this punishment?
Boy, study, learn, live the world,
Girl, stay at home, forget dreams lived.
In toys too, different colors,
Why is this difference, this earth's penalty?
Boy, to touch the sky,
Girl, just to live within four walls.
English:
Boy, girl, born on the same earth,
Why different rights? Why this curse?
Boy, study, learn, conquer the world,
Girl, stay at home, forget dreams unfurled.
Even in toys, different colors we see,
Why this disparity, this earth's decree?
Boy, to touch the sky, to soar high above,
Girl, confined to the four walls, bound by love.
Both:
This discrimination, a stain on our soul,
Let's break these chains, make everyone whole.
Equal rights, equal chances, for all,
Let love and justice, stand tall.