Daily Poetry — July 9, 2026

हिमालय (Himalaya)

Composed by रामधारी सिंह 'दिनकर' (Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar')

Original Hindi

शीतलता है, स्निग्धता है, पर नहीं है गति; ऊँचाई है, फैलाव है, पर नहीं है प्रणति। तेरा ही तो काम था, तू ही तो था खड़ा, जब भारत की आत्मा पर था विदेशी चढ़ रहा। पर तू चुपचाप खड़ा था, पत्थर सा अटल, जैसे कोई मौन साधक, निश्चल, निष्फल। क्या हुआ उस तेजस्वी को जो था कभी प्रखर? आज तेरी वाणी में क्यों है इतना कहर?

English Translation

There is coolness, there is serenity, but no movement; There is height, there is vastness, but no bowing down. It was your task, you were the one standing, When foreign invaders climbed upon India's soul. Yet you stood silently, steadfast as stone, Like a silent ascetic, motionless, fruitless. What happened to that vibrant spirit which was once fierce? Why is there such a lament in your voice today?

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

पर नहीं जानता तू, मेरे अटल शिखर, तेरी चुप्पी में ही छिपा है गहरा स्वर। तू गवाह रहा है हर परिवर्तन का, युगों-युगों से, मानव के उत्थान-पतन का। तेरी हिम-धवल शांति में ही तो है शक्ति, जो देती है हर भारतवासी को भक्ति। तू स्तंभ है हमारे गौरव का सदा, तू प्रेरणा है, तू ही है हमारी श्रद्धा। आज भी तेरी चोटी से होता है प्रभात, तू साक्षी है हर नए युग की शुरुआत।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

But you do not know, my steadfast peak, A deep voice is hidden in your silence. You have been a witness to every change, Through ages, to humanity's rise and fall. In your snow-white peace lies the very power, Which gives devotion to every Indian. You are the eternal pillar of our pride, You are inspiration, you are our faith. Even today, from your summit, the dawn breaks, You are the witness to every new era's start.

Literary & Historical Context

Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' (1908-1977) was a prominent Hindi poet, essayist, and academic, celebrated for his powerful nationalist and patriotic poetry. His poem 'Himalaya' often embodies the spirit of India, a symbol of its ancient glory, unwavering strength, and spiritual depth. This particular excerpt, however, takes a reflective and questioning tone. Dinkar personifies the Himalaya, a silent, colossal witness to history, and expresses a lament or disappointment at its perceived inaction during periods of foreign subjugation. The poet questions the 'Himalaya's' silent steadfastness when India's 'soul' was being 'climbed upon' by invaders. It's a poignant introspection on national identity, historical passivity, and the yearning for a more active, 'fierce' spirit from this eternal guardian. The poem captures a critical moment of national consciousness, reflecting on the responsibility of symbols and collective spirit in times of crisis, making it a significant work in the Chhayavaad (Romanticism) and later, the nationalistic currents of Hindi literature.