Daily Poetry — August 3, 2026

वह तोड़ती पत्थर (Wah Todti Patthar)

Composed by सूर्यकांत त्रिपाठी 'निराला' (Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala')

Original Hindi

वह तोड़ती पत्थर; देखा उसे मैंने इलाहाबाद के पथ पर – वह तोड़ती पत्थर। कोई न छायादार पेड़ वह जिसके तले बैठी हुई स्वीकार; श्याम तन, भर बँधा यौवन, नत नयन, प्रिय-कर्म-रत मन, गुरु हथौड़ा हाथ, करती बार-बार प्रहार। सामने तरु-मालिका अट्टालिका, प्राकार। चढ़ रही थी धूप; गर्मियों के दिन, दिवा का तम-तमाता रूप; उठी झुलसती लू; रुई ज्यों जलती हुई भू। गर्द चिनगारी छा गई, प्रायः हुई दुपहर।

English Translation

She breaks stones; I saw her on the road of Allahabad – She breaks stones. No shady tree under which she sat, accepting her fate; Dark complexion, full, youthful vigor, Downcast eyes, mind intent on her dear work, A heavy hammer in hand, Striking again and again. In front, a row of trees, mansions, ramparts. The sun was rising; Days of summer, The sun's scorching form; A blistering hot wind rose; The earth burned like cotton. Dust and sparks spread, It was almost noon.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

श्रम का दीपक, तपती धूप में, अनवरत जलता, जीवन-रूप में। हर चोट बताती, संघर्ष की गाथा, निर्मम नियति, कठोर व्यथा। किन्तु उस श्रम में, एक ज्योति भी है, अडिग आस्था की, वह रीति भी है। मिट्टी में मिलकर, नव राह बनाती, मौन साधिका, युग को समझाती। टूटते पत्थर, गढ़ते नए स्वप्न, उम्मीदों की लौ, करती ना विलुप्त। श्रम के कणों में, अमरता का गान, मानवता का, यह अविरल अभियान।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

A lamp of labor, in the scorching sun, Burning ceaselessly, in life's form. Every blow narrates a tale of struggle, Of merciless fate, and harsh sorrow. Yet, within that labor, there's a light, A tradition of unwavering might. Mixing with earth, it forges new paths, A silent devotee, explaining eras. Breaking stones, sculpting new dreams, The flame of hope, never it redeems. In particles of toil, a song of eternity, This continuous campaign of humanity.

Literary & Historical Context

"वह तोड़ती पत्थर" (Wah Todti Patthar) is one of Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala's' most iconic poems, a quintessential example of social realism in Hindi literature. Written in 1930, it vividly portrays the plight of a poor laborer woman toiling under the scorching sun on the streets of Allahabad. The poem masterfully uses stark imagery and simple, direct language to highlight the harsh realities of poverty and class disparity. The woman's dark complexion, downcast eyes, and heavy hammer symbolize her struggle and resilience, while the contrasting backdrop of "taru-malika attalika, prakar" (rows of trees, mansions, ramparts) underscores the indifference of the privileged society. Nirala, a pioneer of the Chhayavaad (Romanticism) movement, often transcended its romantic confines to address social issues with profound humanism. This poem is significant for its powerful social commentary, its realistic depiction of suffering, and its role in broadening the thematic scope of Hindi poetry beyond mere romanticism to embrace progressive ideals. It remains a poignant reminder of human endurance against adversity and a critique of societal neglect.

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