Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke

(Special edition on the centennial birth anniversary of Shailendra)

“जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च |

तस्मादपरिहार्येSर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि ||”

“For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.” – Shri Bhagwad Gita 2.27

Life begins with birth, followed by death upon completion of one's journey. The cycle then repeats, creating an endless flow.

In this eternal journey, the physical body receives all of the fame and comforts in this ocean of existence, but the soul remains unrecognised.

Even most of the songs we've heard emphasise physical cravings and feelings, rather than the soul. The permanent entity has got lesser recognition in our songs. There aren't a lot of songs for the soul.

Very few songs talk about the soul and ‘Apni kahani chod ja’ is one of them.

Shailendra, like Kabir, uses his simplicity in writing paired with enormous depth to create a gem like this, which for me, can easily be called the 'song of the soul'.

The soul continues to roam through eternal time, changing bodies one by one. Regardless of one's life experiences, one must continue to flow in this river called life, through its ups and downs. There may be phases of emotion, but there is no way out of this flow. Everyone will have to cross this river called life, sooner or later.

Shailendra presents this thought in his own style, ‘Ganga Aur Jamuna Ki Gahri Hai Dhaar, Aage Ya Peechhe Sab Ko, Jaana Hai Paar’

Nobody is left behind in this passage called life.

Life's journey is full of a variety of actions, emotions, and challenges. Each person has their own distinct way of living, and each way seems correct because it is an individual journey.

Is there any perfect way to live, Can there be an ideal way of leading life? What is the best way to go through this journey?

Or there is no ideal solution.

Shailendra’s writing is truly exceptional, as it provides valuable insights on how to attain the ideal life.

In a world marked by division, discrimination, and intolerance, the only way to live is to embrace humanity and spread love. We must nurture love and eliminate differences to create a beautiful world of peace and happiness.

The message conveyed in the song is very clear - humans must work towards cultivating love and harmony to achieve peace. Just like a garden, relationships require dedication and effort. The metaphor 'Dharati kahe pukaar ke, beej bichha le pyaar ke' encourages individuals to invest in their connections and develop them with care.

“The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” – Leo Tolstoy

If the soul could speak, what message would it send to the body it inhabits?

Only one thing, 'leave a legacy behind'. Leave something for people to remember you by. Create your stories in such a way that they inspire others; write a story of love and compassion.

“Life is like a blank book, you write your own story not others.” – Zihan Zheng

We have an infinite number of desires to achieve in our limited time on this planet. The first priority is to make our lives meaningful. Our conscience distinguishes us from other living organisms, and it is critical that we use this conscience. We must write our own noteworthy and purposeful story.

But how do we do it?

Shailendra answers this question at the beginning of the song. He says that we can accomplish this by spreading the seeds of love. According to him, this is also the call of the Earth.

According to Hindu scriptures, a soul undergoes multiple transformations before receiving the human body. The number of good deeds one performs in life determines the type of life one will have in the future birth.

Because one cannot be certain of returning as a human being, one must perform good actions (apani kahaani chhod ja, kuchh to nishaani chhod ja, kaun kahe is aur, tu phir aaye na aaye).

Make sure to leave something behind that people will remember you by!

“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” – Maya Angelou

This beautiful song delves deeply into the evolution of a person's personal and social identity.

This is a soul song or, should I say a soul cry.

Shailendra's words echo Kabeer's, who also had said, "Kabeera jab hum paida hue, jag hanse hum roye, Aisi karni kar chalo, hum hanse jag roye."

Looking closer, this song directs how we live each and every moment of our lives. We need to spend every moment in the most memorable way possible. Because this moment will never be repeated.

We, like a ship on the sea, must navigate both calm waters and chaotic storms throughout our lives. While we are flooded with delight at happy times, we are despondent during sad ones.

During our journey, we may doubt ourselves and our purpose, but we need not feel remorse in those dark times. The stunning beauty of nature around us provides us with so much to cherish and enjoy.

Nature provides us with many things that make us feel happy and content, from the first light of the sun to the calming moonlight, from the open green fields to the blue sky above our heads, from the lush green forests to the mountains, from the sweet chirping of the birds to the tranquillity of the valleys.

We only need to be mindful of our surroundings and avoid feeling down. Nature shows us how to be joyful and how to achieve serenity and pleasure in every condition.

Shailendra celebrates the beauty of nature and how it inspires us. From the flowers' smiles to the songs of cuckoos, the vast blue sky, and even rhythmic breathing, there is much to uplift us. He asserts that we should not feel downhearted, as we are surrounded by numerous blessings from the divine (teri raah men kaliyon ne nain bichhaaye, daali-daali koyal kaali tere geet gaaye, neela ambar muskaaye, har saans taraane gaaye, haay tera dil kyon murajhaaye).

Life is uncertain, and we may feel low during difficult moments, but it's important to face them with courage and find peace within ourselves for true happiness (man ki bansi pe tu bhi, koi dhun baja le bhaai, tu bhi muskura le).

Shailendra shows us the way to live but he does give a warning too.

And for me, that is the most important part of this song.

Time is a continuous flow, and no one, nor any effort, can alter its movement. Often, we procrastinate in life, letting time slip through our fingers but time never stops or waits for anyone.

Shailendra understands this character of human beings well. He warns us in a strongly worded manner (Mausam Beeta Jaye), which implies that time is running out fast.

The phrase 'Mausam beeta jaye' serves as a warning to the listeners. It appears frequently throughout this song just like those warning signs that show on the highway again and again.

The use of this phrase repeatedly in the song highlights the importance of time and taking prompt action.

Shailendra no way wants us to overlook the value of time.

And it's because of this reminder, that it becomes a classic song.

For me, this is more than just a song; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action.

It is a song about self-discovery, and when you comprehend what it means, it becomes a song about enlightenment.

“Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind.” —Brandon Lee