The Lost Poetry of Sikh Poet Nunihal Singh Layal: Be United

(Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series to preserve on the Internet the “lost” poetry of Nunihal Singh Layal, the “Tradesman Poet,” who I met in New Delhi in 1974. Some poems contain his original introductions. I have a self-published book of his that is disintegrating and falling apart and over the next year or two I will run and preserve all of his poetry here. Joe Gandelman)

Be United
by Nunihal Singh Layal

When the border of India was attacked this poem was written to arouse National sentiment. To help our country is the duty of all irrespective of cast, creed faith and colour. The Urdu word “ek” for one is put in it, so as to give full sense and rhythm to this poem.

Be brave India, your freedom is at stake,
Sleep not any more, arise and wake,
The call of the country is “aid”,
Help and sacrifice to make,
Dissolve petty diffferences,
become one and Ek (i.e. one)
If divided fall is sure no hope to stand,
For unity is a mark & a brand,
To sacrifice and stand.
To prospect and thrive, to strengthen and stand.

(How in a befitting manner, the
Urdo word “Ek” has been fitted
With the English word “One”
Unity is the foundation of success)