An ode to the Subarnarekha river.
This poem was written on the last day of 2022, after I visited Ghatshila during the winter vacation (26-30th Dec’22). On 26/12/2010, I had the glimpse of this beautiful river for the first time, while travelling by train. Later, after 12 years, I had the pleasure of exploring this river from close proximity.
Inspired by its unparalleled pristine beauty, transparent waters, golden complexion, history & topography; here is a 64-line poem to celebrate the grandeur of the Subarnarekha river.
O the enigmatic & golden river, Subarnarekha!
Flowing south-eastwards through the heart of India.
From the rugged rocky mountains to the sea;
You bring eternal peace, vitality & prosperity.
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From the arid hillocks of Chota Nagpur down;
A shining & glittering gem in India’s crown.
You glide with gaiety & glee in a slender stream,
Gathering vigour & strength, as you gleam.
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Bisecting the corrugated Chota Nagpur plateau;
Through the lonely wild jungles You flow.
Your transparent playful waters- a sight to see,
A heavenly precious gift- a blessing to be.
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You are mingled with many a tributary-
Dulang, Kanchi, Kharkai & Karkari.
Through sun-baked landscape in a winding way,
Your path is charted by the terrain that lay.
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Your banks are lined with verdant growth;
Tall trees, grasses, & flowers that loathe
The scorching sun, the parched earth;
You bring them life, with merriment & mirth.
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Your soothing waters flow with endless grace,
Nurturing the swathes of land with your embrace.
Inundating fertile fields and blooming gardens,
Thy selfless benevolence lessens people’s burdens.
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As You flow, You pass through many a city;
Your rippling waters foster fertility & prosperity.
Your riverbed is abode of many a fauna & flora;
A world of delight thriving in the sunshine aurora.
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You form the lifeline of Jamshedpur, Ghatshila & Ranchi;
Adding splendour to Chandil dam & barrage at Galudih.
Your inception stream cascades into the Hundru waterfall;
You finally merge into the vastness of the Bay of Bengal.
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You flow through many a famous scenic spot,
Tourist attractions that people have sought;
Teeming with beauty, scenery, history and charm.
Your undulating waters nurture fields and farm.
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To flow steadily with placid tranquility, & nurture life,
To bring evergreen prosperity and end all strife.
Your splendid river banks are home to many creatures-
Endangered species- birds & animals of unique features.
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You flow through landscapes- diverse & grand
Terrain that varies, from pebbles to sand.
From mystic rocky cliffs, to rolling hills,
To flat & fertile fields, where Thy water spills.
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Your journey takes you far and wide,
Through many a landscape on either side.
You flow through many a famous town;
Jamshedpur, Ghatshila, your waters abound.
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The mighty Galudih Barrage on Your pristine water-
An engineering marvel on Nature’s wonder- a sight so grand & fair;
Spanning across the wide flow of Your river water,
A massive 19th century structure beyond compare.
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Your turbulent whirlpools & vortex rushes underneath,
A symbol of your indomitable & undefeatable might.
With towering pillars & arches stretching wide,
Galudih Barrage nourishes Your immense countryside
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But alas, the ungrateful world is unkind,
Your beauty & bounty fading behind.
Polluted & drained, your health at risk;
With rapid industrialization at brisk.
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O mighty Subarnarekha- the golden river,
May Your future be restored bright and clear
Clean, swift and healthy, free to flow;
Salutations to Thee & Thy glory, as we all bow.
— Bilwasiva
Wishing everyone a Healthy, Prosperous and Happy 2023 !!!
Bilwasiva Basu Mallick 