Kamla Bhasin
has written another poem, this time for boys. I translated it quickly and
shared it with my students (young college going boys and girls). We then practiced enacting it.
It
is my dream that the words will ring in the boys' ears whenever they are
dealing with women in their lives. It is my dream that these powerful words of a powerful woman, which I
will ensure they memorize, will transform them.
The Boys of Tomorrow
Original written in Hindi by Kamla Bhasin; English translation by Puja Anand
Boys are learning to help around the
house
Boys are learning to stitch and darn
Boys are filling their hearts with
equality
Now boys too are becoming motherly
See, boys are also becoming compassionate
Boys are becoming truly strong
Boys are also becoming sensitive
Boys are also becoming decent
Boys are becoming honorable too
It is my dream that the words will ring in the boys' ears whenever they are dealing with women in their lives. It is my dream that these powerful words of a powerful woman, which I will ensure they memorize, will transform them.
Boys are learning to help around the
house
They enjoy carrying out their share
of responsibilities
They won’t keep, not any more
Their sisters
and mothers in servitude
Boys are learning to stitch and darn
They enjoy fixing things that have gone
bad
They don’t want, no they don’t
Destruction and its celebration
Boys are filling their hearts with
equality
They enjoy being equal partners
They won’t carry on, not anymore
Pointless domination of others
Now boys too are becoming motherly
They enjoy taking care of others
They are rejecting, yes they are
Their
so-called right to command others
See, boys are also becoming compassionate
They enjoy supporting others
They won’t participate, not anymore
In bringing anyone down
Boys are becoming truly strong
They enjoy protecting others
They won’t accept, no they won’t
Oppressing or seeing anyone being
oppressed
Boys are also becoming sensitive
They are beginning to understand
their emotions
They won’t accept, not anymore
Being forced to hold back their
tears
Boys are also becoming decent
They enjoy being polite and respectful
They do not want, no they don't
To be labeled "Dabang", "Badtameez" or macho
Boys are becoming honorable too
They enjoy sharing their resources equally
They won't steal brazenly, not anymore
What should rightfully belong to their sisters
Note: "Dabang" and "Badtameez" are references to popular Hindi movies and songs. I have retained these words because of their Indian context.
Here is the original poem in Hindi. Not very clear since it's an image. Will figure out a way to fix this.
Here is the original poem in Hindi. Not very clear since it's an image. Will figure out a way to fix this.
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