In the wake of the massacre of Hindus in Pahalgam, Anjali George pens this poem ruminating on exile, identity and the quiet power of resilience. Weaving together stories of communities forced into exile, whose histories have been erased or silenced, the poem explores how faith, culture and memory survive displacement and how the uprooted still find ways to take root again.
The pleasant sound of Tungabhadra
flowing behind the temple with musical pillars
where gods are worshipped no more...
With a sky-piercing flag unfurled
Atop His Great Chariot, there He is –
There He goes on His march on the streets.
The Yogi remains equanimous in all situations, knowing that everything is bound to the One.
Renouncing fruits of actions, the yogi attains to supreme peace.