The People of Braj — Abnish Singh Chauhan

The people of Braj1
may not understand—
the science behind
Chandrayaan,2
and Mangalyaan,3
or the vision,
mission
and objectives
of the department of space.

They may not know—
the policies of nations
debating
at international summits
in distant cities,
or how the planning commission
in their own country
shape the welfare
of the masses.

But they know
something profound—
how to live
a fulfilling life in Braj:
how to love
Yamuna4, Govardhan5 hill,
the lakes, the ponds, the forests,
and their fellow people,
how to do parikrama6
with grace and pride,
and how to face
challenges in life with courage,
chanting the divine names
of Radha7 and Krishna.8

***



Footnotes:
1. Braj: A region in India, with its centre in Mathura-Vrindavan, U.P.
2. Chandrayaan: Moon-craft or journey to the moon.
3. Mangalyaan: Mars-craft or journey to Mars.
4. Yamuna: A major river in India.
5. Govardhan: A key pilgrimage site located in the Mathura district.
6. Parikrama: The clockwise circumambulation of sacred entities.
7. Radha: A revered deity in Braj.
8. Krishna: The eighth avatar of Vishnu, god of love, compassion, and protection.