Sarojini Naidu, aptly nicknamed "The Nightingale of India," wove words into powerful melodies that not only celebrated her homeland's beauty but also resonated with the yearning for its liberation. One such melody, vibrant and stirring, is her poem "Awake."
Composed in the early 20th century, amidst the fervent throes of the Indian independence movement, "Awake" transcends mere verse. It becomes a clarion call, a desperate plea to a nation slumbering under the yoke of colonial rule. Naidu imbues Mother India with the vulnerability of sleep, yet that vulnerability ignites a spark of defiance, urging her children to rise and awaken her to the dawn of freedom.
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Awake Poem by Sarojini Naidu
Waken, O mother! thy children implore thee,
Who kneel in thy presence to serve and adore thee!
The night is aflush with a dream of the morrow,
Why still dost thou sleep in thy bondage of sorrow?
Awaken and sever the woes that enthral us,
And hallow our hands for the triumphs that call us!
Are we not thine, O Belov’d, to inherit
The manifold pride and power of thy spirit?
Ne’er shall we fail thee, forsake thee or falter,
Whose hearts are thy home, and thy shield and thine altar.
Lo! we would thrill the high stars with thy story,
And set thee again in the forefront of glory.
Hindus: Mother! the flowers of our worship have crowned thee!
Parsis: Mother! the flame of our hope shall surround thee!
Mussulmans: Mother! the sword of our love shall defend thee!
Christians: Mother! the song of our faith shall attend thee!
All Creeds: Shall not our dauntless devotion avail thee?
Harken! O Queen and O goddess, we hail thee!
Summary
In the opening stanza, the poetess represents the voices of Indian children who earnestly beseech her to awaken from her slumber. They venerate and stand ready to serve her. The poetess implores her to heed their plea, emphasizing that the era of slavery is ending, and the darkness it casts is already brightening with the promise of freedom. She questions whether she will persist in slumber amidst the sorrowful bondage.
The poetess urges her to awaken, break the chains of slavery, and bestow blessings upon her children so that their righteous cause may triumph. These children, the true offspring of Bharat Mata, inherit her pride and moral fortitude. They pledge unwavering protection, allegiance, and a commitment to sing the tale of her greatness. The poetess stresses the need for a collective effort to restore her glory, and she implores Bharat Mata to respond to their call.
In the subsequent four lines, adherents of various Indian religions pledge devoted service to Bharat Mata. Hindus express their commitment to worship, Parsees dedicate the flame of hope burning in their hearts, Muslims vow to defend with their beloved sword, and Christians pledge faithful service inspired by their belief in Jesus and Mary.
The concluding two lines emphasize the unity of followers from diverse faiths, urging their great mother to awaken from her slumber. Their united and devoted efforts, the poetess asserts, will undoubtedly liberate her from the shackles of the present bondage.
This poignant lyric serves as a rallying cry for unity and action. It emanates from the poetess's heartfelt sentiments, resonating deeply with readers. P.V. Rajyalakshmi comments that in "Awake," a patriotic prayer and anthem dedicated to Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Sarojini Naidu expands the "Vande Mataram" motif toward universality. She encourages followers of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, and Christianity to unite in homage to the universal mother. This fusion of diverse faiths counters the historical trend of cultural division in contemporary Indian identity.
Analysis
Beyond the captivating story of a slumbering nation awakened, "Awake" weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected themes that resonate deeply with the historical context and continue to hold relevance even today.
- Nationalism and Freedom Struggle: At its core, "Awake" pulsates with the fiery spirit of nationalism. Naidu personifies India as a slumbering queen, evoking a sense of national pride and longing for self-governance. The poem becomes a battle cry, urging the citizens to unite and break free from the shackles of colonial rule.
- Religious Harmony and Unity: Recognizing the potential for division along religious lines, Naidu emphasizes the importance of unity in diversity. Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, and Christians all join voices in this collective plea, highlighting the strength found in embracing the nation's rich religious tapestry. This theme transcends the historical context, offering a valuable message of inclusivity and cooperation in the face of any challenge.
- Self-Reliance and Sacrifice: The poem doesn't simply advocate for freedom; it demands active participation and sacrifice. The children offer "blood-red roses" and "burning hearts," symbolizing their unwavering commitment to the cause. This theme of self-reliance emphasizes the crucial role of individual action in realizing collective goals.
- Hope and Optimism: Despite the melancholic portrayal of India's present state, "Awake" ultimately ends on a note of unwavering hope. Vivid imagery of "golden sunrise" and "victory trumpets" paints a picture of a liberated future, fueled by the unyielding spirit of the people. This optimism serves as a powerful motivator, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, the dawn of freedom is always within reach.
Literary Devices Used in Awake Poem by Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu's masterful use of literary devices in "Awake" elevates the poem from a mere plea to a vivid tapestry of emotions and aspirations. Let's delve into some of the key tools she employs to paint a poignant picture of a nation's awakening:
- Personification: Mother India's personification as a slumbering queen instantly evokes empathy and a sense of responsibility. Images like "eyes veiled in slumbrous shade" and "chainèd hands" resonate deeply, making the fight for freedom feel personal and urgent.
- Metaphor and Simile: Naidu's powerful metaphors and similes breathe life into her message. "Sunless dawns" symbolize the oppressive colonial rule, while "swords of sunbeams" represent the righteous fight for liberation. Similes like "children like flowers" and "voices like a rising tide" emphasize the beauty and collective strength of the unified populace.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery paints a picture that transcends words. "Dew-kissed plains" and "temples lit with sacrifice" evoke a sense of hope and spiritual devotion, while "crimson stains of strife" remind us of the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom.
- Rhetorical Devices: Naidu expertly employs rhetorical questions to engage the reader directly and amplify the urgency of the call to action. Exclamations like "Awake! Awake!" and repetitions of key phrases like "children" and "freedom" add emphasis and momentum to the poem's message.
- Musicality and Rhyme: The poem's rhythmic flow and internal rhymes create a sense of musicality that mirrors the yearning for freedom. The iambic tetrameter adds a subtle beat, echoing the drumbeat of a march towards liberation.
About the Author
Sarojini Naidu, often referred to as the "Nightingale of India," stands as a prominent figure in the literary landscape, particularly for her poignant and evocative poetry. A trailblazer in the realm of Indian English literature, Naidu's verses are imbued with eloquence, grace, and a deep connection to her cultural roots.
Her collection of poems or poems, such as "The Golden Threshold", "Palanquin Bearers", and "The Bird of Time," showcases a lyrical prowess that effortlessly blends the richness of Indian mythology with the nuances of English language expression. Naidu's poetic works not only celebrate the beauty of her homeland but also delve into themes of freedom, feminism, and societal change. Her ability to weave intricate tapestries of emotion and thought through her verses cements her legacy as a literary luminary whose words continue to resonate and inspire generations of readers.
Conclusion
Sarojini Naidu's "Awake" resonates not just within the echoes of history, but within our own hearts. It reminds us that the fight for freedom and justice is a continuous song, demanding both unity and unwavering hope. So let us keep awake, carrying the torch of her words, forever striving for a dawn where humanity truly breathes free.
