Democracy in Schools
We think too much
of the silence of things,
Indian classrooms
where my student's
voice breaks free.
Bright minds cascade
up like golden ink
lifting our nation's hope,
lotus blooms
on learning shores.
Beautiful voices
float along,
empowering folks
in crowded hallways.
They invite people
to the center where
wise policies make
an amazing symphony
of collaborative dreams.
"They've earned their voices,"
she declares,
songs from India
to celebrate all checks and balances.
Make the student a citizen,
nurtured by ideals into light
a brilliant child of seekers
with world-changing
ideas that make us proud.
Not cowering,
weak-voiced,
fear-filled echoes
of supposedly quieter days.
Written in the dust of time,
roots of curious knowledge
sunk deep in the ground,
embracing our Constitution
written to keep the nation strong.
Sealed into civic acts
that shine in the
face of ignorant silence
fools in uniform shirts
and narrow minds carrying
their prejudices to shoot down dreams.
But children keep learning,
going to school,
dancing with knowledge,
carrying banners of hope.
They praise courageous
acts by teachers and students,
progressive minds
believing the truths
of educational facts.
Connected to wisdom,
embracing change,
inspired by creative guides
who fill the air
with words full of hope.
Diverse learners
and bright policies
promising growth,
lifting spirits up
as they flood our classrooms.
Singing their joy,
expressive celebration
God-loving children
welcomed by all colours and creeds,
all genders and regions.
Democratic discussions
cheering young voices
raised about student rights,
future-building youth.
The election was won,
majorities rising to
student council wisdom
that nurtures leaders
in classroom seats.
Obsessed with learning
and fresh ideas,
minds passed hand-to-hand
across subject lines.
Growing up so bright
scholars and young debaters
raising their voices,
speaking to assemblies
about precedents' weight.
They want to decide
their own learning fate,
to bear the product of dreams
and hope in a progressive state.
Rights once gained
through years of strife,
years of change
protected all.
The bright ink spilled
over all these things
has overwhelmed
the dark silence
meant to silence change.
Progressive improvements,
wise and humane,
lifted so many
from historical chains.
They've painted this page
with a golden stain
that brings the
joy of diverse voices
into Indian lives again.
Coloring all with learning flames,
knowledge lighting
the homes we built
with centuries of progress.
Beautifully slow but needed again
young democratic leaders
rise and speak and
learn and dream.
Fulfilling the promise
our Constitution frames
for each of us
and all our dreams.
Copyright ©
Dr. Padmashree R P
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