№ MMXXVI

RACHNA · A LIVING ARCHIVE

Rachna by M.

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MM · XXVI

Canvas
Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Horseback

Veera

नवीन कल्पना करो

Naveen Kalpana Karo

Gopal Singh Nepali
2 min read 7 versesस्वतंत्रताfreedomकल्पना

7 verses · ~2 min

निज राष्ट्र के शरीर के सिंगार के लिए तुम कल्पना करो, नवीन कल्पना करो, तुम कल्पना करो।

अब देश है स्वतंत्र, मेदिनी स्वतंत्र है मधुमास है स्वतंत्र, चाँदनी स्वतंत्र है हर दीप है स्वतंत्र, रोशनी स्वतंत्र है अब शक्ति की ज्वलंत दामिनी स्वतंत्र है

लेकर अनंत शक्तियाँ सद्य समृद्धि की- तुम कामना करो, किशोर कामना करो, तुम कल्पना करो।

तन की स्वतंत्रता चरित्र का निखार है मन की स्वतंत्रता विचार की बहार है घर की स्वतंत्रता समाज का सिंगार है पर देश की स्वतंत्रता अमर पुकार है

टूटे कभी न तार यह अमर पुकार का- तुम साधना करो, अनंत साधना करो, तुम कल्पना करो।

हम थे अभी-अभी गुलाम, यह न भूलना करना पड़ा हमें सलाम, यह न भूलना रोते फिरे उमर तमाम, यह न भूलना था फूट का मिला इनाम, वह न भूलना

बीती गुलामियाँ, न लौट आएँ फिर कभी तुम भावना करो, स्वतंत्र भावना करो तुम कल्पना करो।

इति

Gopal Singh Nepali

The Poet

गोपाल सिंह नेपाली

Gopal Singh Nepali

1911 · 1963

Gopal Singh Nepali lived a life divided between the quiet beauty of nature and the demanding glare of the Hindi film industry. Born in 1911 in Bettiah, Bihar, he emerged as a prominent voice in the post Chhayavaad era of Hindi poetry. Collections like Umang and Panchhi captured a profound love for the natural world, freedom, and the Himalayan landscapes. However, financial struggles eventually pushed him toward Mumbai, where he achieved tremendous success as a lyricist. He wrote roughly three hundred songs for over fifty films, crafting immortal melodies that blended high poetic dignity with popular appeal. During the national crisis of 1962, he wrote stirring patriotic verses that roused the conscience of the nation. Yet, despite his massive contributions to literature and cinema, the literary establishment often treated him with undeserved neglect. He passed away suddenly at the Bhagalpur railway station in 1963, completely unrecognized in his final moments. His life stands as a poignant reminder of the heavy price often paid by independent artists.

Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Horseback

Paired Painting

Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Horseback

This evocative artwork immortalizes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary founder of the Maratha Empire, as he rides forth among his devoted followers. He holds his sword aloft with quiet determination, embodying the spirit of self-rule and righteousness, known as Swarajya, that inspired generations. Surrounding him, loyal soldiers and subjects gaze upward with profound reverence and unwavering loyalty. The gentle hues and expressive brushwork capture not merely a moment of military movement, but an eternal symbol of pride, freedom, and cultural awakening for the people of India.

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If this held you

Four more, in the same key.

Chosen for their rasa and their register, not their popularity. Each one carries some part of what Naveen Kalpana Karo carries.