'Ram' By Allama Iqbal

(Peace be upon u)

Indian nationalism is not the patent of only 'self proclaimed' few, it is as deep rooted among Muslims, Sikhs and Christians as the right wing nationalists, if not better. And it is useless to keep mentionaing them, it bellittle their contributions.
A poet from yesteryears, Allama Iqbal, who penned poems like Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara and Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri wrote one more poem among many, that remains largely unnoticed even today, in his book Bange Dara, that is 'Ram'. Although his creations were largely based on teachings of Islam but the influence of Indian culture was clearly evident in his writings.

Translated version of poem 'Ram'. Taken from 'Allama Iqbal, Selected Poetry' By Muhammad Iqbal, K. C. Kanda

Brimful with the wine of truth is the cup of Indian thought,

Western thinkers feel enraptured when they drink this spiritual draught.

Thanks to the flights transcendent of the Indian mind,

Far above the heavens high shines Indian star.

This country has given birth to many men of angelic worth,

We have glorified this land with their deeds and thoughts.

India is mighty proud of Rama’s sacred name,

Discerning minds respect his word as voice of God.

The Indian evening outshines the morning of other climes,

What a great miracle this beacon has wrought.

Rama was a warrior great, uniquely brave at heart,

A reservoir of love abounding, pure in word and thought.

And the original version (from Bang-e-Dara) written in Urdu is:

Labrez hai sharabe-e-haqeeqat se jaame-e-Hind,
Sab falsafi hain khitta-e-maghrib ke raam-e-Hind.

Yeh Hindion ke fikre-e-falak ras ka hai asar,
Rif’at mein aasmaan se bhi ooncha hai baame-e-Hind.

Is des mein hue hain hazaron malik sarisht,
Mashhoor jin ke dam se hai duniya mein naam-e-Hind.

Hai Raam ke wajood pe Hindustaan ko naaz,
Ahle-e-nazar samajhte hain usko imam-e-Hind.

Aijaz is chiragh-e-hidait ka hai yehi,
Roshan tar az sahar hai zamaane mein shame-e-Hind.

Talwaar ka dhani tha, shujaat mein fard tha,
Pakeezgi mein, joshe-e-mohabbat mein fard tha.