In the land of Ram and Rahim

Where we wake up to temple bells ringing

In tune with the morning Azaan

A land where tolerance and love once abound

Where many more religions that we dare to count

Have lived as one longer than we dare to recount

In the land whose flag proudly flies

In rustling strips of saffron and green

Bound together by a white band of peace

Where did it go…the brotherhood we felt?

Will we never part take in each other’s joys again?

Will we forever be part of each other’s pain?

Will we continue to rape, kill and maim

Without an iota of regret and shame…

Forever refusing to shoulder the blame?

What do we tell our children who watch…

As we defile the very religions we defend

Terror in their eyes for what this portends

What religion preaches that plunder and rape

And murder and lies can assure us a place

With Him in heaven when we’re run the race?

What religion teaches that there is none else

And that they who don’t follow, deserve to die?

Shame on those…on us… who live and kill for this lie

 Swati  Chandran