Poems and songs, whether familiar or less known, often inspire us and give us strength. They motivate us to stand up and face challenges. Think of poets such as Rabindranath Tagore and Robert Frost as prime examples.

Inspired by a line from a well-known Bengali Kirtan, Harinaam Diye Jagat Matale Amar Ekla Nitai Re, Rabindranath Tagore wrote a beautiful song called Ekla. This poem appeared in the September 1905 issue of Bhandar magazine. Its musical notes and meaningful lyrics were truly remarkable. It quickly gained popularity, similar to Tagore’s other works.

Various singers have performed this inspiring song. 

Kishore Kumar had sung it under Hemanta Mukhopadhyay's direction, and Hemanta Mukherjee himself recorded a version in 1989. 

In the 2012 Bollywood film "Kahaani," the song was sung by actor Amitabh Bachchan, with music composed by Vishal–Shekhar. 

The original recording was created for the 1948 film Sandipan Pathshala by Suchitra Mitra. I particularly enjoy the version featuring Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's sarod as background music, with Suchitra Mitra singing. 

I happened to come across one of its English translations by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, who was also a student at Vishva Bharati, Tagore’s school in Shantiniketan.

I am certainly not an admirer of Mrs. Gandhi, who shattered two generations' dreams and aspirations and tarnished Indian politics, but I feel her translation of Ekla is better.

Secondly, if you lived through the Emergency Days, how can you forget the dates linked to the dictator and the plunderer of your dreams? 

Today marked the day of her birth. 

Although there can never be a comparison, it is a coincidence that today the Rani of Jhansi was also born.

One of the key figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, she also fought multiple battles against the British. She remains a powerful symbol of Indian nationalism, unlike Indira Gandhi, who will be remembered as a dictator who undermined the Indian constitution.

Here's the full song in original Bengali.

Ekla cholo re 

Jodi tor daak shune keu na aase 

tabe ekla chalo re

Ekla chalo ekla chalo 

ekla chalo ekla chalo re

Jodi keu katha na koy ore ore o abhaaga

Jodi sobai thaake 

mukh phiraye sabai kare bhoy 

Tabe paran khule

O tui mukh phute 

tor moner katha ekla balo re

Jodi sabai phire jaay 

ore ore o abhaaga

Jodi gahon pathe jaabar 

kaale keu phire na chaay 

Tabe pather knaata

O tui raktomaakha charontale ekla dalo re

Jodi aalo na dhare ore ore o abhaaga

Jodi jharbaadole aandhar 

raate duwar dey ghare 

Tabe bajraanale

Aapon buker pnaajor jwaalie 

niye ekla jwalo re

And its translation in English -

Walk Alone

If no one listens to your call,

walk alone.

If in fear, they cower mutely, 

facing the wall, 

O hapless one,

open your mind and speak out alone.

If, as you cross the wilderness, they turn away

and desert you,

O hapless one,

tread firmly on the thorns 

along the blood-lined track, 

and travel alone.

If, in the storm-troubled night,

they dare not hold aloft the light,

O hapless one,

ignite your own heart with the lightning and pain, 

and yourself become the guiding light.

(Translated by the late Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi)