In my great timeworn country

In my great timeworn country

Of ancient wisdom and modern idiocy

The rich somehow get richer

But the poor succeed better

As more people join their ranks.

Social equity is our mantra

But we sell healthcare to the highest bidder,

We have five-star hospitals

But millions die like flies.

Our education gets costlier

And bungalows, air tickets cheaper.

We’ve more shopping malls than before

But fewer primary schools,

Some of the finest colleges in the world

And more illiterates than anywhere else.

We call our politicians crooks

But happily, elect them again and again.

We always loved two-faced leaders

But of late, we’ve started adoring

Monks who talk like thugs,

Leaders who kill.

When we stand before the mirror

We don’t see the cheat

Who would bribe the police

Or any babu when it suits them.

Deep down, we admire suited robbers

Who often live in South Mumbai

And make their piles bigger

As a forgotten Mahatma smiles

His toothless smile of approval.

In my great timeworn country

Of ancient wisdom and modern stupidity …

30 December 2019