Daily Poetry — July 17, 2026

रश्मिरथी: कर्ण का आत्म-कथन (Rashmirathi: Karna's Self-Declaration)

Composed by रामधारी सिंह 'दिनकर' (Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar')

Original Hindi

जाति-जाति रटते जिनकी पूंजी केवल पाखंड। मैं क्या जानूँ जाति? जाति हैं ये मेरे भुजदंड। ऊपर सिर पर कनक छत्र, भीतर काले-के-काले, शरमाते हैं नहीं जगत में जातीयता बघारने वाले। मैं तो यही कहूँगा कि पुरुषार्थ ही जग में पूज्य है, जो किसी के जन्म पर गर्वित, वह पुरुष नहीं, गर्दभ है। जाति, समाज, धन, कुल, गोत्र क्या? पुरुष के हाथ में है बल, जो है शक्ति का स्वामी, वही तो है इस जग का संबल।

English Translation

Those who chant 'caste, caste', their capital is mere hypocrisy. What do I know of caste? My caste is these powerful arms. With golden parasols above their heads, but dark within, Those who boast of caste in the world feel no shame. I will only say that valor alone is revered in this world, One who boasts of birth is no man, but a donkey. Caste, society, wealth, lineage, clan — what are they? A man's hand holds strength, He who is the master of power, he alone is the world's support.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

सत्य पराक्रम ही जिसकी पहचान, वीर वही, जो करे जन का सम्मान। जन्म से नहीं, कर्म से हो मान, मानवता ही सबसे बड़ा विधान। झूठे अभिमान की क्यों हो चाह? जब राह कर्म की है सच्ची राह। भेदभाव मिटा, सब हों एक समान, यही मनुज का सच्चा अभिमान।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

True valor is one's only identification, Brave is he who respects every human. Not by birth, but by deeds, one's honor be known, Humanity itself is the greatest law shown. Why crave for false pride's empty embrace? When the path of action is the true noble chase. Eradicate discrimination, let all be one and the same, This is the true glory, mankind's rightful claim.

Literary & Historical Context

'रश्मिरथी' (Rashmirathi) is an acclaimed epic poem by Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar', one of the most celebrated Hindi poets of the 20th century, known for his वीर रस (heroic sentiment) poetry. Published in 1952, the work retells the life story of Karna from the Mahabharata, focusing on his struggles against societal injustice and his unwavering loyalty and valor. This specific excerpt, taken from Karna's passionate self-declaration, powerfully challenges the rigid caste system and emphasizes meritocracy. Karna, despite being the son of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Kunti, is raised by a charioteer and constantly demeaned for his perceived low birth. In these lines, he questions the relevance of lineage and wealth, asserting that true worth lies in one's strength, courage (पुरुषार्थ), and deeds, rather than birthright. The poem resonated deeply in post-independence India, highlighting themes of social equality, individual dignity, and the universal struggle against prejudice, making it a significant work in modern Hindi literature.