Daily Poetry — July 22, 2026

यह दीप अकेला (Yah Deep Akela)

Composed by सच्चिदानंद हीरानंद वात्स्यायन 'अज्ञेय' (Sachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan 'Agyeya')

Original Hindi

यह दीप अकेला स्नेह भरा है गर्व भरा मदमाता किन्तु इसे भी पंक्ति को दे दो। यह जन है गाता गीत जिन्हें फिर और कौन गाएगा? पनडुब्बा यह मोती सच्चे फिर कौन कृतार्थ पाएगा? यह समिधा ऐसी आग हठीला बिरला सुलगाएगा। यह वह विश्वास नहीं जो अपनी लघुता में भी काँपा, वह पीड़ा जिसकी गहराई को स्वयं उसी ने नापा। कुत्सा, अपमान, अवज्ञा के धुँधुआते कड़वे तम में यह सदा द्रवित, चिर-जागरूक, अनुरक्त-नेत्र, उल्लंब-बाहु, यह चिर-अखंड अपनापा। जिज्ञासु, प्रबुद्ध, सदा श्रद्धावान्, प्रत्येक चरण को पूजक, यह दीप अकेला स्नेह भरा है गर्व भरा मदमाता, किन्तु इसे भी पंक्ति को दे दो।

English Translation

This solitary lamp, filled with love, brimming with proud intoxication, Yet, give it also to the row. This is the person who sings songs, who else will sing them then? This diver, who else will find such true pearls? This is the firewood; a stubborn fire, few will ignite like this. This is not a belief that trembled even in its smallness, That pain whose depth it measured itself. In the bitter, smoky darkness of malice, insult, and disregard, It is ever tender, eternally vigilant, with loving eyes, uplifted arms, This eternally unbroken sense of self. Curious, enlightened, always full of faith, Worshipping every step, This solitary lamp, filled with love, brimming with proud intoxication, Yet, give it also to the row.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

दीप अकेला हो या पंक्तियों में, हर किरण मूल्यवान। पर समूह में ही है सच्चा तेज, जिसमें बढ़े मान। हर व्यक्ति एक ज्योति, अपनी आभा लिए अनमोल, मिलकर ही रचते हैं वे एक भव्य प्रकाश का गोल। छोटा सा कण भी जब बिखरता नहीं, बनता है शक्ति, अहंकार की सीमाएँ तोड़, होती है सच्ची भक्ति। जहाँ एकांत में भी है अद्भुत ऊर्जा का संचार, वहाँ सहभागिता में खिलता जीवन का सच्चा सार। स्वयं को मिटाकर ही तो बनता है वृहत्तर विस्तार। यह दीप अकेला, अब अनंत तारों का बनो आधार। तुम न केवल अपनी रोशनी से जगमगाओ, बल्कि और दीपों को भी प्रेरित कर साथ ले आओ। एक से अनेक का यह मेल, है सृजन का आधार। हर कण में समाया है अनंत ब्रह्म का प्यार।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

Be it a solitary lamp or in rows, every ray is precious. But true brilliance lies in unity, where esteem grows. Each individual a flame, holding invaluable radiance, Together they form a grand sphere of light's expanse. Even a tiny particle, when it doesn't scatter, becomes power, Breaking the bounds of ego, true devotion flowers. Where even in solitude, there's a unique surge of energy, There, in participation, blooms life's true essence and ecstasy. Only by merging oneself does a greater expanse form. This solitary lamp, now become the foundation for endless stars. May you not only illuminate with your own light, But inspire and bring other lamps into the collective might. This union of one with many, is the basis of creation. In every particle resides the boundless love of the Brahman.

Literary & Historical Context

"Yah Deep Akela" (This Solitary Lamp) by Sachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan 'Agyeya' is one of the most significant poems of the 'Nayi Kavita' (New Poetry) movement in Hindi literature. Written in 1957, it encapsulates Agyeya's deep philosophical insights into individualism and collectivism. The poem uses the metaphor of a solitary, proud, self-sufficient lamp, representing the enlightened and unique individual, who, despite their inherent strength and self-reliance, must ultimately integrate with the larger 'row' or community to achieve a greater purpose. It explores the paradox of individual excellence finding its ultimate fulfillment and true meaning not in isolation, but in its contribution to the collective. Agyeya posits that the individual's uniqueness (represented by the lamp's love, pride, songs, pearls, and unyielding fire) is vital, but its true potential is unleashed when it becomes a part of the whole, sacrificing its 'alone-ness' for a collective radiance. The poem reflects a complex modernist sensibility, emphasizing both the intrinsic value of the individual and the necessity of communal harmony and shared purpose, making it a timeless piece reflecting human agency and societal belonging.