Daily Poetry — August 31, 2026

कलम और तलवार

Composed by रामधारी सिंह 'दिनकर'

Original Hindi

दो में से क्या चाहिए, कलम या कि तलवार? मन में मेरे, एक सवाल, करता आर-पार। कलम जो लिखती गीत, ज्ञान की बातें, या तलवार जो काटे, इतिहास की घातें। कलम में है शक्ति, जगाने की ज्योति, तलवार है विनाश, जो रक्त में धोती। पर युगों से है देखा, एक सच अटल, कलम की धार से ही, बदलता है कल। तलवार से बस रक्त बहा, जीतें मिलतीं, कलम से सभ्यताएँ, नई राहें खिलतीं। तलवार सिर्फ़ क्षणिक, विजय की पहचान, कलम से ही मिलता, अमर जीवन का मान। तलवारों ने देशों को, जीतें दिलाईं, कलमों ने दिलों में, सच्ची प्रीतें बोईं। कलम का महत्व है, सदियों से अपार, यह न करे कभी, किसी का संहार।

English Translation

Of the two, what do you desire, the pen or the sword? A question in my mind, cuts through like a chord. The pen that writes songs, and words of wisdom, Or the sword that cuts down, the follies of history. The pen holds the power, to ignite a flame, The sword is destruction, washed in blood and shame. Yet through ages, one truth stands firm and clear, The edge of the pen, shapes tomorrow, year after year. With the sword, only blood flows, victories are won, With the pen, civilizations bloom, new paths begun. The sword is but a fleeting, mark of conquest's might, From the pen alone comes, life's immortal light. Swords have granted nations, triumphs anew, Pens have sown in hearts, affections true. The pen's significance, through ages untold, It never brings forth, destruction's cold hold.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

अब भी वही प्रश्न है, क्या बदला संसार? कलम की ताकत है बड़ी, या तलवार की धार? कलम ने गढ़े कितने, विचार अमर हुए, तलवार के घाव पर, कितने ही घर लुट गए। ज्ञान का दीप जलाती, हर अक्षर की लौ, अंधकार मिटाती, हर युग की हर नौ। सच्चाई की राह पर, कलम करती पुकार, मानवता के नाम पर, मिटाओ हर दीवार। तलवार सिर्फ़ सीमाएँ, खींचती है कभी, कलम जोड़ती है मन, और बनती है रवि। यह सोचो, हे मानव, किस राह पर चलो? शांति का मार्ग चुनो, या रक्त में तुम मलो? कलम है सृजन की शक्ति, तलवार है अंत, चुनो अपनी नियति, फैलाओ अनंत।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

Still the same question, has the world truly changed? Is the pen's power greater, or the sword's sharp range? How many thoughts the pen carved, becoming immortal, While the sword's wounds laid waste, homes, beyond portal. The flame of each letter, lights the lamp of knowledge, Erasing darkness, of every age, every adage. On the path of truth, the pen makes its plea, In humanity's name, break every barrier free. The sword merely draws lines, boundaries at times, The pen unites hearts, and shines like the sun in climes. Consider, O human, which path will you tread? Choose the way of peace, or in blood be misled? The pen is creation's power, the sword is the end, Choose your destiny, let infinity extend.

Literary & Historical Context

"कलम और तलवार" (Kalam Aur Talwar - Pen and Sword) by Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' is a powerful allegorical poem that explores the eternal debate between intellectual power (the pen) and physical might (the sword). Written by one of India's most revered national poets of the 20th century, a Padma Vibhushan recipient and a Sahitya Akademi Award winner, Dinkar's work often championed social justice, patriotism, and human values. This poem, in particular, argues for the supremacy of the pen, symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, culture, and peace, over the sword, which represents violence, conquest, and destruction. Dinkar suggests that while the sword may achieve temporary victories and shed blood, it is the pen that shapes civilizations, inspires change, and leaves an indelible mark on history, fostering true progress and lasting values. The excerpt chosen highlights this central theme by posing a direct question and then elaborating on the contrasting impacts of both. The poem's significance lies in its timeless message advocating for intellectual and moral strength as the true drivers of human advancement, a sentiment that resonated deeply during India's post-independence era and remains relevant today.

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