Introduction
'Wind' is a poem by Subramania Bharati, translated into English by A.K. Ramanujan. The poem highlights the destructive as well as constructive power of wind. It encourages readers to build inner strength to withstand the difficulties symbolized by the wind.
Summary in English (200 words):
The poem 'Wind' speaks about the power of the wind, how it destroys fragile things but strengthens what is strong. It metaphorically represents life's challenges, and how these challenges can break weak people but make strong people even stronger. The poet advises the reader to be strong in body and spirit to face adversities. The wind, though destructive, can also be a friend to those who are resilient.
Summary in Hindi (200 words):
'हवा' कविता में, कवि सुब्रमणिया भारती ने हवा की ताकत के बारे में बताया है। हवा कमजोर चीजों को नष्ट कर देती है, लेकिन मजबूत चीजों को और भी मजबूत बनाती है। यह जीवन की कठिनाइयों का प्रतीक है, जो कमजोर लोगों को तोड़ देती हैं लेकिन मजबूत लोगों को और अधिक सशक्त बनाती हैं। कवि सलाह देते हैं कि हमें जीवन की मुश्किलों का सामना करने के लिए अपने शरीर और आत्मा को मजबूत करना चाहिए।
Thinking about the Poem: Page 31
I. Answer the following questions
1. What are the things the wind does in the first stanza?
In the first stanza, the wind breaks the shutters of windows, scatters papers, throws books off the shelves, tears down the pages, and brings rain.
2. Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word in your language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing?
Yes, winnowing is a common sight in villages. In my language (Hindi), winnowing is called "पछोरना" (Pachhorna). People usually use a "सूपा" (Soopa) or a winnowing basket made of bamboo to winnow grain.
3. What does the poet say the wind god winnows?
The poet says that the wind god winnows all the weak things and separates the frail from the strong.
4. What should we do to make friends with the wind?
To make friends with the wind, we should build strong houses with firm doors, and have a robust body and heart. The poet suggests that strength is needed to withstand the force of the wind.
5. What do the last four lines of the poem mean to you?
The last four lines mean that the wind represents challenges and hardships. It tests our strength and resilience. Those who are strong can withstand it, while the weak are crushed. The poet encourages us to be strong in body and spirit to face the difficulties in life.
6. How does the poet speak to the wind — in anger or with humour? You must also have seen or heard of the wind “crumbling lives”. What is your response to this? Is it like the poet’s?
The poet speaks to the wind with a mix of both anger and humour. The wind can be destructive, causing havoc in people’s lives, especially for those who are not prepared or are weak. Like the poet, my response to the wind's destructive power is to recognize that it is a natural force that tests our strength and adaptability. We should prepare ourselves to face challenges instead of being overwhelmed by them.
II. The poem you have just read is originally in Tamil. Do you know any such poems in your language?
Yes, there are several such poems in my language (Hindi). One of the famous ones is "कभी कभी भाग्य बदलता है" (Kabhi Kabhi Bhagya Badalta Hai) by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, which reflects on the challenges and resilience of life, much like the poem about the wind. It encourages strength and endurance in the face of adversity.
