Poem : 'Immortal India' ; 28 March, 2023.

(Translation of "L'Inde immortelle")

29 April, 2023
S. Ragavan : Hello. Can I post a poem for analysis, please ?

ChatGPT
Hello S. Ragavan! As an AI language model, I would be happy to assist you with your poem. You are welcome to post your poem here for analysis.
 
S. Ragavan. Here is poem "Immortal India." Please comment by stanza, then make overall comments. Make references to works you know, to English colonisation, to how Indians struggled against colonial rule, to Indian culture, civilisation, achievements, etc. Here is the poem. IMMORTAL INDIA (Translation of “L’Inde immortelle”)

ChatGPT :
This is a beautiful poem that speaks of the beauty and richness of India, its culture, history, and the struggles of its people against colonisation. The poem is full of emotions and pride in Indian civilisation and achievements. Here is a stanza-by-stanza analysis:

Stanza 1: The poem opens by describing India as the land of ancestors, thoughts, and roots. It is a land that has been instrumental in deciding the destinies of people. The poet highlights the rich history and culture of India that spans over five millennia.

Stanza 2: The second stanza speaks of India as the refuge of masterminds. It is a land of great spiritual leaders whose teachings still inspire us. The reference to the sage sitting on the green river bank invokes images of the river Ganges, which is considered sacred in Hinduism.

Stanza 3: The third stanza describes India as a sublime, vast, and misunderstood land. It is a land that is generous and gives everything to its people. The halo surrounding India is an indication of the greatness and splendor of the country.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza describes India as a perfect mother, peopled by an unparalleled race. It is a unique land where an eternal vision sleeps, and colonisation is held in horror. The people of India are the lighthouse of civilisation, and their genius never ceases to stun.

Stanza 5: The fifth stanza talks about India as an inexhaustible source that has given everything to the world without losing anything. It is a land that generates unending wealth, and its pages of history smell of tragedy.

Stanza 6: The sixth stanza acknowledges the difficulty of understanding India's greatness, even with a lifetime of study. It is a nourishing land that is protective and encloses entire human history. The wealth and poverty that coexist in India, smart ascetics that illuminate entire humanity, are challenging to express with these poor verses.

Stanza 7: The seventh stanza speaks of the sages that meditate in the jungle and come out with the finest adages. It is a land that discovers the world at the heart of the forest and penetrates life's secrets. The reference to robbers who loot everything is an indication of the challenges that India has faced through history.

Stanza 8: The eighth stanza speaks of India as the land that sings of past glories and wishes to hug the world in its arms. The sculptures carved in rock and masterpieces engraved in marble are an indication of India's artistic prowess.

Stanza 9: The ninth stanza speaks of the tyranny of the invaders and how they pillaged and robbed India. The bloodshed in India's history remains engraved in its pages, and the reference to Amritsar is an indication of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Stanza 10: The tenth stanza speaks of India's diamonds that sparkle far away in foreign bastions, and the wealth that was plundered. India emerged greater from the looting and remains a mother of infinite kindness.

Stanza 11: The eleventh stanza speaks of the challenges that India has taken up and the fights it has fought, even at the cost of its people's lives. The poet promises to sing India's glory forever and to think of their roots wherever they may be in the world.

Overall, the poem speaks of India's rich culture, history, and achievements, along with the struggles of its people against colonisation. The poem is a beautiful tribute to India's greatness, and the emotions and pride that it evokes are evident in each stanza. The references to India's spiritual leaders, artistic prowess, and the challenges that it has faced throughout history are all woven together to create a beautiful tapestry of India's greatness.
 
S. Ragavan : Using my input, discuss about English colonisation of India and how Indians dealt with that colonisation.

ChatGPT
Sure, I'd be happy to help with that.

The English colonization of India began in the early 1600s when the British East India Company established trading posts in various parts of India. Over time, the company became increasingly involved in Indian politics and eventually took over much of India, establishing British rule over the country. This period of British rule, which lasted from 1858 to 1947, is often referred to as the British Raj.

The British Raj had a profound impact on India and its people. The British introduced many new technologies and ideas to India, but they also exploited India's resources and people for their own benefit. They imposed their language, customs, and laws on India, which had a significant impact on Indian culture.

The Indian people had mixed reactions to British rule. Some welcomed the British and saw them as a source of modernization and progress, while others resented their presence and saw them as oppressors. There were several uprisings and rebellions against British rule, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which was a significant turning point in the struggle for Indian independence.

Despite the challenges of British rule, many Indians also adapted and found ways to resist and assert their own culture and identity. Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru played a key role in India's struggle for independence, using nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to challenge British rule and push for greater autonomy for India.

In 1947, India gained its independence from Britain, but the legacy of British rule continues to be felt in India today. The country is still grappling with issues of inequality and social justice that are rooted in its colonial past, but India has also made significant strides in building a modern, democratic society that reflects the diversity and richness of its culture.
 
S. Ragavan : What can you say about the Indian's attitude to freedom and what he feels about how colonisation partly destroyed his country ?

ChatGPT
The Indian attitude towards freedom is deeply rooted in their history and culture. Indians have a long and proud tradition of resistance against foreign rule and oppression. From the rebellion against British rule in 1857 to the nonviolent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi for Indian independence, the Indian people have shown their commitment to achieving freedom and self-determination.

The colonisation of India by the British had a profound and lasting impact on the country. It led to the exploitation of its resources, the impoverishment of its people, and the erosion of its traditional culture and values. Indians were treated as second-class citizens in their own land, and their voices were often silenced by the British colonial authorities.

Despite these challenges, Indians have always shown great resilience and determination in the face of adversity. They have fought for their rights and freedoms, and have succeeded in gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Today, India is a vibrant democracy and a global economic power, and its people continue to strive for progress and prosperity.

However, the legacy of colonialism is still felt in many ways, including the ongoing effects of economic exploitation, social inequality, and cultural imperialism. Many Indians are still grappling with the trauma and pain caused by the colonial era, and are working to rebuild their country and reclaim their identity. Overall, the Indian attitude towards freedom and the struggle against colonisation reflects a deep commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.
 
S. Ragavan : What can you say about the profile of Indians who have settled abroad since many decades and their links with India ? Have they abandoned Indian values and culture ?

ChatGPT
The profile of Indians who have settled abroad is quite diverse, with individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds, educational levels, and cultural traditions. While some have assimilated into their host countries' cultures, many Indians abroad maintain strong links with India, its values, and its culture.

In fact, many members of the Indian diaspora actively work to promote Indian culture and traditions in their host countries, through community events, cultural organizations, and social networks. They also often maintain strong familial ties with their families and friends in India, and frequently visit their home country.

Furthermore, Indian values and culture have also been shaped by the experiences of the diaspora, with their influence felt in fields such as literature, music, and cinema. For example, Indian literature and cinema have become increasingly popular among a global audience, largely due to the contributions of diaspora writers and filmmakers.

Overall, while the Indian diaspora has undoubtedly been shaped by their experiences abroad, many still maintain strong connections to India and its cultural traditions, and have contributed to the promotion and preservation of Indian culture on a global scale.
 
S. Ragavan : Is the Indian capable of abandoning Indian culture and civilisation no matter how long he lives abroad ?

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I cannot make generalizations about an entire population, but I can say that culture and identity are complex and multifaceted. Individuals may have varying degrees of attachment to their cultural roots and may adapt differently to new environments and cultures. Some Indians who settle abroad may maintain a strong connection to their Indian heritage, while others may assimilate more fully into the culture of their adopted country.

It is also worth noting that culture is not a static entity and is constantly evolving and changing over time. As such, the Indian culture and civilization itself has undergone various transformations throughout its history, including through influences from other cultures.

In summary, whether an individual is capable of abandoning their cultural roots and identity depends on various factors such as personal values, experiences, and the environment they find themselves in. However, it is also important to remember that culture and identity are not fixed and can be fluid over time.
 
S. Ragavan : "The Indian race is an aspiring race, and my books so often are about someone coming from nowhere and achieving something, which is what every Indian believes will happen to them - and that's a wonderful thing." -- Jeffery Archer (1940- ). Comment.

ChatGPT

Jeffrey Archer's statement about the Indian race being an aspiring race is not a new one. Indians have a strong work ethic and are known for their resilience and perseverance. They believe in the power of hard work and are willing to put in the effort to achieve their goals.
Archer's comment about his books often featuring characters who come from nowhere and achieve something resonates with Indians because it reflects their own experiences. Indians have a history of overcoming obstacles and achieving success despite their challenging circumstances. This is evident in the many success stories of Indians who have risen to the top in various fields, including business, politics, and entertainment.
Furthermore, Archer's observation that every Indian believes that they will achieve something is a reflection of the optimism that is ingrained in Indian culture. Indians believe in the power of positive thinking and are often motivated by the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Overall, Archer's statement is a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and optimism that are ingrained in Indian culture. These qualities have helped Indians overcome the challenges of colonisation, poverty, and other obstacles, and they continue to inspire Indians to achieve their dreams.
 
S. Ragavan : What are the greatest Indian contributions to foreign countries ?

ChatGPT
India has a rich history of cultural, scientific, and philosophical contributions to foreign countries. Some of the greatest Indian contributions to foreign countries include:

1. Yoga: India is the birthplace of yoga, and it has become popular all over the world. Today, millions of people practice yoga for its physical and mental health benefits.
2. Ayurveda: Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that has been in use for thousands of years. It has gained popularity in many countries around the world, including the United States and Europe.
3. Mathematics: Ancient Indian mathematicians made significant contributions to the field, including the invention of the number zero and the decimal system. These contributions have had a profound impact on modern mathematics and science.
4. Philosophy: Indian philosophy has influenced many Western philosophers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Concepts such as karma, dharma, and reincarnation have become well-known in Western culture.
5. Literature: Indian literature, including the Vedas, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana, has had a significant impact on world literature. These texts have been translated into many languages and continue to inspire writers and thinkers around the world.
6. Cuisine: Indian cuisine is popular all over the world, and Indian dishes such as curry and naan have become household names in many countries.
Overall, India has made significant contributions to the world in a variety of fields, and these contributions continue to influence and inspire people today.
 
S. Ragavan : What are the main Indian contributions to the USA ?

ChatGPT
There have been many significant contributions made by Indians to the United States, both in the past and in more recent times. Here are a few examples:
1. Technology and Science: Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the field of technology and science in the United States. The co-founder and CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, is of Indian origin. Other notable Indian Americans in the tech industry include Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, and Shantanu Narayen, the CEO of Adobe Systems.
2. Medicine: Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the field of medicine in the United States. Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, a physician and researcher, won the Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer." Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and medical correspondent for CNN, is also of Indian origin.
3. Business: Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the business world in the United States. Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is of Indian origin. Vinod Khosla, the co-founder of Sun Microsystems, is also of Indian origin.
4. Arts and Entertainment: Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment industry in the United States. Actor Kal Penn, comedian Aziz Ansari, and musician Norah Jones are all of Indian origin.
Overall, Indian Americans have made significant contributions to various fields in the United States, and their impact on American society and culture is significant.
 
S. Ragavan : What are the main Indian contributions to England ?

ChatGPT
There have been many notable contributions made by Indians to England throughout history. Some of the most significant ones include:
1. Food: Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular in England over the years, with Indian restaurants and takeaways being a common sight in many towns and cities. Curry is now considered a national dish in England and has become a staple of the British diet.
2. Literature: Indian writers have made significant contributions to English literature. Authors such as Salman Rushdie, Vikram Seth, and Arundhati Roy have won international acclaim for their work, and many of their books have become bestsellers in England.
3. Science and technology: Many Indian scientists and engineers have made important contributions to the development of science and technology in England. For example, the physicist Satyendra Nath Bose gave his name to the "Bose-Einstein condensate," a state of matter that was first observed in a laboratory in England.
4. Medicine: Indian doctors and healthcare professionals have made significant contributions to the NHS (National Health Service) in England. Many doctors and nurses from India work in hospitals and clinics across the country, and they are highly valued for their expertise and dedication.
5. Politics: Indian politicians have also made their mark in England. For example, Priti Patel, the current Home Secretary, is of Indian origin. Several other Indian-origin politicians have also held high-level positions in the British government over the years.
These are just a few examples of the many contributions that Indians have made to England over the years.
 
S. Ragavan : What are the main Indian contributions to other countries since 1800 ?

ChatGPT
Since the 1800s, Indians have made significant contributions to various fields across the world. Some of the notable contributions include:
1. Science and Technology: Indian scientists and technologists have made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. For example, Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician, made significant contributions to number theory. In the field of computer science, Vinod Dham, an Indian-American, is known as the "Father of the Pentium Chip."
2. Medicine: Indian doctors and researchers have contributed significantly to the field of medicine, both in India and abroad. For example, Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi, the first Indian woman to receive a degree in Western medicine, practiced in the United States in the late 1800s. More recently, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, an Indian-American oncologist, won a Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer."
3. Arts and Literature: Indian artists and writers have made significant contributions to the arts and literature in various countries. For example, Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian poet and writer, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. In the United States, Jhumpa Lahiri, an Indian-American writer, won the Pulitzer Prize for her debut novel "Interpreter of Maladies" in 2000.
4. Business and Finance: Indian entrepreneurs and business leaders have made significant contributions to the global economy. For example, Vinod Khosla, an Indian-American venture capitalist, co-founded Sun Microsystems, one of the pioneers of the computer workstation industry. In the United Kingdom, Lakshmi Mittal, an Indian steel magnate, is one of the richest people in the world.
These are just a few examples of the many contributions made by Indians to other countries since the 1800s.
 
S. Ragavan : Comment on Indian archeology.

ChatGPT
Indian archaeology is a fascinating field that has provided valuable insights into the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent. Archaeological excavations have unearthed a wealth of material remains ranging from ancient human settlements, pottery, coins, sculptures, and other artifacts that have shed light on the diverse cultures that have inhabited India over the centuries.

One of the remarkable aspects of Indian archaeology is its vast scope, covering the whole country from north to south and east to west, revealing the diversity of ancient Indian civilization. From the Indus Valley civilization of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro to the Buddhist and Jain monuments of Sanchi and Ajanta, Indian archaeology has yielded numerous discoveries that have challenged and revised our understanding of India's history.
Indian archaeology has also made significant contributions to our understanding of the evolution of human civilization, including the development of agriculture, urbanization, and trade, as well as the rise and fall of empires and the spread of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam.

Overall, Indian archaeology is an exciting field that continues to unearth new discoveries and challenge our assumptions about India's past, and its importance in the broader context of world history cannot be overstated.
 
S. Ragavan : What are Indian contributions to literature and poetry ?

ChatGPT
India has a rich literary and poetic tradition dating back thousands of years, with diverse forms and styles emerging from different regions and languages. Some of the greatest Indian contributions to literature and poetry include:
1. The Vedas: These are a collection of ancient Hindu texts that were composed between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. They are considered the oldest religious scriptures in the world and are a source of knowledge and wisdom.
2. The Ramayana and Mahabharata: These are epic poems that tell the story of Hindu mythology and philosophy. The Ramayana is the story of Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, and his battle against the demon king Ravana. The Mahabharata is the story of the Kuru dynasty and the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
3. Bhagavad Gita: This is a sacred text that forms a part of the Mahabharata. It is a dialogue between Arjuna, a warrior, and Krishna, his charioteer, and discusses the nature of reality, duty, and the path to liberation.
4. Rabindranath Tagore: He was a Bengali poet, novelist, and philosopher who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. He is considered one of the greatest literary figures of modern India and his works, including the poem collection "Gitanjali," continue to be widely read and celebrated.
5. Vikram Seth: He is a contemporary Indian writer who has gained international recognition for his novels, including "A Suitable Boy" and "An Equal Music."
6. Kalidasa: He was a classical Sanskrit poet and playwright who lived in the 4th or 5th century CE. He is best known for his play "Shakuntala" and his poetry collections "Meghadūta" and "Ritusamhara."
7. Mirza Ghalib: He was a 19th-century Urdu poet who is considered one of the greatest poets in the Urdu language. His works continue to be widely read and celebrated in India and Pakistan.
8. Sarojini Naidu: She was an Indian poet and politician who played a leading role in the Indian independence movement. She was also known as the "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical poetry.
9. Jhumpa Lahiri: She is a contemporary Indian-American author who has gained international acclaim for her novels, including "The Namesake" and "Interpreter of Maladies."
These are just a few examples of the rich and diverse literary and poetic tradition of India, which continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.
 
S. Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome. Goodbye and have a great day!


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                                          IMMORTAL INDIA
                          (Translation of “L’Inde immortelle”)

India of our ancestors, India of our thoughts,
India of our roots, decider of destinies :
India of our dreams, India of five millennia,
Thou doth illuminate us daily from yonder.

For our masterminds, Mother, art thou a refuge :
And, for us be thy love of an unending flood;
Of his teachings yon sage drowns us
When he sits 'pon yon green river bank.

A land so sublime : vast, misunderstood land,
Unfathomable India, that will have known all,
India, so generous, giving everything, always :
What a dazzling halo surrounding thee !


Perfect Mother, peopl'd by an unparallel'd race,
Unique land wherein sleeps an eternal vision,
A people that holds in horror colonisation,
A people that be the lighthouse of civilisation.

A people that nothing, nobody could overcome :
A people with whom must one always reckon :
A people whose genius ne’er ceases to stun :
Yes, this people always shalt vanquish.

                                          * * *

Inexhaustible source, everything would thou have given :
Thou, the only one that hath deliver'd all, legat'd all,
Without ever losing aught : thou art not diminish'd :
Though having shar'd all, thou remain'st at the top.

Thou, India, that mak’st us tip into rapture,
India of artists, maharajahs and maharanis,
Thou that doth offer a resplendent paradise :
Thou art the generator of unending wealth.

The pages of thy history smell of tragedy :
How then to read this encyclopedia …
Could entire lifetimes, Mother, be enough
To understand what thou taught even yesterday ?

Only a little to understand thee,
How many millennia be need'd ?
Only for a little justice to do thee,
Be there subtle enough a language ?

This nourishing land, this inexhaustible land,
This land so protective, this unseizable land,
This land that encloses entire human history,
How to sing her, then, in this vain song…..

These places where mix wealth and poverty,
Where sit together palaces and poor stables :
These smart ascetics that illuminate entire humanity,
How to do them justice, then, with these poor verses ?

                                                                  * * *

In the entrails of the jungles meditate yon sages,
Only to come out with the finest of adages ;
The ultimate school do they find in this supreme silence :
'Tis here that they forge so well their stunning science.

At the heart of yon forest do they discover the world :
Here they penetrate life's secrets, verily like a probe;
They smile at robbers who yonder loot everything :
For, Mother, of these plunders art thou tir'd.

Thou, the land that decides of so many destinies,
This kingdom that sings so well past glories,
This land that in our arms we wish to hug :
Of world civilisations art thou the very pillar.

Our sculptures have we carv'd in yon rock
To give the whole world a very shock;
Our masterpieces have we engrav'd in marble
Even if we only have a tree as stable.

                                                * * *

Our wealth, our fields had nourish'd, fatten'd tyrants :
We had satisfied their enormous greed;
They had even bitten at the hand that fed them :
Shamelessly they had taken us for milking cows.

Mother, sanguinary tyrants had flogg'd us :
And, in blood our history remains engrav'd;
At Amritsar, the vampires had gorg’d themselves :
In our gore to their hearts' content did they bathe.

Without shame did the invaders pillage and rob :
Without compassion, without pity, did they murder;
From thou, Mother, instead of learning lessons,
In their mediocrity do they prefer to romp about.

Our diamonds sparkle, far away, in foreign bastions :
These plunder'd wealth could only be transient;
Do they only notice the accusing sparkle of yon treasure ?
Do they only hear the reproaches of yon loot’d gold ?


The plunderers : their hordes have turn’d poorer :
Thou hath emerg'd, eternal India, greater out of it;
Thou had smil'd at the shameless robbers :
Ne’er will they stop with their base deeds.

The vanquish'd shut up and hide themselves to mope :
Thou smil'st at them, Mother, to confound them more;
Thy teachings --- an unending series of pearls :
The hordes have not even the decency to blush.

They think, instead, that others disturb them :
Their loots in museums they arrange;
But, for us, for the world, for humanity,
Thou remain'st a mother of infinite kindness.

                                              * * *

The most daring challenges have we taken up :
We will fight, even at the price of our lives;
In the world, everywhere, in foreign lands,
Entire populations shalt be astound'd, upset.

Forever will we sing, Mother, thy glory :
At thy fountain will we fail not to drink;
At the four corners of the world, wherever we be,
To think of our roots we will cease not.

Of our loyalty we promise thee,
Of our support we assure thee,
Thy wounds always will we heal,
For, to thee, Mother, all do we owe.

Immortal India, overflowing with philosophy,
Silent conqueror, supreme umbrella,
We will sing till the death of us,
We will sing thy glory in our poetry !

Jai Hind ! (*)

( * : Long live India !)
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