Hindi Kala presents Gulzar‘s Poem Amaltas about the tree of Cassia fistula in Hindi & English with the poem’s Meaning (English Translation).

गुलज़ार की अमलतास अख़बार

खिड़की पिछवाड़े को खुलती तो नज़र आता था
वो अमलतास का इक पेड़, ज़रा दूर, अकेला-सा खड़ा था
शाखें पंखों की तरह खोले हुए
एक परिन्दे की तरह
बरगलाते थे उसे रोज़ परिन्दे आकर
सब सुनाते थे वि परवाज़ के क़िस्से उसको
और दिखाते थे उसे उड़ के, क़लाबाज़ियाँ खा के
बदलियाँ छू के बताते थे, मज़े ठंडी हवा के!

आंधी का हाथ पकड़ कर शायद
उसने कल उड़ने की कोशिश की थी
औंधे मुँह बीच-सड़क आके गिरा है!!

~ गुलज़ार | Gulzar

Gulzar’s Poem Amaltas in Roman Transcript

Khidkī Pichhwāḍe Ko Khulati To Nazar Aata Tha
Wo Amaltās Kā Ik Ped, Zarā Dūr, Akela-Sā Khṛā Thā
Shākhēṅ Pankhon Kī Tarah Khōle Hue
Ek Parinde Kī Tarah
Bargalāte The Use Roz Parinde Ākar
Sab Sunāte The Vir Parvāz Ke Qisse Usko
Aur Dikhatē The Use Ud Ke, Qalābāziyāṅ Khā Ke
Badliyaṅ Chhū Ke Batāte The, Maze Thandī Havā Ke!

Āndhī Kā Hāth Pakṛ Kar Shayad
Usne Kal Uḍne Kī Koshish Kī Thī
Audhe Munh Bīch-Sadak Āke Girā Hai!!

~ गुलज़ार | Gulzar

Gulzar’s Poem Amaltas Meaning (English Translation)

When the window opened to the backyard
I would see that amaltas tree, a little far, standing alone
Its branches spread like wings
Like a bird
Birds would come every day and tempt it
They would tell it stories of flight
And show it by flying, doing somersaults
Touching the clouds, they would tell of the pleasure of the cool breeze!

Perhaps, holding the hand of the storm
It tried to fly yesterday
And fell face down in the middle of the road!!

Essence of the Poem
This poem vividly depicts an Amaltas tree that, like a bird, longs for freedom and flight. The tree’s lonely life and the visits of different birds who tell their stories of flight represent a longing for freedom.

Key themes:
Yearning for freedom: Rooted to the ground, the amaltas tree yearns for unrestricted flight.
The allure of the unknown: The birds’ stories of soaring and interacting with clouds symbolise the attraction of novelty and the need for novel experiences.
The consequences of ambition: The storm may have spurred the tree to try to fly, but it fails miserably. This implies that unbridled ambition might have disastrous results.
The beauty and fragility of nature: The image of the fallen tree highlights the fragility of life and the harsh realities of nature.

The poem challenges readers to consider their own goals and wishes. It acts as a reminder that while working towards our objectives is vital, it’s also critical to be aware of the risks and constraints that may arise.

~ गुलज़ार | Gulzar

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