Gift Packed with Blessings
Tell me, serviceman, where you are
I want to send you a gift
Packed with my blessings
You do not have a regular address
One day you are in Reasi and the next in Pulwama
You spend your nights keeping vigil
Be it winter or the season of rains
Where should I send my gift with blessings?
Poonch? Rajouri? Doda? Or Paadar?
Tell me, soldier, where
I may send my gift
In your name
Carrying a haversack on your shoulders
You move from place to place
We sleep tucked under soft coverless and quilts
You rest with a rifle to your chest
It is the same – be it day or night
Morning and evening are the same to you
Do you ever get time to rest?
If so, where?
Tell me soldier where
I may send my blessed gift
In your name.
Tell my, how you live at Siachen
How you sleep on that bed of snow
You used to feel very cold
Raised a hue and cry while bathing
I have knitted a sweater with blessings in new designs
Tell me when I should send it
Tell me, soldier, where
I may send my gift full of blessings
In your name.
You are stationed in Jaisalmer and Uttarlai
Dust storms raging there evoke awe in the eyes
Create darkness of amavas when
You cannot figure out faces
I shall create a moon of blessings there
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send my gift of blessings
In your name.
When you fly an aircraft
Remember not to stray beyond our borders
The enemy is keeping a watch
May surround you and catch you deviously
I shall send blessings to protect you
Tell me, O serviceman, where
I may send you the gift of blessings
In your name.
Kochi, Goa, Visakhapatnam
Andaman, Chennai, Dakshin
You run ships of the navy
Sink submarines of the enemy
Varun, the Lord of waters, is with you
The world recognizes you skill
What more should I say about you?
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may dispatch the blessed gift
In your name.
Your courage is lofty
Like Pir Panjal,
Kargil or Kashmir
Mahesh safeguards you
So does Gauri-Putra Ganesh
Defend the nation, do your duty
Earn the reputation of Zorawar
I want to open an account
Of blessings in your name
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send the gift of blessings
In your name.
I have deep admiration for the uniform
Khaki, white and blue
May the Divine keep a benign eye on all
When you get a medal for bravery
I shall compose a lovely song
And send you congratulations by telegram
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send the gift of my blessings
In your name.
Your sister quizzers me
She loves you very much
Sows seeds for Raarhe in your name
Praises you among her friends
Says she will offer a goat for your safety
“My brother should return victorious in war
And I shall give it as offering before the Devi”
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send my gift of blessings
In your name.
When you return after winning the battle
We shall celebrate and throw parties
Spread mats and draw alpanas
Will go to Amritsar, Bahu, Satwari
To offer prayers and thanksgiving poojas
And shall offer Rot at th Peer’s dargaah
In your name
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send the gift of my blessings
In your name.
Whenever you telephone
I feel rejuvenated
Sleep carefree
Remain active through the day
The next day passes happily
I feel good about everyone
I am inspired to write some song
In your name
Tell me, soldier, where
I may send my blessed gift
In your name.
Vicky, Gurdeep and Taariq
Give birthday greetings to them
Find time to go to the goshaala
Feed green grass to the cows
I am going to the temple with grandma
I shall burn incense and seek blessings
For you
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send the gift
In your name.
I have set aside ghee of brown buffalo’s milk
When you come we shall offer it to the family deity
And then use it
You love sweet rice with lot of dry fruits in it
Come and ask me to cook it for you
It will give me great joy
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send the gift packed with blessings
In your name.
You should write to me more often
Tell me when you are getting your annual leave
When you come, we shall arrange a special pooja
And give away the cow on Ekadashi day
She has been with us for too long
There are numerous tasks awaiting you
Come and give me some relief
Where should I go to unburden myself?
Where?
Tell me, serviceman, where
I may send the gift loaded with blessings
For you
When you come home on leave
There is liveliness in the air
Running around does not tire me
Seeing your fine face
I am drenched with joy
There is spring all around
And the breeze sings
Malahaar
The Koel also warbles sweet tunes
In your name
Tell me soldier, where
I may send the gift of blessings
In your name.
