If no one heeds your call, walk alone

In India’s darkest hour, when brother killed brother on the street,
The Mahatma’s belief in ahimsa, faced the biggest challenge it could meet.

“I will not accept failure,” said he. “If needed, I’d rather choose death.”
“Violence, I will conquer with love, or keep trying till my last breath”

Hundreds were butchered in Noakhali and thousands of victims had fled,
Hatred & fear filled hearts and minds, as the once peaceful land bled.

The Mahatma walked undaunted, though paths had been flooded to stop him,
He walked alone through scorched villages, hearing tales agonising & grim.

“Don’t leave, be brave,” he told all. “Remember you are brothers in arms,
Our religions teach us to love each other, not wish each other harm.”

His message brought people together, bringing peace to the troubled land,
The Mahatma’s moral courage, even the coldest heart could not withstand.

Gandhi ji had shown the world, ahimsa’s immense strength and power,
History still remembers Noakhali, as the Mahatma’s finest hour.

By: Nayantara Maitra Chakravarty