The Children’s Songs
Rudyard Kipling
Land of our Birth, we pledge to thee
Our love and toil in the years to be;
When we are grown and take our place
As men and women of our race.
Father in Heaven, Who lovest all, Oh help
Thy children when they call;
That they may build from age to age,
An undefiled heritage.
Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,
With steadfastness and careful truth;
That, in our time, Thy Grace may give
The Truth whereby the Nations live.
Teach us to rule ourselves always,
Controlled and cleanly night and day;
That we may bring, if need arise, No maimed and worthless sacrifice.
Teach us to look, in all our ends,
On Thee for judge, and not our friends
That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed
By fear or favour of the crowd.
Teach us the strength that cannot seek,
By deed or thought, to hurt the weak;
That, under Thee, we may possess
Man’s strength to comfort man’s destress.
Teach us Delight in simple things,
And Mirth that had no bitter springs;
Forgiveness free of evil done,
And Love to all men, ‘neath the sun!
Land of our Birth, our faith, our pride,
For whose dear sake our fathers died
Head, heart and hand through the years to be!
শিশুদের গান
(রুডইয়ার্ড কিপলিং)
জন্মভূমি, তোমার প্রতি আমরা করি অঙ্গীকার—
ভবিষ্যৎ দিনের ভালোবাসা ও শ্রমে পূর্ণ থাকবে আমাদের পরিবার।
যখন আমরা বড় হব, জাতির পুষ্প হব নর ও নারী,
তখন আমরা নেব দায়িত্ব, মমতায় ও সাহসিকতায় ভারী।
স্বর্গীয় পিতা, যিনি ভালোবাসো সকলকে,
ডাকলে তুমি সাড়া দাও, শিশুদের করো রক্ষা।
যেন যুগে যুগে তারা গড়ে তোলে,
এক পবিত্র উত্তরাধিকার, কলঙ্কহীন আলোয় ভোলে।
আমাদের শেখাও তরুণ বয়সে ভার বইতে,
সত্য ও নিষ্ঠার সাথে কঠিন পথে চলতে।
যেন তোমার কৃপায় একদিন পাই
সেই সত্য যা জাতিকে বাঁচিয়ে রাখে তাই।
আমাদের শেখাও আত্মনিয়ন্ত্রণ সব সময়ে,
দিনে–রাতে থাকি পরিষ্কার, সৎ নিয়মে।
যেন প্রয়োজনে তোমার দরবারে তুলে ধরি
একটি পূর্ণ, পবিত্র বলিদান, নয় অপূর্ণ রাশি।
আমাদের শেখাও, প্রতিটি কর্মের শেষে,
বন্ধুর নয়, তোমার বিচারেই থাকি ভেসে।
যেন ভয় বা প্রশংসায় পথ না হারাই,
তোমার সঙ্গে থেকে সাহস পাই।
আমাদের শেখাও এমন শক্তি, যা কভু দুঃখ দেয় না,
চিন্তায় বা কাজে দুর্বলদের আঘাত করে না।
তোমার অধীনে থাকুক আমাদের শক্তি,
যা অন্যের দুঃখে দিতে পারে শান্তি।
আমাদের শেখাও সরল জিনিসে আনন্দ খুঁজে পেতে,
হাসিতে যা নেই কোনো তিক্ততা বুকে।
ক্ষমা করতে শেখাও কৃত পাপের জন্যে,
আর শেখাও ভালোবাসা সব মানুষের প্রতি পৃথিবীর রঙ্গে।
জন্মভূমি, আমাদের বিশ্বাস, গর্বের ধন,
যার তরে প্রাণ দিয়েছেন আমাদের পিতা গণ।
মাথা, মন, ও হাত দিয়ে রাখব তোমার যত্ন,
এই জীবন জুড়ে, যতদিন থাকে ধ্বনি–স্বর শান্ত।
- What is pledged to the land of birth?
Love and toil are pledged. The speaker promises dedication to their country. - When will the children serve the country?
When they are grown up. They plan to serve as responsible adults. - What does the speaker ask from the Father in Heaven?
Help and guidance for the children. They seek divine support in life. - Why does the speaker call on God?
To protect and guide the children. They believe divine help ensures a righteous path. - What is the children’s goal for the future?
To build an undefiled heritage. They want to preserve purity and honor. - What does the poem say about youth?
Youth should learn to bear the yoke.
They must grow strong with discipline. - Why is truth important in the poem?
Because it allows nations to survive. Truth is seen as the foundation of life. - What kind of sacrifice does the poet want to avoid?
Maimed and worthless sacrifices.
Only full and honest efforts are acceptable. - What does the speaker want the children to learn about self-rule?
To always control themselves. Self-discipline is essential. - What should guide their actions — friends or God?
God should be the judge. Not the opinion of friends or the crowd. - What is the danger of crowd influence?
It may lead people astray. The speaker warns against fear or favour from it. - What strength does the poem promote?
Strength that never harms the weak. It must be protective, not oppressive. - What is man’s strength for, according to the poem?
To comfort others’ distress. Strength must serve humanity. - What kind of joy should children have?
Joy in simple things. Happiness should be pure and innocent. - What type of mirth is encouraged?
Mirth without bitterness. True joy leaves no pain behind. - What does the poem say about forgiveness?
It should be given freely. No grudge should remain for wrongs done. - Who should be loved?
All people beneath the sun. Universal love is the ideal. - What does the poem ask for in adult life?
Faith, pride, and dedication to the land. The speaker urges lifelong loyalty to the country. - Why is the land dear?
Because ancestors died for it. Their sacrifice makes the land sacred. - What are the “head, heart, and hand” symbolic of?
Thinking, feeling, and working. They represent complete devotion. - Why must children be taught discipline early?
So they grow into responsible adults. Youth is the best time to learn virtue. - What should children avoid becoming?
Cowardly and untruthful. They must live bravely and honestly. - What is meant by “undefiled heritage”?
A pure, untarnished legacy. The future must be free of corruption. - What is the role of God in the poem?
Judge, helper, and protector. He is a divine guide for children. - How does the poet view sacrifice?
It must be meaningful and whole. Not something broken or forced. - What happens if the nation loses truth?
It may not survive. Truth is its foundation. - What does the poet ask for in terms of justice?
That God be the only judge. Not public opinion or peer pressure. - What does “controlled and cleanly” mean?
Living with self-control and purity.
It includes both physical and moral cleanliness. - What must children resist as they grow?
The fear or favour of others. They must live by principles, not pressure. - Why is delight in simple things important?
It brings lasting joy. Such joy is free from pain. - What does the poem teach about laughter?
It should be pure and kind. Joy shouldn’t come at others’ expense. - Why must forgiveness be taught?
To heal and move on. Harboring hatred harms the soul. - How is love defined in the poem?
As universal and inclusive. It must reach all humans. - What is the value of labor in the poem?
It is sacred and patriotic. Work is tied to love for the nation. - What must young people learn about truth?
That it’s essential for life. Without truth, societies collapse. - What is meant by “bearing the yoke”?
Taking on responsibility. It prepares one for the future. - Why is grace needed from God?
To live by truth. Human effort must be aided by divine blessing. - What kind of heritage do we inherit?
One built by the sacrifices of ancestors. It must be protected and honored. - What must children learn about weakness?
Never to exploit it. Strength is for protection, not domination. - What should not guide one’s actions?
Peer pressure or popular opinion. True judgment comes from a higher source. - Why is mirth without bitter springs important?
Because it ensures innocent joy. True happiness harms no one. - What does the poet imply about nations?
They thrive on truth. Without it, they crumble. - What kind of yoke should children carry?
A yoke of duty and honesty. It makes them mature and reliable. - What is expected from future generations?
Loyalty, service, and integrity. They must uphold the values of their land. - How are children to judge their deeds?
By God’s standard. Not by what friends or society say. - What is the message about inner strength?
It must never harm the weak. Compassion is a sign of true power. - How should love be practiced?
By showing kindness to all. It must be universal and unconditional. - Why is youth emphasized in the poem?
Because it shapes the future. Early values last a lifetime. - What kind of nation does the poem envision?
One built on faith, discipline, and sacrifice. A nation where truth and love thrive. - How does the poem reflect patriotism?
By linking personal virtue to national pride. Serving the land is seen as a sacred duty. - What is the central theme of the poem?
The poem emphasizes patriotism, moral duty, and spiritual guidance. It calls for building a virtuous society through self-discipline, truth, and service. - What does the poem pledge to the “Land of our Birth”?
The children pledge their love, toil, and lifelong dedication. They vow to honor their heritage as future adults of their nation. - Why does the poem invoke “Father in Heaven”?
It seeks divine guidance to help children build a righteous society. God’s grace is seen as essential to uphold truth and justice. - What does “undefiled heritage” mean?
It refers to a legacy of moral purity and cultural integrity. The poem urges preserving these values across generations. - How does the poem define “Truth” for nations?
Truth is the moral foundation that sustains societies. Kipling suggests nations thrive only when rooted in ethical principles. - What does “bearing the yoke in youth” teach?
It encourages resilience and responsibility from an early age. Youth must learn steadfastness and honesty to lead wisely. - Why is “self-rule” emphasized in the poem?
Self-discipline ensures individuals act with integrity day and night. It prevents offering “maimed” sacrifices (half-hearted efforts) to society. - What does “no maimed and worthless sacrifice” mean?
It warns against incomplete or insincere contributions. Actions must be wholehearted and purposeful to benefit others. - How should one face judgment, according to the poem?
People should seek divine judgment, not approval from friends. This fosters courage to act justly, free from peer pressure. - What does “strength to comfort man’s distress” signify?
True strength lies in protecting the weak, not exploiting them. Compassion and service are marks of noble character. - What rhyme scheme does the poem use?
It follows an AABBpattern in quatrains. Rhyming couplets create a rhythmic, hymn-like quality. - How does repetition reinforce the poem’s message?
Repeating “Teach us” in stanzas 3–7 emphasizes the desire for moral growth. It structures the poem as a prayer or creed. - What is the significance of the word “yoke”?
The yoke symbolizes burdens of responsibility. Bearing it “in youth” prepares children for future leadership. - How does Kipling use metaphor in “bitter springs”?
“Bitter springs” represent joy tainted by malice or regret. The poem urges pure, ungrudging happiness. - Why is “Land of our Birth” repeated at the start and end?
Repetition frames the poem as a patriotic oath. It underscores loyalty to one’s homeland as a lifelong commitment. - What role does faith play in the poem?
Faith in God and country guides moral decisions. It provides strength to resist corruption and fear. - Why is forgiveness highlighted as a virtue?
Forgiveness fosters unity and healing. The poem urges letting go of grudges to promote love “’neath the sun.” - How does the poem define “Delight in simple things”?
It advocates finding joy in humility and modesty. Material excess is rejected in favor of spiritual contentment. - What does “fear or favour of the crowd” warn against?
It condemns conformity to societal pressures or corruption. Integrity requires courage to stand apart from the mob. - How is “Love to all men” portrayed as a duty?
Universal love transcends personal biases. It reflects divine grace and unites diverse communities. - How does the poem reflect Kipling’s imperialist views?
It promotes service to nation and empire, common in Kipling’s work. However, its moral focus softens overt political messaging. - Why might this poem resonate with Victorian values?
It emphasizes duty, self-restraint, and piety—key Victorian ideals. The hymn-like tone aligns with religious moralism of the era. - How does the poem address British national identity?
Patriotism is tied to moral virtue and ancestral sacrifice (“for whose dear sake our fathers died”). It frames national pride as sacred. - What audience is Kipling targeting?
British youth, particularly the privileged class, to instill leadership values. The poem acts as a pedagogical tool for character-building. - How does the poem’s tone compare to Kipling’s If—?
Both are didactic, but The Children’s Songis collective and prayerful, while If— addresses individual resilience. - What is the poem’s view on leadership?
Leaders must rule themselves before governing others. Self-control and purity are prerequisites for authority. - How does the poem balance individual and collective duty?
Personal morality (“Teach us to rule ourselves”) serves societal good. Individual virtue uplifts the entire nation. - Why is “careful truth” important?
Truth must be upheld thoughtfully, not weaponized. It requires wisdom to apply justly in complex situations. - What does “head, heart, and hand” symbolize?
The triad represents intellect, emotion, and action. A balanced person harmonizes all three to serve effectively. - How does the poem define “man’s strength”?
Strength lies in empathy, not domination. True power comforts the distressed and protects the vulnerable. - Why is the poem called a “song”?
Its rhythmic cadence and repetitive structure mimic a hymn or anthem. It’s meant to be recited or sung collectively. - What imagery contrasts “simple things” and “bitter springs”?
“Simple things” evoke humility and purity, while “bitter springs” symbolize corrupted joy. The poem champions untainted happiness. - How does the phrase “undefiled heritage” evoke purity?
“Undefiled” suggests a legacy unspoiled by greed or corruption. It’s a call to protect cultural and moral traditions. - What does “controlled and cleanly night and day” emphasize?
Constant self-discipline, not sporadic effort. Moral integrity must persist in all circumstances. - How does “judge, and not our friends” critique society?
It warns against valuing popularity over righteousness. Divine judgment prioritizes ethics over social approval. - Is the poem’s message still relevant today?
Yes—its emphasis on integrity, service, and humility transcends time. However, its imperial undertones may require contextual critique. - How does the poem idealize youth?
Youth are portrayed as moldable future leaders. Their purity is seen as key to societal renewal. - What is the significance of “maimed sacrifice”?
Half-hearted efforts harm society. The poem demands full commitment to communal well-being. - How does Kipling blend spirituality and patriotism?
Divine will and national duty are intertwined. Serving God and country are presented as inseparable callings. - Does the poem promote inclusivity?
“Love to all men” suggests inclusivity, but its Victorian context likely excludes colonial subjects. Modern readers may critique its limits. - What does “steadfastness” teach children?
Perseverance through challenges builds character. Steadfastness ensures they remain truthful and resilient. - Why is “fear of the crowd” discouraged?
Courage to act rightly outweighs social approval. Children learn to prioritize ethics over popularity. - How does the poem address humility?
“Delight in simple things” rejects materialism. Humble joys foster gratitude and spiritual richness. - What lesson does “forgiveness free of evil done” impart?
Holding grudges perpetuates harm. Forgiveness breaks cycles of anger, promoting peace. - How does the poem define “worthwhile” contributions?
Contributions must be sincere and impactful. Token gestures (“worthless sacrifice”) betray communal trust. - How does the poem inspire national pride?
It links patriotism to moral excellence. Loving one’s country means striving for its ethical upliftment. - What legacy does Kipling aim to create through this poem?
A society guided by virtue, service, and divine principles. He envisions generations upholding these values. - Why is the poem structured as a prayer?
Prayer underscores dependence on divine grace for moral strength. It unites spiritual and civic duty. - How might modern educators use this poem?
To discuss ethics, leadership, and historical perspectives. Critical analysis can address its imperialist context. - What timeless truth does the poem offer?
Nations thrive when individuals prioritize truth, compassion, and self-discipline. Personal virtue fuels collective progress.