Here is the translation in prose of the Bengali original rendered by Rabindranath Tagore: Source: http://www.wikipedia.com
“If there is no-one responding to your call – then go on all alone
If no-one speaks (to you), don’t think you are unfortunate, if no-one speaks (to you),
If everyone turns away, if everyone fears (to speak), then with an open heart without hesitation speak your mind alone
If everyone walks away, O unlucky one, everyone walks away
If no-one looks back towards the (your) unpredictable path, then with thorn pricked (of the path) bloodied feet, walk alone
If no-one heeds your call – then walk alone
If no-one shines a light (on the path), O unlucky one,
If the dark night brings thunder and storm at the door – then let the lightning ignite the light in you alone to shine on the path
If no-one heeds your call – then walk alone.”
Dear Migrants,
You build the foundation and walls of the homes we live in,
You color the places we occupy,
You cook the food we eat at restaurants,
You transport the groceries to the godowns,
You work in the fields to harvest grains and vegetables for us,
You work in various factories for the items we consume,
You were always there when we needed you to do all kinds of work.
We never asked you in what conditions you lived. We were only bothered about the work you did for us.
Yet, when you needed to be with your family and loved ones, we looked the other way. We have failed as a society. We don’t even have the face to seek an apology.