Helmsman, Beware is a poem composed by Bengali revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The poem in Bengali is named "Kandari Hushiar". In this poem, Kazi Nazrul Islam asks people to stand up against all odds and speak wittingly about the problems facing the world.
Composition of Helmsman, Beware
Kazi Nazrul Islam was an active member of the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee. He organised the Volunteer Corps on the occasion of the Bengal Provincial Conference held at Krishnanagar. On the annual session of the Indian National Congress held in Krishnanagar, Nazrul recited one of the most famous poems he ever composed, "Kandari Hushiar" ("Helmsman, Beware"). Since then it has taken a place in West Bengal as a chorus verse of unparalleled fervour.
"Helmsman, Beware" Translated in English
Helmsman, beware! (Chorus)
You have to cross at dead of night
mountains hard to climb, dense wildernesses
and boundless, difficult seas!
The bark rocks and dips, the ocean swells,
The boatman misses his bearings,
The sails are torn. Who now takes the helm?
Who has the daring?
Come forward, vigorous youth-Destiny calls out:
high rages the storm, yet the boat must sail across.
Murky is the night: you sentries who have taken
The sacred vow to the Mother, look alert!
Agony pent up through ages is out on a massive march.
Resentment foams and rises in the hearts of those deprived-
They must be taken along and given their rights.
The helpless nation is about to drown, knowing not to swim-
Captain! Now is the hour of test for your vow to free the Mother.
Who is he that asks, "What are they, Hindu or Muslim?"
Captain, say its Man who drowns-my Mother`s offspring!
Here is the mountain gorge, the pilgrims are filled with fear as thunder rolls with awesome roar, and those following in the rear have rising doubts. Captain! Will you miss your bearings? Quit them in mid-sea?
They fight among themselves, yet you must carry them along with you, for the great burden is yours!
Captain! Before you lie the fields of Plassey
where Clive`s sword was dyed red with Bengali blood.
In yonder Ganga, alas, India`s sun has set:
that sun will rise again crimsoned with our blood!
Those who on the gallows` floor
sang the song of triumph of life
are here unseen and stand by.
What sacrifice will you make unto them?
The test today is, whom shall you deliver-
The nation, or a community?
The boat lurches, the ocean swells-
Helmsman, beware! (Chorus)
