Duty Supreme

 

"Kuta thava karthavyam", my school princi wrote 

in the autograph book, at the time of leaving school 

Though long ago, seems like yesterday that the

sane advice to "Do your duty"

was given by teacher to student

At that time though, I hadn't paid much attention

to what was seen as "Big talk of adults" 

yet years later, I dwell and rely on those words 

for guidance and inspiration.... 

An advice so very relevant and most essential for current times

times, when people give scant regard to 'Duty' 

it is 'Rights' that they are concerned about

"What's in it for me?" 

Another valid quote to ponder over is

"Ask not what others or the country has done for you

Ask what you can do for the society and country" 

When duty is top priority 

performed without fear or favour 

if to this is added, as icing on the cake 

 "Duty towards the next generation" 

preparing them for future challenges 

then, success and a sense of satisfaction

 cannot be far behind! 

When more and more people, all over the world 

join the bandwagon, it's celebration time 

for it is thumbs up, not just for one nation

but for all of mankind! 

NB: This poem was composed for and published in the 2025 anthology of the Chennai Poetry Circle which was released in January 2026.