World Poetry Day is observed every year on March 21st. Poetry is a means of expression that reaches the hearts of people. Throughout history, poets have used verses to ignite revolutions. On this occasion, let’s read some inspiring quotes by famous Indian poets. These quotes originally written in Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi have been translated into English to reach a wider audience. 

Rabindranath Tagore

“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”

“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

Must-read poems of Rabindranath Tagore: Clouds and Waves, Freedom, The Home and the World

Sarojini Naidu

“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action.”

“The art of people reflects their creative energy and genius, their aesthetic tastes, their national character and mentality.”

“A little word of kindness, a little of sympathy, a little act of helpfulness, or a little thought of love- it is these little things that matter.”

Must-read poems of Sarojini Naidu: Autumn Song, An Indian Love Song, My Dead Dream

Mirza Ghalib

“Don’t go by the lines on the palm of hand Ghalib, Luck is bestowed even on those who don’t have hands.”

“The world is a children’s playground before me, Night and day, this theatre is enacted before me.”

“Love cannot be seeded into someone. It is a fire that is difficult to kindle but once it takes on, it is equally difficult to extinguish.”

Must-read poems of Mirza Ghalib: It is not Love it is Madness, Heart it is, Not a Brick or Stone, The World is a Playground

Amrita Pritam

“Love is not about possessing someone; it is about setting them free to be their true selves.”

“Every heartache teaches us a lesson, and every smile fills us with hope.”

“Love grows when it is nourished by trust and understanding.”    

Must-read poems of Amrita Pritam: To Waris Shah, Oedipus, Meeting the Self

Harivansh Rai Bachchan

“Live not like flower, you’ll disintegrate the day you blossom, live like a stone, for once when carved, you’ll be a form of god.”

“You will never give up, you will never stop, and you will never look back. Make an oath to yourself.”

“If darkness falls your way, your destination is somewhere out there, this is what a tired traveller thinks and strolls faster, and the sun sets sooner.”

Must-read poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan: Madhushala, Prateeksha, Agneepath