Chilika

Chilika Maa Chilika, I remember seeing your alluring beauty The deep blue water and the little waves Your sunbathed beauty in golden rays I had seen the temple Kalijai in the middle of your heart I had watched those migratory birds Who used to come flying By crossing thousands of miles. I had seen the dolphins Jumping and vanishing in your water And seen happiness of children Boating on your waves. I fondly remember the scenery of The fishing boats swaying on your water The bluish beauty of the hills 'Mamu and Bhanaja' and also The islands Parikuda - Maluda visible from a distance. You are a lake of salty water. Did you take birth from the tears of Goddess Kalijai Or originated from the tear of a father Who lost his daughter in the storm? Like a loving and caring mother You had drawn Lord Jagannath to your bosom Who like a child running in fear of Kalapahada Took shelter in your calm water. Now you are under the holds of prawn mafia Your heart is getting buried in sand The brave Odia sailors Who had written their history of pride By sailing on your water Have grown insensitive to your pains They are dividing your water And fighting for profit Unmindful of the harms done To a mother's love!