Ardhanarishwar, Dr. B.R Ambedkar, Draupadi still question, stains, she - By UJJAINI GHOSH

Written By: UJJAINI GHOSH

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

UJJAINI GHOSH presents a poignant collection of poems titled "Ardhanarishwar, Dr. B.R Ambedkar, Draupadi still question, stains, she," as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. This collection delves into themes of identity, empowerment, and justice, bringing forth a reflective and resonant voice that questions societal norms and celebrates strength in diversity.

About the Work

Through her poetry, UJJAINI GHOSH explores the intricate balance of power and compassion, the quest for justice, and the enduring strength of women. Her work is imbued with vivid imagery and profound messages that challenge the status quo and urge introspection. The poems weave together historical and contemporary narratives, embodying a timeless call for equality and understanding.

Ardhanarishwar, Dr. B.R Ambedkar, Draupadi still question, stains, she

Original Submission by UJJAINI GHOSH

POEMS

1. अर्धनारीश्वर:

जब ईश्वर ने रची सृष्टि महान,

न अकेला रखा स्वयं भगवान।

आधा शक्ति, आधा करुणा का मान,

तभी बना यह जगत संपूर्ण समान।

यदि केवल बल का होता विधान,

तो रणभूमि बन जाता हर एक स्थान।

यदि केवल ममता का होता सम्मान,

तो थम जाता समय, रुक जाता गान।

नर में संकल्प, प्रखर अभिमान,

नारी में ममता, धैर्य महान।

एक बिना दूजे के अर्थ अधूरा जान,

जैसे बिना सुर के संगीत पहिचान।

अर्धांगिनी कोई निर्बल निशान,

यह ईश्वर का सबसे गूढ़ ज्ञान।

पूर्णता न रहती एक की शान,

वह बसती है संतुलन के स्थान।

जो एक को ऊँचा, दूजे को नीचान,

वह सृष्टि नहीं, करता अहं का गान।

क्योंकि यह संसार न एक से पहचान,

दो से चलता है जीवन विधान।

इसलिए ईश्वर भी हुआ अर्ध समान,

नर-नारी में बाँट दी अपनी पहचान।

जहाँ शक्ति और करुणा का हो संगम स्थान,

वहीं बसता है सच्चा भगवान。

2. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: A Vision of Light:

From depths of silence, he rose alone,

With courage carved in heart and bone.

Marked by caste, denied his place,

Yet fire of hope lit up his face.

He bore the sting of cruel divide,

Where doors were shut and hearts denied.

But pain became his driving flame,

To break the chains, to change the game.

With pen as power and truth his guide,

He stood for those pushed far aside.

Through storms of hate, through walls of fear,

He made the voice of justice clear.

He saw a world yet to be made,

Where none would live in shadowed shade,

Where birth could never shape one’s fate,

And every soul would stand as great.

He shaped the law, both just and wise,

A beacon bright for future skies.

His vision burns, a living flame-

In equal rights, we speak his name.

3. “Draupadi still questions”:

In that royal court, she stood alone,

Her dignity torn, her pain unknown.

While elders, warriors, noble and wise,

Turned away with lowered eyes.

What has changed today?

Do we still choose to look away?

Was it just a story of ancient time,

Or a truth we hide, a silent crime?

You worship goddesses, strong and bright,

Yet women still walk in fear at night.

Why praise the power you fail to defend?

Why let this cycle never end?

Draupadi’s question still fills the air-

“Who will protect? Who will care?”

Or will silence rise, as it did before,

And leave her unheard once more?

4. Stains:

They told her softly, “hide the stain,”

as if her rhythm carried shame,

a silent rule, a secret chain-

her body turned to something blamed.

“Don’t step inside, don’t touch, stay far,”

as if her presence dimmed the light,

yet worship goddesses in red-

while calling her unclean, not right.

But how can life itself be wrong?

The very flow that lets us be-

the same red thread that weaves new life,

that shapes each soul, that sets it free?

A force so ancient, fierce, and strong,

the quiet power to create-

the womb that holds the breath of life,

yet judged by fear, confined by fate.

The shame was never in her skin,

but built by minds that feared the truth-

now let her rise, unlearn within,

and claim her power, pride, and youth.

5. She:

She learned silence before her name,

A gentle shhh became her frame.

Her dolls wore bridal red and gold

Before her dreams could yet unfold.

“Walk softly, child. Lower your eyes.

A good girl never questions, cries.”

So, girlhood passed in quiet grace,

With borrowed smiles upon her face.

She grew through curtains, rules, and fear,

With incense, turmeric in the air.

Gold on her wrists would shine so bright,

Like chains disguised in wedding light.

Between the blessings people gave,

And bargains fathers feared to save,

Dowry slowly stole its place-

A price tied to a daughter’s grace.

The sacred fire saw all unfold:

The trembling bride in silk and gold,

The father counting worth in cash,

The mother hiding tears that flashed.

And still the world called this tradition,

A sacred, celebrated condition.

While love stood silent, pushed aside,

And fear sat closely with the bride.

Then came the widows dressed in white,

Their bangles broken out of sight.

A pyre mistaken here for purity,

A cruel disguise for insecurity.

Then came the veil across her face,

As though concealment meant her grace.

“Hide yourself well, the world is wild,”

They warned the woman, warned the child.

But underneath that silent veil

Lived strength no cruelty could pale.

She carried generations there,

With tired bones and endless care.

She hid her wounds yet served the meal,

Buried dreams she could not heal.

Still sang lullabies through pain,

Still stood back up through loss and rain.

The veil did not make women weak;

It hid the fire they could not speak.

For sharp beneath those lowered eyes

Were storms that waited through the years to rise.

And now the veil begins to shift,

Not fall-but slowly, like a gift.

For she was never frail or small-

The widow, bride, the veiled through all.

A revolution forced to whisper low…

Till whispers learned to thunder grow

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a platform celebrating literary creativity and expression. It invites writers from diverse backgrounds to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering a community of thought-provoking and inspiring literary works.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to UJJAINI GHOSH for her compelling contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her collection, "Ardhanarishwar, Dr. B.R Ambedkar, Draupadi still question, stains, she," enriches the dialogue on cultural identity and social justice, resonating deeply with readers.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.