The Price of Being Seen - By Biranalini Mahinthan

Written By: Biranalini Mahinthan

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the 2026 edition of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition, Biranalini Mahinthan captivates readers with "The Price of Being Seen." Under the poetry category, this poignant piece explores the themes of recognition, loyalty, and societal judgment. Mahinthan's work delves into the internal and external struggles faced by Karna, a character from the epic Mahabharata, offering a reflective exploration of the human need to be acknowledged and valued.

About the Work

Biranalini Mahinthan's poem is rich with emotional depth, portraying the complex relationship between Karna and Duryodhana. The narrative captures Karna's yearning for recognition and the societal pressures he faces. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem highlights the duality of loyalty as both a strength and a tragedy, painting a compelling portrait of Karna's internal conflict and external challenges.

The Price of Being Seen

Original Submission by Biranalini Mahinthan

The Price of Being Seen

Born with divine gifts,

yet, forced to live

beneath the weight of humiliation.

Abandoned by his mother.

Raised under a name that was not his own.

Rejected by society.

Denied the recognition he believed he deserved.

Cursed by his guru.

His life became a hunger.

A hunger to be seen,

to be valued,

to prove that he was more

than the world believed him to be.

He wanted to prove his worth.

He wanted to surpass Arjuna.

He wanted to silence every voice

that had ever called him lesser.

And above all,

he carried the weight of

society’s judgement.

Then came Duryodhana.

When the world questioned Karna’s birth,

Duryodhana saw his strength.

When others refused to let him stand beside Arjuna,

Duryodhana gave him a kingdom.

When the world called him unworthy,

Duryodhana called him friend.

At least,

that is what Karna believed.

Duryodhana not only saw his worth,

but also, an opportunity for himself.

A warrior powerful enough

to challenge Arjuna.

A man whose loyalty could become

a weapon against the Pandavas.

And Karna,

who had spent his entire life

longing for someone to see him,

gave himself completely

to the man who finally did.

Duryodhana saw Karna as

the warrior who could defeat Arjuna.

Karna saw Duryodhana

as the friend who had stood by him.

And perhaps that was the tragedy.

Duryodhana needed Karna

for the victory of the war.

Karna needed Duryodhana

for the acceptance of the society.

So, Karna stayed.

Not because he couldn’t leave.

But because, to him,

leaving the man who had finally called him worthy

would mean betraying the one person who had

never made him feel unworthy.

That’s what made Karna’s loyalty

both his greatest strength

and his greatest tragedy.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event that celebrates the richness of literary artistry across the globe. This competition provides a platform for poets and writers to showcase their talents and share their unique voices with an international audience. Participants submit their original works, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary creative expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Biranalini Mahinthan for sharing "The Price of Being Seen" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your insightful exploration of loyalty and societal acceptance through the lens of Karna's story adds a powerful voice to this year's submissions. Thank you for contributing your art and enriching the literary landscape.

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.