My native language Punjabi is a language spoken around parts of Pakistani and Indian Punjab. One day during a conversation with friends I realized I could not find a Punjabi word for 'Sorry'. I came to a realization that my language was a rude language as I could not find Punjabi synonyms for other polite words too like 'Excuse me', 'Please' and even 'Thank You'. I can now recall that I was once told by someone, although as a joke, that if I am the boss and I have to be strict with my subordinates, I should resort to using Punjabi as the mode of expressing anger. So the image of my own language has become that of a stubborn language somewhat incapable of expressing affection and praise, or any other of the softer feelings for that matter.
But this piece of Punjabi poetry that I am sharing here is just brilliant and it makes one feel that Punjabi is as lovely and romantic a language as any other. The following is a Punjabi song which is shared alongside its translation. It was sung by one of my favorite singers: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, but was later copied and slightly recomposed by some Indian composers to fulfill the long standing and now matured tradition of branding Pakistani music as Indian. Here is the video of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan singing the qawwali. He is awesome.
Nit Khair Manga Sohniya Mein Teri (I pray for your welfare my love)
hor ki mangna mein rubb koloun, ik khair mangan tere dam di
baaj sajan lajpal tere, mein kohjian kedhe kam di
pal pal maneya sukh ve hazara, ghari vekhe na koi alam di
badr hamesha maula rakhay dhola tain te nazar karam di
What more can I ask of God, my only prayer is for your long life
because without my guardian my true love, I am a worthless ugly wretch
I pray that you might be blessed and spared from every grief
I pray to God to keep watch over you
nit khair manga sohniya mein teri dua na koi hor mangdi
tere pairanch akheer hove meri dua na koi hor mangdi
I pray for your welfare my love, this is my only prayer
Let me die at your feet, this is my only prayer
tere gham lag jawan menu, tera val vinga na hove
nit khair manga sohniya mein teri dua na koi hor mangdi
Let me carry the burden of your grief and may God keep you from harm
I pray for your welfare my love, this is my only prayer
tere pyar ditta jadoon da sahara ve, menu bhul gaya mahiya jag sara ve
khushi eho menu sajna batheri dua na koi aur mangdi
When I was cut off from you my love, I felt abandoned from the whole world
Now it fills me with joy, just praying for you
tu milya te mil gayi khudai ve, hath jor akhan payi na judai ve
mar jawaan gi je akh mei to pheri dua na koi hor mangdi
When I found you I discovered the universe, I beg of you not to part with me
I would not survive if you turn away from me, I only pray that it never happens
