First They Came For

First They Came For - Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

Today I am sharing 'First They Came For' - the statement of a German pastor Martin Neimoller which is often regarded as a poem. This has become the tool of stating cowardice of elite,influential and intellectual class. In last two-three years it is widely quoted in the Indian and world context also when people supported brutalities on marginalized like refugees, Muslims, minorities, etc. Here I have also shared my Hindi rendition of a poem inspired by this one.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

मैं चुप था ! (Mein Chup Tha)

वो घर गरीबों के जलाकर हंस रहे थे,

मेरा घर बचा था, मैं चुप था। 

Wo Ghar Garibon Ke Jalakar Hans Rahe The,

Mera Ghar Bacha Tha, Mein Chup Tha.

वो खाने की आदत बदलवाकर हंस रहे थे,

थाल मेरा भरा था, मैं चुप था। 

Wo Khane Ki Aadat Badalwakar Has Rahe The,

Thaal Mera Bhara Tha, Mein Chup Tha.

वो बस्तियों में खंजर लहराकर हंस रहे थे,

मेरी गर्दन बची थी, मैं चुप था। 

Wo Bastiyon Mein Khanjar Lehrakar Hans Rahe The,

Meri Gardan Bachi Thi, Mein Chup Tha.

वो सबको मिटाकर हंस रहे थे,

सामने बस में खड़ा था, मैं भी मिट गया क्यूंकि में चुप था। 

Wo Sabko Mitakar Hans Rahe The,

Samne Bas Mein Khada Tha, Mein Bhi Mit Gaya Kyunki Mein Chup Tha.

थाल  (Thal) - Plate ; खंजर (Khanjar) - Knife