In the City of Kolkata,
The family of Datta,
Was well known for
Their independent nature.
Though rich they were,
They hesitated never,
And were always ready
To help the needy.
Narendra Datta’s grandfather
Durgacharan Datta, a philosopher,
Did renounce the world
In his urge to search for God.
Viswanath Datta, his father,
A popular High Court Lawyer,
Was well versed in English,
Under the then rule of British.
He had also an exposure
In the Persian literature,
And respected well the truths
From other religious faiths.
Poetry of Hafiz, he knew well.
Also he quoted from the Bible.
This enlarged his friendly circle
With different religious people.
His life was always full
Of activities, like travel,
Meeting friends, relatives,
And cooking new recipes.
But he was always keen
To take care of his children
In cultivating good manners
And their cultural interests.
Narendra’s mother, a woman,
Who respected old tradition
Of a Hindu religious house,
Managed it well as mistress.
She was well at music,
Also Ramayana, the epic,
Besides ancient scriptures
Of spiritual and moral values.
A God fearing woman she was
Amidst her household duties,
She helped the poor in distress
And received their blessings.
Rajaram Ramachandran
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/03-vivekananda-the-datta-family/
