Chapter mother-tongue: Mother Tongue | Short Questions

The poet uses this line to personify the Dogri language, suggesting that the language itself is waiting for its poets and writers to express its beauty. It reflects a deep sense of duty and a personal bond. The poet feels that if she doesn't write, her mother tongue will be neglected or left waiting. This creates a sense of urgency, showing that the survival of a language depends on the active participation of its speakers and writers.

The quill symbolises the power of the written word and the essential tool needed for cultural preservation. It represents the link between the poet's thoughts and the survival of her mother tongue. Without the quill, the poet cannot serve her 'Shahni.' By constantly asking for a new quill, the poet shows that her work is continuous and never-ending, as the task of keeping a language alive requires constant effort and new expressions through literature.

The poet mentions that she is not the only one working for the Shahni; there are 'many servants ever ready to do her bidding.' This suggests that the effort to preserve a language is a collective one. These servants represent all the people—poets, singers, and speakers—who cherish Dogri. It implies that a language is strong when it has a community of devoted people who are always ready to write and speak in it, ensuring its continuity.

The reed’s attitude shifts from being annoyed and questioning to being completely supportive and sacrificial. Once it realizes that the poet is writing for their shared mother tongue, it recognizes a common purpose. It stops seeing the poet as a bothersome accountant and sees her as a fellow devotee. This change is so significant that the reed voluntarily offers its own body (its hand) to help, showing that shared cultural roots can inspire great unity.

This line is significant because it expands the idea of serving a language beyond just human beings. It suggests that nature itself, which provides the materials for writing (like the reed for the quill), is a servant of culture. It emphasizes that everything in a person's native land—the people, the plants, and the environment—is interconnected and plays a role in sustaining the mother tongue. It highlights the total harmony between the poet's surroundings and her mission.