"Why must I forever lose, forever forgo profit that is my due, Sunk in the gloom of evenings past, no plans for the morrow pursue. Why must I all attentive be to the nightingale's lament? Friend, am I as dumb as a flower? Must I remain silent? My theme makes me bold, makes my tongue more eloquent. Dust be in my mouth, against Allah I make complaint."
— Muhammad Iqbal

January 1, 1970

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RevolutionariesPeople of British IndiaPoliticians from IndiaLeaders of the Pakistan MovementPoliticians from Pakistan
Original Language: English

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Variant: "Why would I become a loss-causer, would I remain a gain-forgetter? Would I not think of tomorrow, would I remain absorbed in the grief of yesterday? Would I listen to the lament of the Nightingale, and would I remain all ears? Fellow-singer! Am I too some rose, that I would remain silent? I have my courage-{taught/teaching} power of speech I have-- dust be in my mouth!-- a complaint against Allah." From University of Columbia website