Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev

 Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev

Summary 

In this poem, Padma Sachdev expresses her deep respect and dedication to her mother tongue, Dogri. She describes approaching a reed and asking for a quill to write with. The reed, already annoyed from recently giving her a quill, questions her need for another, comparing her to an accountant who constantly uses up pens. The poet explains that she doesn’t work for a “Shah” (a rich man), but for a “Shahni” (a powerful woman), referring lovingly to her mother tongue, Dogri, as if it were a noble lady she serves. She feels an urgency to fulfill her duty to Dogri and insists on her dedication. Moved, the reed (also a “servant” of Dogri) gives her another quill. This interaction reveals the poet’s pride in her language and her sense of duty to it.

1. What does the quill symbolize in the poem?
   The quill symbolizes the poet's ability to write and express herself in her mother tongue, Dogri. It represents her connection to her language, as well as the dedication and duty she feels towards preserving and using it to express her identity.

2. What is the reason for the sense of urgency in the poet’s request?
   The poet feels an urgency to write in Dogri because of her deep emotional connection and loyalty to her mother tongue. She feels it is her duty to serve her language by writing and keeping it alive, reflecting her respect and responsibility towards Dogri.

3. How has the poet brought out her emotional attachment to her mother tongue?
   The poet expresses her attachment to Dogri by referring to it as a “Shahni,” a noblewoman she serves. She also portrays herself as one of many “servants” ready to serve Dogri, emphasizing her pride and loyalty. This choice of words shows her respect, devotion, and love for her language.

4. How has personification been used in this poem?
   Personification is used by giving the reed human qualities—it speaks, expresses irritation, and ultimately “cuts off its hand” to give her a quill. Dogri, the mother tongue, is personified as a “Shahni,” a noble lady whom the poet serves. This personification brings warmth to the poem and emphasizes the poet’s reverence and dedication to Dogri, as if it were a living entity deserving of honor and respect.

Additional Questions

• Why does the reed initially seem irritated with the poet’s request?
  The reed is irritated because it had already given the poet a quill recently. It compares her to an accountant who constantly needs new pens for record-keeping, implying that it finds her repeated requests unusual or demanding.

• Why does the poet refer to her mother tongue as a “Shahni”?
  By calling Dogri a “Shahni,” the poet elevates her mother tongue to a noble, respected status. This term reflects her view of Dogri as something grand and powerful, deserving her loyalty and service. It shows her pride in her language and the respect she feels towards it.

• How does the poet contrast working for a “Shah” with serving a “Shahni”?
  The poet clarifies that she doesn’t work for a “Shah,” a term that might suggest a job focused on money or commerce, like an accountant. Instead, she serves a “Shahni,” which represents her mother tongue, Dogri. This contrast highlights that her work is not for profit but for a sense of identity and cultural loyalty.

• What does the reed’s response, “I too am her servant,” reveal about the theme of the poem?
  The reed’s response shows a shared sense of loyalty and service to Dogri. It reflects the idea that nature itself, represented by the reed, supports and respects the language. This response emphasizes the poet’s view that Dogri is a natural and integral part of her identity and environment.

• What does the poem suggest about the poet's view of language and cultural heritage?
  The poem suggests that the poet sees language as an essential part of her identity and a source of pride. By personifying her mother tongue as a noble figure, she reveals a deep reverence for her cultural heritage. It also suggests that she views writing in her mother tongue as a responsibility and a way to preserve her culture.