ASPIRATIONS OF YOUTH

 

          ASPIRATIONS OF YOUTH  

            ‘Youth’ is a nation’s strength and stamina. It is its physical and mental might to make all sorts of big achievements, discoveries and inventions, conquests and advancements. By contrast, middle-aged and old persons are not so capable. They cannot keep pace with them or surpass them in making bold and brave achievements.

            Given below is a poem titled ‘Aspirations Of Youth’.  It was written by James Montgomery, a Scottish-born hymn writer, poet and editor . His life period was (4 November 1771-30 April 1854). He eventually settled in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

            James Montgomery is better known for writing more than 400 hymns many of which are still sung.  Here is the full text of the aforesaid poem:

 “Higher, higher will we climb

Up the mount of glory,

That our names may live through time

In our country’s story;

Happy, when her welfare calls,

He who conquers, he who falls.

 

Deeper, deeper let us toil

In the mines of knowledge;

Nature’s wealth and Learning’s spoil

Win from school and college;

Delve we there for richer gems

Than the stars of diadems.

 

Onward, onward may we press

Through the path of duty;

Virtue is true happiness,

Excellence true beauty.

Minds are celestial birth,

Make we then a heaven of earth.

 

Closer, closer let us knit

Hearts and hands together,

Where ourfire-side- comforts sit

In the wildest weather;---

O, they wander wide who roam

For the joys of life from home?

                                                            *****

G. R. Kanwal

15^th March 2026