Freedom Tree!

Tireless in pursuit of democratic rights 
Relentlessly challenging plutocratic might
Braving atrocities, police state’s plights
Awaiting the passage of this barbaric night

 Freedom Tree!
Free Press shall set us Free!

In actions and spirits, journalists united
Radical is our zeal, refusing to be placated
No longer shall we let scribes be oppressed
Duties shall manifest, and our rights protected

Freedom Tree!
Free Press shall set us Free!

Unjust regimes can imprison us; not our thoughts
They can chain us down, charge us with treasons
Truths we shall expose, fearless in our purpose
With conscience intact, misdeeds we shall oppose

Freedom Tree!
Free Press shall set us Free!

Too many journalists have been assaulted by State
For speaking out with reason, against fear and hate
We must all stand by our comrades, before its too late
Until justice is served, liberties restored, we shall not rest!

Freedom Tree!
Free Press shall set us Free!

– Saswat Pattanayak, Peoples’ Poet

(Written for Media Unity for Freedom of Press – MUFP, Bhubaneswar)