Ayaan was a sensitive and profoundly thoughtful young man. His poem "I Think" is proof that his thoughts were far more mature than his age. His writings reflected glimpses of social injustice, suffering, and struggles, showcasing how deeply he understood the world around him. His words carried a sting, a cry—one that perhaps we all failed to hear.
Today, when he is no longer with us, his words have become a mirror for us. His poem is not just a collection of words but an emotional message—a harsh reality we often choose to ignore. It raises critical questions for all of us:
"I Think" - Ayaan Zahid Khan's Deep Thoughts and a Harsh Critique of Society
Ayaan Zahid Khan, a 10th-grade student at DPS Patna, wrote this poem two years ago. Today, it reflects the social realities of our time with startling accuracy. This poem not only highlights his deep thinking but also his ability to expose the harsh truths of society.
Some people illuminate the world with their presence, while others leave us with thoughts that linger long after they are gone. Ayaan Zahid Khan, a talented student of DPS Patna, was one such extraordinary young mind—sensitive, intelligent, and deeply aware of society’s realities. Unfortunately, this shining star left us far too soon.
A Sensitive Poet and Thinker
Ayaan was just a 10th-grade student, but his thoughts and poetry reflected a level of maturity far beyond his years. His writings captured the ironies, injustices, and struggles of society, urging people to think, reflect, and
act.
Background and Message of the Poem
Ayaan wrote this poem in the context of a mob lynching incident that took place in Bihar, forcing us to question humanity. Through his verses, he highlighted the deep-seated social and political ironies that prevail in our society.
This is the story of a young soul who used his poetry and thoughts to bring out the harsh realities of society, urging us to be aware and conscious of the events unfolding around us. Today, when he is no longer among us, his poetry and thoughts continue to inspire us to look at society with a serious and contemplative perspective. His departure is not just a personal loss but also sheds light on aspects of our society that we often overlook.
The power of poetry and writing extends beyond mere words. It gives us a new way to perceive the world and shakes our hearts to confront reality. The same can be said about this young poet, whose words and ideas continue to live on in our hearts. His poems were not just literary creations but symbols of a larger societal question, compelling us to rethink our present and future.
The issues he raised in his poetry remain relevant in our society today. He spoke against social inequalities, the misuse of politics, the greed for power, and exploitation. His poetry carried a profound introspection on how evil and injustice have taken root in our society while we continue to ignore them. His poems were not merely expressions of his thoughts; they were questions—Are we heading in the right direction? Do we understand the real pain and struggles of our society? Can we perceive the silent internal conflicts hidden within someone’s silence?
He was a deeply thoughtful young man who didn’t just observe life but taught us through his poetry that we need to recognize the hidden pain within society. He understood that those who suffer the most are often the ones who raise their voices the loudest. He also knew that the more we ignore these truths, the more we allow societal decay to spread. This is why his poetry attempted to unveil the bitter realities of society.
Through his poem, he reminded us that when we discuss an issue, we must not only look at the surface but also understand the underlying causes. He was not just addressing one event or situation; he was trying to comprehend the broader systemic problems in society. His poetry exposed those aspects of society that we often ignore, such as political corruption, the hunger for power, and the culture of hatred and fear.
He also highlighted how children are raised in an environment of fear and anxiety, which forces them to live under its shadow for the rest of their lives. He realized that today’s youth—who are promised a bright future—are grappling with complexities and mental health struggles that go unnoticed. Recognizing and discussing these struggles is essential to creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to voice their concerns and speak about their problems.
His poetry demonstrated that he was not just a sensitive poet but also someone who felt a deep responsibility towards society. He understood that bringing change requires more than just thoughts—it requires action. The questions raised in his poetry force us to think—Are we taking concrete steps to eliminate inequalities? Are we treating mental health as a serious issue? Are we coming together to enhance our sensitivity and understanding?
His untimely passing is not just a personal loss but a wake-up call that urges us to take the emotions and mental states of those around us seriously. We must communicate with them, listen to their silence, and feel their pain. It is crucial that we prioritize the mental well-being of our children and youth, ensuring they feel heard and supported.
The power of poetry teaches us that one person’s words and ideas can influence an entire society. Ayaan’s poems continue to inspire us to understand the pain and struggles of others. His departure serves as a warning—we need to create a kinder, more understanding, and more supportive society so that no one else has to endure such deep pain and loneliness.
Key Themes of the Poem
1. The Harsh Realities of Society and Politics
The opening lines of the poem reveal that the poet is deeply lost in thought. He worries about the future of his country, sensing that it is heading toward destruction.
He observes that the voices of the wise and knowledgeable are suppressed, while foolish and ignorant people dominate society.
He questions the education system, where the uneducated advance while the educated are pushed aside.
2. Power, Exploitation, and Injustice
He critiques the politics driven by greed for power, showing how the powerful fight for control while the helpless and weak are crushed.
He notes that children are conditioned from a young age to live in fear, and society instills an invisible sense of dread.
He also exposes the truth that those who work hard often see their credit stolen by others.
3. The Changing Meaning of Love and Patriotism
Ayaan reflects on how love has now become synonymous with hatred. Those who truly love their country are often labeled as traitors.
He questions the new definition of "patriotism," where people who genuinely care for the nation are targeted instead of honored.
He thinks about "peace" but realizes that true peace never actually existed.
4. Personal Struggles and the Crisis of Identity
Toward the end of the poem, Ayaan points out another crucial issue—the crisis of identity.
He writes that when he is finally free from the pain of his thoughts, he wonders how he ended up in this situation, how he met his end, and how he loved those who ultimately destroyed him.
He notes that people never saw him as an ordinary human being.
They saw him as terror.
They saw him as a jihadi.
They saw him as belonging to a specific community.
But in the end, Ayaan accepts a deeply painful and emotional truth—
"Oh, foolish me, yet I loved those who killed me."
Ayaan’s Poetry: A Warning to Society
Reading this poem makes it clear that Ayaan was an extraordinarily sensitive and deeply thoughtful young man. He saw and felt the bitter truths of society that many choose to ignore. His poetry serves as a warning—we need to understand, change, and reform our society.
Ayaan’s Legacy and What We Must Learn
Ayaan’s untimely passing is a great loss for all of us. But his poetry forces us to ask—
1. Are we truly guiding our society in the right direction?
2. Are we taking mental health and the voices of our youth seriously?
3. Are we making an effort to understand the pain hidden in someone’s silence?
Ayaan Zahid Khan is gone, but his voice and thoughts will always live on. It is our responsibility to understand the message of his poetry and work towards making society better.
We have lost a sensitive poet and a brilliant young mind, but we must never lose the lessons his poetry has left behind.
"Even if you are gone, so what,
Your poetry, your v
oice, still lives on here."
#Ayaan_Zahid_Khan #AyaanLivesOn #InMemoryOfAyaan
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