Diaspora:NRI Poet

The Earth Song

Hillol Ray

The Polymath

Hillol Ray is an amazingly talented NRI. A poet, author, and songwriter by choice, Ray is an environmental engineer by profession. Currently working as manager of the Drinking Water Supply Enforcement Program with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Dallas, Texas, he has won a slew of awards in his area of work as well as in the literary world.

Born and raised in Kolkata, eastern India, he has been writing poetry since the age of six. Among his accomplishments and accolades in engineering and literary fields include Bronze Medal in 2001, and Excellence in Regional Customer Service in 2002, both awarded by EPA in Dallas, Texas.

In 2006 he was the NFIA (National Federation of Indian American Association) award winner from the US in the Liberal and Fine Arts category. His biography appeared in 500 Leaders of Science and International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, both published by the American Biographical Institute in North Carolina.

We are all puppets to cheer on this Earth,
While joy and sorrow always come since our birth!
Daylights follow dusk towards the gloomy nights,
And bring us such a joy to renew our sights!
Fresh air and clean water nourish our souls,
Without them, we suffer, and pay the heavy tolls!
Now, always think “Earth Is In Your Hands”,
Here at home or in foreign lands!
So let us follow these few simple roles,
To avoid the agonies of all future souls!
Conserve the water as much as you can,
While you are bathing or washing the van!
Recycle and prevent pollution at the source,
While care should be motive and the hidden force!
Plant the trees in open private space,
To create the shade and cool your face!
Try to carpool with a friend, or share a ride -
To control the air and emission ebb tide!
Dispose off pesticides in a real safe manner,
And label before you bury 'em under a banner!
Organize all efforts to discard the waste,
EPA may be called to quench any quest!
Invite friends to attend the Earth Day Acts,
And define each role to convey all facts!
Reward the guys for a job well done -
To share the benefits and all the fun!
Well, now you really know what you have to do
And celebrate “Earth Day” without further woo!!!

He was inducted into the Nobel Laureates and Famous Indian Americans in USA, was conferred the “Diversity Poet” title by the University of Michigan Medical School in Detroit; was listed in the Who’s Who of Asian Americans, and Marquis’s Who’s Who in Science and Engineering.

Here we provide one of his poems presented at the Third International Women’s Peace Conference 2007 in Dallas.

August 2007


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