The Sheikh does not listen to the ideas of the modern era; therefore, the steam of an engine should now be blown into his ear.

Akbar Allahabadi is at his sharpest, witty best here, taking a playful dig at rigid traditionalists who refuse to engage with the modern world. The 'Sheikh' represents stubborn orthodoxy, while the 'new light' symbolizes progress, modern education, and scientific change. Since gentle persuasion has failed, the poet cheekily suggests blasting the deafening steam of a railway engine right into his ear to finally shake him out of his deep slumber.