નિરાધાર, બીડીઓ વાળો...રે! બાર પૈસાની પાંચસો લેખે બીડીઓ વાળો....રે!
— Jhaverchand Meghani
Meaning

Oh, helpless one, roll the bidis. Roll five hundred bidis for twelve paisa.

Explanation

This couplet paints a poignant picture of a bidi roller, someone who is called 'niraadhar' or helpless, emphasizing their vulnerable situation. It's a direct command to 'roll bidis.' The line 'at the rate of five hundred for twelve paisa' starkly reveals the harsh reality of their life – extremely low wages for immense manual labor. It speaks to the desperation and exploitation faced by those in poverty, forced to undertake such painstaking work for a mere pittance. The poem subtly highlights the struggle for survival, where even such meager earnings are essential. It's a humble yet powerful commentary on the socio-economic conditions of the time.

Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.

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