A Tribute

"Ethanai kodi inbam vaithai…engal iraiva !”

Even on days when my spirits are in the lowest of lows, these words penned by the truly gifted poet Subhramanya Bharathiyar seem to boost my morale…

This great man’s words have transcended the barriers of time, language and geography. His collection of poems was not just limited to inspiring freedom fighters or emancipating women…It also includes a lot of inspiring poems that never fall out of place or time.

Some of the magnum opus of his creative work are the “kannamma” poems, some of which are rendered as musical compositions even today in both Carnatic as well as film music. He personified God as a child, a lover, a friend and the list goes on. His poems convey so much spiritual and philosophical meaning that it is sometimes difficult to interpret when reading the first time. The depth of meaning that he conveys with beautiful usage of words is truly amazing!

Whether it was about the country’s independence or against the superstitious beliefs of the people or about the rights for women – his fearless expression of opinion can hardly be seen in other poets/writers.

Without meaning any offence, it is my opinion that the works of most of the Tamil writers of the post-Bharathi era seem to have an impact of this great author.

Some of my favorites:

“Ninnai Charan Adaindhen Kannamma
Ninnai Charan Adaindhen
Ponnai Uyarvai Pugazhai Virumbidum
Ennaik Kavalaigal Thinna Thagaathu

Midimayum Achamum Neevi En Nenjil
Kudimai Pugundhana
Kondravai Pokka Indru

Than Seyal Enni Thavippathu Theerndhingu
Nin Seyal Seithu
Niraivu Perum Vannam …ninnai

Thunbam Ini Illai
Sorvillai Sorvillai Sorvillai
Nanmaigal Theemaigal
Naamariyom Naamariyom Naamariyom
Anbu Neriyile Aramum Valarndhida
Nanmaigal Naattuga Theemaigal Ottuga”

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“Suttum vizhi chudardhaan kannama sooriya chandiraro
Vatta Kariya vizhi kannama vaana karumai kollo
Pattu karuneela pudavai paditha nal vayiram
Natta nadu nisiyil theriyum natchthirangaladi
Solai malar oliyo unadhu sundara punnagaidhaan
Neela kadalalaiye unadhu nenjin alaigaladi
Kolakkuyil osai unadhu kuralin inimaiyadi
Vaalai kumariyadi kannama maruvak kadhal kondein”

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“Thedi Choru Nidhan Thindru

Chinnan Chiru Kathaigal Pesi – Manam

Vaadi Thunbam Miga Uzhandru – Pirar

Vadap Pala Seyalgal Seyidhu – Narai

Koodi Kizhap Paruvam Eidhi – Kodung

Kootrukk Kirayanap Pinmayum – Pala

Vedikkai Manidharai Pola – Naan

Veezhven Endru Ninaithayo?”

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Other favorites include - “Paayum Oli nee enakku”, “nallathor veenai seidhen”, “Chinnanchiru kiliye”, “Theertha karayinile”, “Kaatru veliyidai kannamma” and the list goes on...