Dec
11
One hundred and twenty three years ago, this very day, was born a man so ahead of his time that the term “revolutionary” reads like an understatement. Though our hearts swell with pride at the mention of his name, it is also a disappointment that we tend to remember Subramanya Bharati only on his birthday, as if he were an unwanted footnote in an old history text.
Bharati’s songs are still very popular, the recent remix of his Chinnanchiru Kiliye Kannamma stands testimony to that. One of his poems that I like the most is Thedi Choru Nitham Thindru. To me, it sounds like a call to war, to action and to greatness. Those who have seen Mahanadhi might recall its rather strategic positioning… Kamal Hassan recites it after cutting his own arm in the climax.
I have fond memories of this verse, because of an incident that happened during my first semester in college.I had to complete an entire record book, about 120 pages, I think. It was a Friday and I had just returned home. Mahanadhi was the Superhit Velli movie that afternoon. In my opinion, it is the best Tamil movie ever, and so I helped myself to another viewing. The climax, though doleful, changes to one of hope and anticipation, with a recital of this verse. Kamal’s voice couldn’t be more apt.
That evening, I wrote and finished the entire 120 pages (it too me 7 hours, I think). Not a feat by any standards, but one that I accomplished with great fervour. Every time my hand used to ache, I would take a 5-second break and tell myself “Naan veezhven endru ninaithaayo?” Voila, no more pain! I experienced that day that poetry could be energising and rejuvenating.
Happy birthday, Bard of Ettayapuram!
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I wish pandi and yokesh_ece see this post.
This event happened prior to our coming together. The record in question is the Engineering Graphics Workshop record. Thangamani should be knowing about this, for I recited it to him in detail the following Monday.
Happy birthday to the great poet..
My parents have appreciated him greatly. I don’t understand enough though.. (sheepishly)
that’s my fav too… how many times have i recited that (aping kamal ofcourse) infront of the mirror just to motivate myself…
Such a great poem that helps you bring ‘you’ up whenever you feel low. It helped my many times to turbo charge and to stretch my goal post every month. Thanks Bharathi. Used to wonder why ‘Kaalan’ loved him so muck to take him away from us.
hei u think u can get me a english translation to this poem please.. and mi email addres is paul_pillai@hotmail.com.. ur help in this wud be greatly appreciated.. thanks
the poem ends with fantastic lines of great
Bharathi…
Ninnai Sila Varangal Ketpen
AvaiNere indrenakku tharuvai
EndranMunnai theeyavinai payangal
InnumMoolathazhindhidudhal Vendum
Iniyennai Pudhiya Uyir aaki
EnnakuYedhum Kavalaiyaracheidhu
Madhithannai miga thelivu seidhu
EndrumSandhosham Kondirukka Cheivai!!
the poem in Kamal Hasan’s voice would sound perfect for the situation of the movie!
-Srinivas.S
Check out the third song:
http://www.ranamsugam.com/demo.php
I think they have captured the spirit of the song splendidly and inspired me to read Bharathi 15 years after I last read his poems.
Amazing lyrics of Bharathiyar.. Thanks for posting guys..
Also it would be nice if it gets a amzing translation in english..
Go Ahead………………