- Lyricist
- Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
- Singers
- Deepan Chakravarthy, Mathangi, P. Susheela, Chandilyan
- Music director
- L. Vaidyanathan
- Movie name
- Ezhavathu Manithan
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Dec 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This iconic patriotic song, written by Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar, celebrates the joy of liberation and social equality. Prophetically written before India achieved independence, Bharathiyar envisions a free society where feudal hierarchies, colonial subjugation, and caste-based servitude are completely abolished.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Epiphora / Rhyme
“Duraiyendra kaalamum pochae”
The phrase 'kaalamum pochae' (that era is gone) is repeated at the end of several successive lines to emphasize the complete end of oppression.
Edhugai (Second Letter Agreement)
“Aaduvomae pallu paaduvomae”
In 'Aaduvomae' and 'Paaduvomae', the second sound ('du') creates classic Tamil prosodic harmony.
Moonaiz / Alliteration
“Uzhavukkum thozhilukkum vanthanai seivom”
The repetition of initial sounds like 'Uzhavukkum', 'Vizhalukku', and 'Verum' creates a strong rhythmic cadence.
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Trivia
Bharathiyar composed this poem decades before India's independence in 1947, envisioning freedom long before it materialized. The film 'Ezhavathu Manithan' (1982), featuring music by L. Vaidyanathan, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
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