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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Bale Sadhu

From Thiruttu Raman · 1955

Lyricist
Kanakasurabhi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Thiruttu Raman1955

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Balae saadhu engal babujiBravo, gentle saint is our Babuji!
Baalargal thatha babujiBabuji, the beloved grandfather to all children!
Female and Chorus :Balae saadhu engal babujiFemale and Chorus: Bravo, gentle saint is our Babuji!
Baalargal thatha babujiBabuji, the beloved grandfather to all children!
Female
Punnagaiyaale valai veesiCasting a net of charm with his gentle smile,
Boomiyai mayakkum babujiBabuji enchants the entire world!
Female
Uyarvum thazhvum oli endraareHe declared an end to high and low distinctions,
Ullam kalandhaal balam endraareHe said that unity of hearts is true strength,
Maanilam ellam ondrendraareHe proclaimed that the whole world is one family,
Manadhil anbai pozhindhaareHe showered pure love from his heart.
Female
Ilam kaalai pol ezhundhaareHe arose like the bright morning sun,
Eduthadi munnae vaithaareHe stepped forward boldly!
Bujam thaangiyae pugazh paadiyaeSupporting him shoulder-to-shoulder, singing his praise,
Desam pirandhu nadanthatheThe entire nation awoke and marched together!
Female
Kadhi kalangiyadhae saamraajiyamThe mighty British Empire trembled in fear,
Vandhadhu bharatha swayaraajyamAnd thus came India's glorious self-rule!
Vandhadhu bharatha swayaraajyamAnd thus came India's glorious self-rule!
Female
Sathyam ahimsaiyae saanthi maargamenaTruth and non-violence are the paths to peace—
Jagathinil oor neri unarthittaaraeHe taught this supreme ideal to the entire world!
Maanilam ellam pottrum saadhuA saint revered across all lands,
Hooo oo haaa aa aa aa..haa aa aa aaHooo oo haaa aa aa aa..haa aa aa aa
Maanilam ellam pottrum saadhuA saint revered across all lands,
Mahatma endre panindhaaduBow down and dance in honor of the Mahatma!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Thiruttu Raman' (1955) is an affectionate tribute to Mahatma Gandhi (affectionately called Babuji). The lyricist Kanagasurabi celebrates Gandhi's life, his special bond with children, his efforts to abolish social inequality, and his message of universal brotherhood.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Ilam kaalai pol ezhundhaare

Compares Mahatma Gandhi's rise and awakening of the nation to the emergence of the morning sun ('Ilam kaalai pol ezhundhaare').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Punnagaiyaale valai veesi

Compares his captivating and radiant smile to a net cast to win over hearts ('Punnagaiyaale valai veesi').

Alliteration (Moonaai)

Sathyam ahimsaiyae saanthi maargamena

Repetition of the 'Sa' consonant sound across words like 'Sathyam', 'saanthi', and 'saadhu' to enhance rhythmic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

In 1950s Tamil cinema, incorporating songs glorifying Mahatma Gandhi and national freedom fighters was a popular trend to evoke patriotism, even in fictional dramas like 'Thiruttu Raman' composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao.

Keep listening

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