Jathi Ennada Jathi
From Ore Oru Gramathiley · 1989
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, Chorus
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Ore Oru Gramathiley1989
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu | What is this thing called caste? |
| Janangala pudicha vyaadhi | It is a disease that has gripped the people. |
| Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu | What is this thing called caste? |
| Janangala pudicha vyaadhi | It is a disease that has gripped the people. |
| Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha | When born, its name is a child. |
| Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan | When dead, its name is a corpse. |
| Male Chorus :Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha | Male Chorus: When born, its name is a child. |
| Female Chorus :Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan | Female Chorus: When dead, its name is a corpse. |
| Male | |
| Varnamum kirnamum idaiyiilae vandhadhu | Caste and varna distinctions came in between. |
| Idainjala thanthadhu edhukadhu odhukku | It brought obstacles, so why keep it? |
| Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi | Chorus: What is this thing called caste? |
| Male | |
| Janathogaiyai kaattilum | More than the total population, |
| Jadhi thaan irukkudhu | There are castes existing here. |
| Jaadhikkoru sangam vachu | Establishing associations for each caste, |
| Sanda nadakkudhu | Fights and conflicts take place. |
| Moonu niram kodiyila thaan | On our flag, there are three colors, |
| Irundhaa irukattum | Let them remain as they are. |
| Naalu neram namakkedhukku | Why do we need four social classes (varnas)? |
| Onnaa serattum | Let everyone unite as one. |
| Male | |
| Imayamum kumariyum inaidhida irupadhu | Joining the Himalayas in the north and Kanyakumari in the south, there stands... |
| Chorus :Indhiya indhaiya | Chorus: India, India! |
| Male :Idhil ulla manidharil vaguppugal piripadhu | Male: Dividing the humans living here into classes... |
| Chorus :Needhiyaa needhiyaa | Chorus: Is it justice? Is it justice? |
| Male | |
| Vaazhndhaalum ingae ondraaga vaazhvom | Even if we live, let us live here together as one. |
| Veezhndhaalum ingae ondraaga veezhvom | Even if we fall, let us fall here together as one. |
| Oru marathu paravaigalaai | Like birds belonging to a single tree. |
| Irukkindra manidharai inangkandu pirikkira | Identifying and dividing human beings who live together... |
| Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi | Chorus: What is this thing called caste? |
| Chorus | |
| Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa…. | Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa.... |
| Chorus | |
| Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa…. | Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa.... |
| Chorus | |
| Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa…. | Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa.... |
| Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa…. | Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa.... |
| Male | |
| Aduthavarin kudi keduppaan | One who ruins the life of others, |
| Avan thaan thaazhnthavan | He alone is the lowborn person. |
| Azhudhavarin kan thudaipaan | One who wipes the tears of those who weep, |
| Avan thaan uyarthavan | He alone is the noble person. |
| Male | |
| Idhai thavira manidharilae baedham illaiyae | Apart from this, there is no distinction among human beings. |
| Indhiyaraai porandhavanga oruthaai pillaiyae | Those born as Indians are children of a single mother. |
| Purappadu purappadu por thodu por thodu | March forward, march forward, wage war, wage war! |
| Chorus :Pirivugal saaganum | Chorus: Divisions must die! |
| Male :Ezhudhanum ezhudhanum iniyoru vidhi seidhu | Male: We must write, we must write a new law by enacting... |
| Chorus :Arasiyal saasanam | Chorus: A constitutional amendment! |
| Male | |
| Sama needhi kaanum samudhaayam venum | We need a society that ensures equal justice. |
| Adhanaal thaan ingae pudhu vaazhvu thonum | Only through that will a new life bloom here. |
| Adhuvaraiyil urakkam illai | Until then, there is no sleep. |
| Unarchigal kothikuthu narambugal thudikuthu | Emotions are boiling, and nerves are throbbing! |
| Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu | Chorus: What is this thing called caste? |
| Male | |
| Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu | What is this thing called caste? |
| Janangala pudicha vyaadhi | It is a disease that has gripped the people. |
| Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu | What is this thing called caste? |
| Janangala pudicha vyaadhi | It is a disease that has gripped the people. |
| Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha | When born, its name is a child. |
| Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan | When dead, its name is a corpse. |
| Female Chorus :Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha | Female Chorus: When born, its name is a child. |
| Male Chorus :Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan | Male Chorus: When dead, its name is a corpse. |
| Male | |
| Varnamum kirnamum idaiyiilae vandhadhu | Caste and varna distinctions came in between. |
| Idainjala thanthadhu edhukadhu odhukku | It brought obstacles, so why keep it? |
| Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi …(2) | Chorus: What is this thing called caste? ...(2) |
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி அது
ஜனங்கள புடிச்ச வியாதி
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி அது
ஜனங்கள புடிச்ச வியாதி
பொறந்தா அதன் பேர் கொழந்த
போனா அதன் பேர் பொணம்தான்
ஆண் குழு :
பொறந்தா அதன் பேர் கொழந்த
பெண் குழு :
போனா அதன் பேர் பொணம்தான்
What is this thing called caste?
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
What is this thing called caste?
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
When born, its name is a child.
When dead, its name is a corpse.
Male Chorus: When born, its name is a child.
Female Chorus: When dead, its name is a corpse.
வர்ணமும் கிர்ணமும் இடையிலே வந்தது
இடைஞ்சல தந்தது எதுக்கது ஒதுக்கு
குழு :
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி.....
Caste and varna distinctions came in between.
It brought obstacles, so why keep it?
Chorus: What is this thing called caste?
ஜனத்தொகையை காட்டிலும்தான்
ஜாதிதான் இருக்குது
ஜாதிக்கொரு சங்கம் வச்சு சண்ட நடக்குது
மூணு நிறம் கொடியிலதான் இருந்தா இருக்கட்டும்
நாலு நேரம் நமக்கெதுக்கு ஒண்ணா சேரட்டும்
More than the total population,
There are castes existing here.
Establishing associations for each caste,
Fights and conflicts take place.
On our flag, there are three colors,
Let them remain as they are.
Why do we need four social classes (varnas)?
Let everyone unite as one.
இமயமும் குமரியும் இணைந்திட இருப்பது
குழு :
இந்தியா இந்தியா
இதிலுள்ள மனிதரில் வகுப்புகள் பிரிப்பது
குழு :
நீதியா நீதியா
Joining the Himalayas in the north and Kanyakumari in the south, there stands...
Chorus: India, India!
Male: Dividing the humans living here into classes...
Chorus: Is it justice? Is it justice?
வாழ்ந்தாலும் இங்கே ஒன்றாக வாழ்வோம்
வீழ்ந்தாலும் இங்கே ஒன்றாக வீழ்வோம்
ஒரு மரத்து பறவைகளாய்
இருக்கின்ற மனிதரை இனங்கண்டு பிரிக்கிற
குழு :
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி......
Even if we live, let us live here together as one.
Even if we fall, let us fall here together as one.
Like birds belonging to a single tree.
Identifying and dividing human beings who live together...
Chorus: What is this thing called caste?
.............................
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
அடுத்தவரின் குடி கெடுப்பான்
அவன்தான் தாழ்ந்தவன்
அழுதவரின் கண் துடைப்பான்
அவன்தான் உயர்ந்தவன்
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
இதை தவிர மனிதரிலே பேதமில்லையே
இந்தியராய் பொறந்தவங்க ஒருதாய் பிள்ளையே
புறப்படு புறப்படு போர்த் தொடு போர்த் தொடு
குழு :
பிரிவுகள் சாகணும்
எழுதணும் எழுதணும் இனியொரு விதி செய்து
குழு :
அரசியல் சாசனம்
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
சம நீதி காணும் சமுதாயம் வேணும்
அதனால்தான் இங்கே புது வாழ்வு தோணும்
அதுவரையில் உறக்கமில்லை
உணர்ச்சிகள் கொதிக்குது நரம்புகள் துடிக்குது
குழு :
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி அது
One who ruins the life of others,
He alone is the lowborn person.
One who wipes the tears of those who weep,
He alone is the noble person.
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி அது
ஜனங்கள புடிச்ச வியாதி
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி அது
ஜனங்கள புடிச்ச வியாதி
பொறந்தா அதன் பேர் கொழந்த
போனா அதன் பேர் பொணம்தான்
ஆண் குழு :
பொறந்தா அதன் பேர் கொழந்த
பெண் குழு :
போனா அதன் பேர் பொணம்தான்
Apart from this, there is no distinction among human beings.
Those born as Indians are children of a single mother.
March forward, march forward, wage war, wage war!
Chorus: Divisions must die!
Male: We must write, we must write a new law by enacting...
Chorus: A constitutional amendment!
வர்ணமும் கிர்ணமும் இடையிலே வந்தது
இடைஞ்சல தந்தது எதுக்கது ஒதுக்கு
குழு : ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி.....
ஜாதி என்னடா ஜாதி.....
We need a society that ensures equal justice.
Only through that will a new life bloom here.
Until then, there is no sleep.
Emotions are boiling, and nerves are throbbing!
Chorus: What is this thing called caste?
What is this thing called caste?
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
What is this thing called caste?
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
When born, its name is a child.
When dead, its name is a corpse.
Female Chorus: When born, its name is a child.
Male Chorus: When dead, its name is a corpse.
Caste and varna distinctions came in between.
It brought obstacles, so why keep it?
Chorus: What is this thing called caste? ...(2)
Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu
What is this thing called caste?
Janangala pudicha vyaadhi
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu
What is this thing called caste?
Janangala pudicha vyaadhi
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha
When born, its name is a child.
Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan
When dead, its name is a corpse.
Male Chorus :Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha
Male Chorus: When born, its name is a child.
Female Chorus :Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan
Female Chorus: When dead, its name is a corpse.
Varnamum kirnamum idaiyiilae vandhadhu
Caste and varna distinctions came in between.
Idainjala thanthadhu edhukadhu odhukku
It brought obstacles, so why keep it?
Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi
Chorus: What is this thing called caste?
Janathogaiyai kaattilum
More than the total population,
Jadhi thaan irukkudhu
There are castes existing here.
Jaadhikkoru sangam vachu
Establishing associations for each caste,
Sanda nadakkudhu
Fights and conflicts take place.
Moonu niram kodiyila thaan
On our flag, there are three colors,
Irundhaa irukattum
Let them remain as they are.
Naalu neram namakkedhukku
Why do we need four social classes (varnas)?
Onnaa serattum
Let everyone unite as one.
Imayamum kumariyum inaidhida irupadhu
Joining the Himalayas in the north and Kanyakumari in the south, there stands...
Chorus :Indhiya indhaiya
Chorus: India, India!
Male :Idhil ulla manidharil vaguppugal piripadhu
Male: Dividing the humans living here into classes...
Chorus :Needhiyaa needhiyaa
Chorus: Is it justice? Is it justice?
Vaazhndhaalum ingae ondraaga vaazhvom
Even if we live, let us live here together as one.
Veezhndhaalum ingae ondraaga veezhvom
Even if we fall, let us fall here together as one.
Oru marathu paravaigalaai
Like birds belonging to a single tree.
Irukkindra manidharai inangkandu pirikkira
Identifying and dividing human beings who live together...
Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi
Chorus: What is this thing called caste?
Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa….
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa….
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa….
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
Aaa….aaa….aa.a…aaa…aa….
Aaa....aaa....aa.a...aaa...aa....
Aduthavarin kudi keduppaan
One who ruins the life of others,
Avan thaan thaazhnthavan
He alone is the lowborn person.
Azhudhavarin kan thudaipaan
One who wipes the tears of those who weep,
Avan thaan uyarthavan
He alone is the noble person.
Idhai thavira manidharilae baedham illaiyae
Apart from this, there is no distinction among human beings.
Indhiyaraai porandhavanga oruthaai pillaiyae
Those born as Indians are children of a single mother.
Purappadu purappadu por thodu por thodu
March forward, march forward, wage war, wage war!
Chorus :Pirivugal saaganum
Chorus: Divisions must die!
Male :Ezhudhanum ezhudhanum iniyoru vidhi seidhu
Male: We must write, we must write a new law by enacting...
Chorus :Arasiyal saasanam
Chorus: A constitutional amendment!
Sama needhi kaanum samudhaayam venum
We need a society that ensures equal justice.
Adhanaal thaan ingae pudhu vaazhvu thonum
Only through that will a new life bloom here.
Adhuvaraiyil urakkam illai
Until then, there is no sleep.
Unarchigal kothikuthu narambugal thudikuthu
Emotions are boiling, and nerves are throbbing!
Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu
Chorus: What is this thing called caste?
Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu
What is this thing called caste?
Janangala pudicha vyaadhi
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
Jaadhi ennada jaadhi adhu
What is this thing called caste?
Janangala pudicha vyaadhi
It is a disease that has gripped the people.
Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha
When born, its name is a child.
Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan
When dead, its name is a corpse.
Female Chorus :Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha
Female Chorus: When born, its name is a child.
Male Chorus :Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan
Male Chorus: When dead, its name is a corpse.
Varnamum kirnamum idaiyiilae vandhadhu
Caste and varna distinctions came in between.
Idainjala thanthadhu edhukadhu odhukku
It brought obstacles, so why keep it?
Chorus :Jaadhi ennada jaadhi …(2)
Chorus: What is this thing called caste? ...(2)
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Jaadhi Ennada Jaadhi from the film Ore Oru Gramathiley (1989), penned by Vaali, is a powerful anthem condemning caste discrimination and social division in India. The song highlights the ultimate equality of human life, pointing out that every person enters the world simply as a child and leaves as a corpse, regardless of the artificial caste labels imposed by society. It criticizes how social classes create conflict and fragment society beyond even the count of its population. The lyrics redefine nobility not by birth, but by empathy and character—asserting that one who harms others is truly 'low' and one who wipes tears is 'high'. Calling for revolutionary unity, equal justice, and constitutional reforms, the song urges all Indians to live and fall as one nation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Janangala pudicha vyaadhi”
Caste is directly compared to a contagious disease gripping the minds of people.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Porandhaa adhan per kozhandha / Ponaa adhan per ponam thaan”
Contrasts birth (child) and death (corpse) to show that human nature is uniform at start and end.
Simile (Uwamai)
“Oru marathu paravaigalaai”
Compares diverse human beings living in a single nation to birds perching on the same tree.
Alliteration (Monai)
“Purappadu purappadu por thodu por thodu”
Repetition of the initial 'P' sound creates a strong, driving rhythmic rhythm suitable for a call to action.
Did you know?
Trivia
Ore Oru Gramathiley (1989) dealt critically with caste reservations in Tamil Nadu. The music for the film was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with vocals by K.J. Yesudas. The film faced severe political controversy and a ban by the Tamil Nadu government upon release. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court of India (S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram, 1989), resulting in a landmark judgment that upheld freedom of expression in cinema, stating that state censorship cannot be used to suppress controversial political opinions.
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