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Lyrics & meaning

Kalviye Pradhanam

From Neelavukku Neranja Manasu · 1958

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
Jikki
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Neelavukku Neranja Manasu1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalviyae pirathaanamEducation is paramount,
Adhu kannukkae samaanamIt is equal to one's own eyes.
Kalviyae pirathaanamEducation is paramount,
Adhu kannukkae samaanamIt is equal to one's own eyes.
Enum avvai paattiyin sollai pottriHonoring the words of Avvaiyar,
Namm arivai perukka venumWe must expand our knowledge.
Female
Ulagil kalviyae pirathaanamIn this world, education is paramount,
Adhu kannukkae samaanamIt is equal to one's own eyes.
Enum avvai paattiyin sollai pottriHonoring the words of Avvaiyar,
Namm arivai perukka venumWe must expand our knowledge.
Female
Ulagil kalviyae pirathaanamIn this world, education is paramount,
Adhu kannukkae samaanamIt is equal to one's own eyes.
Female
Alla alla valarum selvamIt is a wealth that grows as you share it,
Avaniyil verae kidaiyaathuThere is no other wealth like it in this world.
Alla alla valarum selvamIt is a wealth that grows as you share it,
Avaniyil verae kidaiyaathuThere is no other wealth like it in this world.
Female
Kallar yaarum kannam vaiththuNo thief can break in,
Kavarnthu sellavum mudiyaathuAnd carry it away.
Kallar yaarum kannam vaiththuNo thief can break in,
Kavarnthu sellavum mudiyaathuAnd carry it away.
Idhai kavarnthu sellavum mudiyaathuNo one can ever steal this away.
Female
Kalviyae pirathaanamEducation is paramount,
Adhu kannukkae samaanamIt is equal to one's own eyes.
Enum avvai paattiyin sollai pottriHonoring the words of Avvaiyar,
Namm arivai perukka venumWe must expand our knowledge.
Female
Ulagil kalviyae pirathaanamIn this world, education is paramount,
Adhu kannukkae samaanamIt is equal to one's own eyes.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Kalviyae Pirathaanam' underscores the unmatched significance of education in human life. Drawing inspiration from the classical wisdom of the revered Tamil poetess Avvaiyar, the lyrics emphasize that knowledge serves as an indispensable inner vision, equivalent to physical eyes that guide a person through life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Adhu kannukkae samaanam

Compares education directly to eyes ('kannukkae samaanam'), signifying that knowledge is essential for true perception and guidance.

Paradox / Juxtaposition

Alla alla valarum selvam

Highlights the special nature of educational wealth ('Alla alla valarum selvam') which paradoxically increases the more it is drawn upon or shared, unlike material assets.

Alliteration (Moonaai)

Alla alla valarum selvam / Avaniyil verae kidaiyaathu

Uses matching initial vowel sounds ('A' in Alla and Avaniyil) to create rhythmic harmony.

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Trivia

'Neelavukku Neranja Manasu' (1958) featured songs promoting social awareness and educational reform. The lyricist A. Maruthakasi frequently incorporated ethical proverbs and references to ancient Tamil literature, such as Avvaiyar's teachings, into movie songs to inspire the general public.

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