- Lyricist
- K. P. Kamatchisundaram
- Singer
- M. S. Rajeswari
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Naam Iruvar – 1947 Film
- Movie release year
- 1947
- Lyrics added on
- 10 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This patriotic song pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, hailing him as a noble martyr and saint who dedicated his life to the service of the nation and humanity. It highlights his sacrifice of personal luxuries to bring self-rule (Swaraj) to India, using non-violent symbols like the spinning wheel (Raattai) and simple handwoven Khadi clothing as powerful instruments of struggle. The song closes with resounding chants celebrating Indian independence, the national flag, and the rallying cry 'Vande Mataram'.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Repetition (Erattai)
“Mahaan gandhi mahaan”
The phrase 'Mahaan gandhi mahaan' is repeatedly chanted across stanzas to emphasize reverence and devotion toward Mahatma Gandhi.
Second-letter Rhyme (Edhukai)
“Kai raattaiyae aayudham / Kadhar aadaiyae sobidham”
The second consonant sound matches between adjacent lines, creating a pleasing rhythmic harmony (e.g., 'raat-tai' and 'dhar-adayi').
Metaphor (Uruvagham)
“Kai raattaiyae aayudham”
The hand-operated spinning wheel (raattai) is metaphorically framed as a non-violent weapon of freedom.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Naam Iruvar' (1947) was a landmark post-independence Tamil film produced by AVM Productions. It made extensive use of patriotic songs, including compositions praising Mahatma Gandhi and poems by Mahakavi Bharathiyar, which resonated deeply with audiences in newly independent India.
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