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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manadhil Urudhi Vendum

From Ezhavathu Manithan · 1982

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singer
B. Neeraja
Music director
L. Vaidyanathan
Details
Ezhavathu Manithan1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Manathil uruthi vendumThere must be firmness in the mind.
Vaakkinilae inimai vendumThere must be sweetness in speech.
Ninaivu nallathu vendumThoughts must be noble and good.
Nerungina porul kaippada vendumThe desired goals must be attained.
Female
Kanavu meippada vendumDreams must come true.
Kaivasamaavathu viraivil vedumPossession of success must happen swiftly.
Thanamum inbamum vendumWealth and happiness are needed.
Tharaniyilae perumai vendumFame and glory in this world are needed.
Female
Kann thiranthida vendumEyes must be opened to awareness.
Kaariyaththil uruthi vendumThere must be determination in action.
Penn viduthalai vedumLiberation of women is needed.
Periya kadavul kaakka vendumThe supreme God must protect us.
Female
Mann payanura vendumThe earth must become fruitful.
vaanagam ingu thenpada vendumHeaven must become visible right here on Earth.
Unmai nindrida vendumTruth must prevail and stand firm.
Unmai nindrida vendum….Truth must prevail and stand firm.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This iconic patriotic and philosophical poem by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar is an earnest petition for individual strength and societal transformation. Bharathiyar outlines a ideal roadmap for human life, advocating for mental resilience, noble thoughts, truthfulness, and decisive action alongside social progress such as women's emancipation and environmental prosperity. The poem reflects his vision of creating a heavenly, righteous society on earth through spiritual clarity and practical action.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Epiphora (Iraibu)

All lines (refrain 'vendum')

The word 'vendum' (needed/must be) is repeated at the end of nearly every line to create an insistent, rhythmic refrain emphasizing strong desire and prayer.

Moona (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kanavu meippada vendum / Kaivasamaavathu viraivil vedum

Repetition of initial consonant sounds across pairs of lines, such as 'Kanavu' and 'Kaivasamaavathu', or 'Thanamum' and 'Tharaniyilae'.

Edhukai (Second Letter Assonance)

Mann payanura vendum / Unmai nindrida vendum

The second letter sound matches in adjacent lines, such as 'Mann' and 'Unmai' or 'Penn' and 'Kann'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Ezhavathu Manithan' (1982), directed by K. Hariharan and starring Raghuvaran, featured music composed by L. Vaidyanathan using classical poems of Subramanya Bharathiyar. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

Keep listening

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