- Lyricist
- Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
- Music director
- T. G. Lingappa
- Movie name
- Sabaash Meena
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Sept 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This uplifting philosophical song from 'Sabaash Meena' advocates civic consciousness, personal discipline, and social equality as the pathway to building a prosperous nation. Lyricist Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam emphasizes that true progress begins at home through hygiene, education, self-respect, and hard work. By invoking classic Tamil moral values—such as maintaining personal cleanliness regardless of wealth and working cooperatively in agriculture—the song serves as a motivational anthem for post-independence India.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Proverbial Adaptation (பழமொழி பாவனை)
“Koozh irundhaalum Udal kulitha pinnae kudippom / Kandhai endraalum adhai Kasakki thoithu uduppom”
Incorporates the famous Tamil folk wisdom 'Koozhaanaalum kulithu kudi, kandhaiyaanaalum kasakki kattu' (Drink porridge only after bathing, wear rags only after washing).
Monaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae / Naattil nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae / Naamae nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Na' across lines to build rhythm.
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Vaazhvil maedu pallam sariyaanaal”
'Maedu pallam' (mounds and depressions) is used as a metaphor for social inequalities and economic disparities.
Did you know?
Trivia
Sabaash Meena (1958) was directed by B. R. Panthulu and featured music composed by T. G. Lingappa. The lyrics directly reference reformist ideals popularized during the Dravidian movement and post-independence development era, stressing social equality and rural agriculture.
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