Namma Indiya Dhesam
From Nijangal · 1982
- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- M. B. Sreenivas
- Details
- Nijangal1982
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Namma india dhesam kooda | Even our nation of India |
| Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan | Just like this, just like this |
| Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo | Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now |
| Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo | When are we going to think about this and address it? |
| Chorus | |
| Namma india dhesam kooda | Even our nation of India |
| Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan | Just like this, just like this |
| Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo | Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now |
| Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo | When are we going to think about this and address it? |
| Male | |
| Intha sudhanthiraththa pangu vachchu pangu vachchu | Dividing up this independence among themselves |
| Yaaryaaro thinnathuthaan michcham michchaam | Random people ate away, leaving only scraps behind |
| Chorus :Intha sudhanthiraththa pangu vachchu pangu vachchu | Chorus: Dividing up this independence among themselves |
| Yaaryaaro thinnathuthaan michcham michchaam | Random people ate away, leaving only scraps behind |
| Male | |
| Avunga oozhalilae saerththathuthaan latcham latcham | What they amassed through corruption is in lakhs and lakhs |
| Chorus :Aamaa oozhalilae saerththathuthaan latcham latcham | Chorus: Yes, what they amassed through corruption is in lakhs and lakhs |
| Chorus | |
| Namma india dhesam kooda | Even our nation of India |
| Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan | Just like this, just like this |
| Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo | Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now |
| Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo | When are we going to think about this and address it? |
| Male | |
| Aalung katchikku | For the ruling party... |
| Chorus :Vote- kavalai | Chorus: ...worry about votes! |
| Male :Arasiyalvaathikku | Male: For the politician... |
| Chorus :Seettu kavalai | Chorus: ...worry about getting an election seat! |
| Male :Andraadangkaaichchikku | Male: For the daily wage earner... |
| Chorus :Veettu kavalai | Chorus: ...worry about their own home! |
| Male and Chorus : | Male and Chorus: |
| Ada yaarukku irukkudaa naattu kavalai | Hey, who actually cares about the country's plight? |
| Female | |
| Veedhikku veedhiyoru katchi irukku | There is a political party on every street |
| Ingae saathikku saathiyoru sangam irukku | And a caste association for every single caste here |
| Chorus :Aamam veedhikku veedhiyoru katchi irukku | Chorus: Yes, there is a political party on every street |
| Ingae saathikku saathiyoru sangam irukku | And a caste association for every single caste here |
| Male | |
| Vattam maavattam ellaam vasathiyilae | Local circles and districts are living in luxury |
| Ingae saathikku saathiyoru sangam irukku | And a caste association for every single caste here |
| Ingae vaazhgindra makkal mattum asathiyilae | While the ordinary people living here suffer in exhaustion |
| Chorus :Ingae vaazhgindra makkal mattum asathiyilae | Chorus: While the ordinary people living here suffer in exhaustion |
| Male | |
| Namma india dhesam kooda | Even our nation of India |
| Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan | Just like this, just like this |
| Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo | Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now |
| Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo | When are we going to think about this and address it? |
| Male | |
| Aalung katchikku | For the ruling party... |
| Chorus :Vote kavalai | Chorus: ...worry about votes! |
| Male :Arasiyalvaathikku | Male: For the politician... |
| Chorus :Seettu kavalai | Chorus: ...worry about getting an election seat! |
| Male :Andraadangkaaichchikku | Male: For the daily wage earner... |
| Chorus :Veettu kavalai | Chorus: ...worry about their own home! |
| Male and Chorus : | Male and Chorus: |
| Ada yaarukku irukkudaa naattu kavalai | Hey, who actually cares about the country's plight? |
| Male | |
| Yaezhaikal vetpaalarukku ottai alippaar | The poor will cast their votes for the candidates |
| Chorus :Aamaam yaezhaikal vetpaalarukku ottai alippaar | Chorus: Yes, the poor will cast their votes for the candidates |
| Male :Avar yaezhaikku kaiyil thiruvottai koduppaar | Male: And the politician hands the poor man a begging bowl! |
| Chorus :Thiruvottai koduppaar thiruvottai koduppaar | Chorus: Hands him a begging bowl, hands him a begging bowl! |
| Male | |
| MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu | What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you? |
| Oru MLA aanaa pothum yaega madhippu | If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect! |
| Chorus :MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu | Chorus: What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you? |
| Oru MLA aanaa pothum yaega madhippu | If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect! |
| Chorus | |
| MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu | What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you? |
| Oru MLa aanaapothum | If you just become an M.L.A.... |
| Ha haa oru MLA aanaapothum yaega madhippu….yaega mathippu… | Ha ha! If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect... immense respect! |
| Male | |
| Vellaikkaranga pidiyinilae appa irunthim | Back then, we were under the grip of the Britishers |
| Pala kollaigaaranga pidiyinilae ippa irukkom | Now, we are under the grip of many plunderers |
| Chorus :Vellaikkaranga pidiyinilae appa irunthim | Chorus: Back then, we were under the grip of the Britishers |
| Pala kollaigaaranga pidiyinilae ippa irukkom | Now, we are under the grip of many plunderers |
| Male | |
| Kadaththalkaran kalapadakkaaran | Smugglers, adulterators, |
| Karuppu kanakku ezhuthum perum panakkaaran | And wealthy men who maintain black money accounts |
| Chorus :Karuppu kanakku ezhuthum perum panakkaaran | Chorus: Wealthy men who maintain black money accounts |
| Male | |
| Lancham lavanyam pannura theeran | Daring opportunists engaged in bribery and fraud |
| Katchi maarridum pachchonthikkaaran | Chameleons who switch political parties at will |
| Chorus :Katchi maaridum pachchonthikkaaran | Chorus: Chameleons who switch political parties at will |
| Male | |
| Arasiyal padhaviyila aadhaaram thedura asaagaaya sooran | An incomparable champion seeking leverage only through political office |
| Chorus :Ippadi pala kollaikkaranga | Chorus: Like this, in the grip of many plunderers |
| Pidiyinilae ippa irukkom | We are trapped right now |
நம்ம இந்திய தேசம் கூட
இப்படித்தான் இப்படித்தான்
சந்தியிலே நிக்குதுங்க இப்போ இப்போ
இத சிந்தித்து பாக்குறது எப்போ எப்போ
Even our nation of India
Just like this, just like this
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
When are we going to think about this and address it?
நம்ம இந்திய தேசம் கூட
இப்படித்தான் இப்படித்தான்
சந்தியிலே நிக்குதுங்க இப்போ இப்போ
இத சிந்தித்து பாக்குறது எப்போ எப்போ
Even our nation of India
Just like this, just like this
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
When are we going to think about this and address it?
இந்த சுதந்திரத்த பங்கு வச்சு பங்கு வச்சு
யார்யாரோ தின்னதுதான் மிச்சம் மிச்சம்
குழு :
இந்த சுதந்திரத்த பங்கு வச்சு பங்கு வச்சு
யார்யாரோ தின்னதுதான் மிச்சம் மிச்சம்
Dividing up this independence among themselves
Random people ate away, leaving only scraps behind
Chorus: Dividing up this independence among themselves
Random people ate away, leaving only scraps behind
அவுங்க ஊழலிலே சேர்த்ததுதான் லட்சம் லட்சம்
குழு :
ஆமா ஊழலிலே சேர்த்ததுதான் லட்சம் லட்சம்.....
What they amassed through corruption is in lakhs and lakhs
Chorus: Yes, what they amassed through corruption is in lakhs and lakhs
நம்ம இந்திய தேசம் கூட
இப்படித்தான் இப்படித்தான்
சந்தியிலே நிக்குதுங்க இப்போ இப்போ
இத சிந்தித்து பாக்குறது எப்போ எப்போ
Even our nation of India
Just like this, just like this
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
When are we going to think about this and address it?
ஆளுங் கட்சிக்கு......
குழு :
ஓட்டு கவலை
அரசியல்வாதிக்கு.....
குழு :
சீட்டு கவலை
அன்றாடங்காய்ச்சிக்கு......
குழு :
வீட்டு கவலை
ஆண் மற்றும் குழு :
அட யாருக்கு இருக்குடா நாட்டு கவலை
For the ruling party...
Chorus: ...worry about votes!
Male: For the politician...
Chorus: ...worry about getting an election seat!
Male: For the daily wage earner...
Chorus: ...worry about their own home!
Male and Chorus:
Hey, who actually cares about the country's plight?
வீதிக்கு வீதியொரு கட்சி இருக்கு
இங்கே சாதிக்கு சாதியொரு சங்கம் இருக்கு
குழு :
ஆமாம் வீதிக்கு வீதியொரு கட்சி இருக்கு
இங்கே சாதிக்கு சாதியொரு சங்கம் இருக்கு
There is a political party on every street
And a caste association for every single caste here
Chorus: Yes, there is a political party on every street
And a caste association for every single caste here
வட்டம் மாவட்டம் எல்லாம் வசதியிலே
வட்டம் மாவட்டம் எல்லாம் வசதியிலே
இங்கே வாழ்கின்ற மக்கள் மட்டும் அசதியிலே....
குழு :
இங்கே வாழ்கின்ற மக்கள் மட்டும் அசதியிலே....
Local circles and districts are living in luxury
And a caste association for every single caste here
While the ordinary people living here suffer in exhaustion
Chorus: While the ordinary people living here suffer in exhaustion
நம்ம இந்திய தேசம் கூட
இப்படித்தான் இப்படித்தான்
சந்தியிலே நிக்குதுங்க இப்போ இப்போ
இத சிந்தித்து பாக்குறது எப்போ எப்போ
Even our nation of India
Just like this, just like this
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
When are we going to think about this and address it?
ஆளுங் கட்சிக்கு......
குழு :
ஓட்டு கவலை
அரசியல்வாதிக்கு.....
குழு :
சீட்டு கவலை
அன்றாடங்காய்ச்சிக்கு......
குழு :
வீட்டு கவலை
ஆண் மற்றும் குழு :
அட யாருக்கு இருக்குடா நாட்டு கவலை
For the ruling party...
Chorus: ...worry about votes!
Male: For the politician...
Chorus: ...worry about getting an election seat!
Male: For the daily wage earner...
Chorus: ...worry about their own home!
Male and Chorus:
Hey, who actually cares about the country's plight?
ஏழைகள் வேட்பாளருக்கு ஓட்டை அளிப்பார்
குழு :
ஆமாம் ஏழைகள் வேட்பாளருக்கு ஓட்டை அளிப்பார்
அவர் ஏழைக்கு கையில் திருவோட்டை கொடுப்பார்
குழு :
திருவோட்டை கொடுப்பார் திருவோட்டை கொடுப்பார்
The poor will cast their votes for the candidates
Chorus: Yes, the poor will cast their votes for the candidates
Male: And the politician hands the poor man a begging bowl!
Chorus: Hands him a begging bowl, hands him a begging bowl!
எம்.ஏ. படிச்சா கூட என்ன சிறப்பு
ஒரு எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆனாபோதும் ஏக மதிப்பு....
குழு :
எம்.ஏ. படிச்சா கூட என்ன சிறப்பு
ஒரு எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆனாபோதும் ஏக மதிப்பு....
What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you?
If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect!
Chorus: What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you?
If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect!
எம்.ஏ. படிச்சா கூட என்ன சிறப்பு என்ன சிறப்பு
ஒரு எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆனாபோதும்
ஹ ஹா ஒரு எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஆனாபோதும் ஏக மதிப்பு....ஏக மதிப்பு....
What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you?
If you just become an M.L.A....
Ha ha! If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect... immense respect!
வெள்ளைக்காரங்க பிடியினிலே அப்ப இருந்தோம்
பல கொள்ளைக்காரங்க பிடியினிலே இப்ப இருக்கோம்
குழு :
வெள்ளைக்காரங்க பிடியினிலே அப்ப இருந்தோம்
பல கொள்ளைக்காரங்க பிடியினிலே இப்ப இருக்கோம்
Back then, we were under the grip of the Britishers
Now, we are under the grip of many plunderers
Chorus: Back then, we were under the grip of the Britishers
Now, we are under the grip of many plunderers
கடத்தல்காரன் கலப்படக்காரன்
கருப்பு கணக்கு எழுதும் பெரும் பணக்காரன்
குழு :
கருப்பு கணக்கு எழுதும் பெரும் பணக்காரன்
Smugglers, adulterators,
And wealthy men who maintain black money accounts
Chorus: Wealthy men who maintain black money accounts
லஞ்சம் லாவண்யம் பண்ணுற தீரன்
கட்சி மாறிடும் பச்சோந்திக்காரன்
குழு :
கட்சி மாறிடும் பச்சோந்திக்காரன்
Daring opportunists engaged in bribery and fraud
Chameleons who switch political parties at will
Chorus: Chameleons who switch political parties at will
அரசியல் பதவியில் ஆதாரம் தேடுற அசகாயசூரன்
குழு :
இப்படி பல கொள்ளைக்காரங்க
பிடியினிலே இப்ப இருக்கோம்...
An incomparable champion seeking leverage only through political office
Chorus: Like this, in the grip of many plunderers
We are trapped right now
மறுபடியும் இங்கே ஒரு காந்தி வந்திடணும்
அதே மூக்கண்ணாடி கைத்தடியை ஏந்தி வந்திடணும்
ஆமாம் மறுபடியும் இங்கே ஒரு காந்தி வந்திடணும்
அதே மூக்கண்ணாடி கைத்தடியை ஏந்தி வந்திடணும்
மீனாட்சிபுரங்களும் மண்டை காடும் கண்டா
மகாத்மா காந்தி நேரு நெஞ்சம் வாடும்
குழு :
மீனாட்சிபுரங்களும் மண்டை காடும் கண்டா
மகாத்மா காந்தி நேரு நெஞ்சம் வாடும்
எல்லோரும் ஒன்றுபட்டா நாடு பிழைக்கும்
அப்போ எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்
எல்லோரும் ஒன்றுபட்டா நாடு பிழைக்கும்
அப்போ எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்
எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்
குழு
: எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்...
எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்...
எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்...
எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்...
எந்நாளும் ஏழை மக்கள் வீடு செழிக்கும்...
ஆஆ....ஆஆ.....ஆஆ....ஆஆ...
ஆஆ....ஆஆ...ஆஆ....ஆஆ...ஆஆ....ஆஆ...
Namma india dhesam kooda
Even our nation of India
Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan
Just like this, just like this
Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo
When are we going to think about this and address it?
Namma india dhesam kooda
Even our nation of India
Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan
Just like this, just like this
Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo
When are we going to think about this and address it?
Intha sudhanthiraththa pangu vachchu pangu vachchu
Dividing up this independence among themselves
Yaaryaaro thinnathuthaan michcham michchaam
Random people ate away, leaving only scraps behind
Chorus :Intha sudhanthiraththa pangu vachchu pangu vachchu
Chorus: Dividing up this independence among themselves
Yaaryaaro thinnathuthaan michcham michchaam
Random people ate away, leaving only scraps behind
Avunga oozhalilae saerththathuthaan latcham latcham
What they amassed through corruption is in lakhs and lakhs
Chorus :Aamaa oozhalilae saerththathuthaan latcham latcham
Chorus: Yes, what they amassed through corruption is in lakhs and lakhs
Namma india dhesam kooda
Even our nation of India
Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan
Just like this, just like this
Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo
When are we going to think about this and address it?
Aalung katchikku
For the ruling party...
Chorus :Vote- kavalai
Chorus: ...worry about votes!
Male :Arasiyalvaathikku
Male: For the politician...
Chorus :Seettu kavalai
Chorus: ...worry about getting an election seat!
Male :Andraadangkaaichchikku
Male: For the daily wage earner...
Chorus :Veettu kavalai
Chorus: ...worry about their own home!
Male and Chorus :
Male and Chorus:
Ada yaarukku irukkudaa naattu kavalai
Hey, who actually cares about the country's plight?
Veedhikku veedhiyoru katchi irukku
There is a political party on every street
Ingae saathikku saathiyoru sangam irukku
And a caste association for every single caste here
Chorus :Aamam veedhikku veedhiyoru katchi irukku
Chorus: Yes, there is a political party on every street
Ingae saathikku saathiyoru sangam irukku
And a caste association for every single caste here
Vattam maavattam ellaam vasathiyilae
Local circles and districts are living in luxury
Ingae saathikku saathiyoru sangam irukku
And a caste association for every single caste here
Ingae vaazhgindra makkal mattum asathiyilae
While the ordinary people living here suffer in exhaustion
Chorus :Ingae vaazhgindra makkal mattum asathiyilae
Chorus: While the ordinary people living here suffer in exhaustion
Namma india dhesam kooda
Even our nation of India
Ippadiththaan ippadiththaan
Just like this, just like this
Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo
Is standing helpless at the crossroads now, right now
Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo
When are we going to think about this and address it?
Aalung katchikku
For the ruling party...
Chorus :Vote kavalai
Chorus: ...worry about votes!
Male :Arasiyalvaathikku
Male: For the politician...
Chorus :Seettu kavalai
Chorus: ...worry about getting an election seat!
Male :Andraadangkaaichchikku
Male: For the daily wage earner...
Chorus :Veettu kavalai
Chorus: ...worry about their own home!
Male and Chorus :
Male and Chorus:
Ada yaarukku irukkudaa naattu kavalai
Hey, who actually cares about the country's plight?
Yaezhaikal vetpaalarukku ottai alippaar
The poor will cast their votes for the candidates
Chorus :Aamaam yaezhaikal vetpaalarukku ottai alippaar
Chorus: Yes, the poor will cast their votes for the candidates
Male :Avar yaezhaikku kaiyil thiruvottai koduppaar
Male: And the politician hands the poor man a begging bowl!
Chorus :Thiruvottai koduppaar thiruvottai koduppaar
Chorus: Hands him a begging bowl, hands him a begging bowl!
MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu
What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you?
Oru MLA aanaa pothum yaega madhippu
If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect!
Chorus :MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu
Chorus: What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you?
Oru MLA aanaa pothum yaega madhippu
If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect!
MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu
What respect does earning an M.A. degree get you?
Oru MLa aanaapothum
If you just become an M.L.A....
Ha haa oru MLA aanaapothum yaega madhippu….yaega mathippu…
Ha ha! If you become an M.L.A., you get immense respect... immense respect!
Vellaikkaranga pidiyinilae appa irunthim
Back then, we were under the grip of the Britishers
Pala kollaigaaranga pidiyinilae ippa irukkom
Now, we are under the grip of many plunderers
Chorus :Vellaikkaranga pidiyinilae appa irunthim
Chorus: Back then, we were under the grip of the Britishers
Pala kollaigaaranga pidiyinilae ippa irukkom
Now, we are under the grip of many plunderers
Kadaththalkaran kalapadakkaaran
Smugglers, adulterators,
Karuppu kanakku ezhuthum perum panakkaaran
And wealthy men who maintain black money accounts
Chorus :Karuppu kanakku ezhuthum perum panakkaaran
Chorus: Wealthy men who maintain black money accounts
Lancham lavanyam pannura theeran
Daring opportunists engaged in bribery and fraud
Katchi maarridum pachchonthikkaaran
Chameleons who switch political parties at will
Chorus :Katchi maaridum pachchonthikkaaran
Chorus: Chameleons who switch political parties at will
Arasiyal padhaviyila aadhaaram thedura asaagaaya sooran
An incomparable champion seeking leverage only through political office
Chorus :Ippadi pala kollaikkaranga
Chorus: Like this, in the grip of many plunderers
Pidiyinilae ippa irukkom
We are trapped right now
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Namma India Dhesam Kooda is a sharp social and political satire composed by M. B. Sreenivas with lyrics by Pulamaipithan and sung dynamically by T. M. Soundararajan. The song laments the post-independence state of India, highlighting how politicians and corrupt elites have looted the country's freedom for personal gain, leaving ordinary citizens in poverty and distress.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Satire and Irony
“MA padichchaa kooda enna sirappu / Oru MLA aanaa pothum yaega madhippu”
Contrasts the high social value placed on political power (MLA) versus educational achievement (MA degree).
Metaphor
“Katchi maarridum pachchonthikkaaran”
Compares opportunistic party-switching politicians to chameleons ('pachchonthikkaaran').
Repetition (Adukkuthodar)
“Santhiyilae nikkuthunga ippo ippo / Idha sinthiththu paakkurathu eppo eppo”
Emphasizes the urgency and ongoing distress through repeated rhyming words 'ippo ippo' and 'eppo eppo'.
Rhyme (Edhukai / Monai)
“Aalung katchikku... Arasiyalvaathikku... Andraadangkaaichchikku”
Uses matching internal/end rhymes across lines such as 'katchikku' / 'arasiyalvaathikku' / 'andraadangkaaichchikku'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Pulamaipithan, known for his politically charged and socially conscious lyrics in Tamil cinema, this track stands out as a powerful commentary on corruption and election dynamics during the early 1980s.
Keep listening
More from Nijangal
Nijangal
Nijangal