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Lyrics & meaning

Namma Naattu Vaithiyathai

From Panchali · 1959

Lyricist
K. S. Krishnamoorthy
Singers
Tiruchi Loganathan, S. C. Krishnan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Panchali1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Namma nattu vaithiyathai lesa ennathaeDo not underestimate our indigenous country medicine.
Nanmai ellaam purinjikaama alatchiyam pannathaeDo not neglect it without understanding all its benefits.
Namma nattu vaithiyathai lesa ennathaeDo not underestimate our indigenous country medicine.
Nanmai ellaam purinjikaama alatchiyam pannathaeDo not neglect it without understanding all its benefits.
Male
Summa kedakkum kattu veru mooligaiyum konduUsing wild roots and herbs that lie around casually,
Summa kedakkum kattu veru mooligaiyum konduUsing wild roots and herbs that lie around casually,
Suku milagu thippili kaai yum seena karkkanduDry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, and rock sugar,
Suku milagu thippili kaai yum seena karkkanduDry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, and rock sugar,
Serthu semmaiyaagha pakkum seidha legiyam idhai unduEat this legiyam (herbal paste) prepared perfectly by combining them.
Semmaiyaagha pakkum seidha legiyam idhai unduEat this legiyam prepared perfectly by combining them.
Pala seekaiyum gunamaakkalaam idhil anubhavam enakkunduMany diseases can be cured; I have personal experience in this.
Pala seekaiyum gunamaakkalaam idhil anubhavam enakkunduMany diseases can be cured; I have personal experience in this.
Male
Namma nattu vaithiyathai lesa ennathaeDo not underestimate our indigenous country medicine.
Nanmai ellaam purinjikaama alatchiyam pannathaeDo not neglect it without understanding all its benefits.
Male
Englishu vaithiyathai thelivaai ennadhaeDo not think lightly of English (Western) medicine either,
Sangadhiyellam therinjikaama alatchiyam pannathaeDo not disregard it without knowing all the facts.
Englishu vaithiyathai thelivaai ennadhaeDo not think lightly of English medicine either,
Sangadhiyellam therinjikaama alatchiyam pannathaeDo not disregard it without knowing all the facts.
Angathai pilandhu noiyai kalaindhu appura paduthi poduraarThey cut open the body, remove the disease, and set it aside,
Arai nodikkulla uruppai thiruppi thaiyal pottu mooduraarWithin half a second, they replace the organ, stitch it up, and close it.
Angathai pilandhu noiyai kalaindhu appura paduthi poduraarThey cut open the body, remove the disease, and set it aside,
Arai nodikkulla uruppai thiruppi thaiyal pottu mooduraarWithin half a second, they replace the organ, stitch it up, and close it.
Vingyaana kalai valarchiyinaal vilaindhadhu ena kondaaduraarThey celebrate it as the outcome of scientific growth,
Vingyaana kalai valarchiyinaal vilaindhadhu ena kondaaduraarThey celebrate it as the outcome of scientific growth.
Vithaiyile enga ejamaan puthi saali daaIn this art, my master is a genius, my friend!
Andha vithaiyile enga ejamaan puthi saali daaIn that art, my master is a genius, my friend!
Englishu vaithiyathai thelivaai ennadhaeDo not think lightly of English medicine either,
Sangadhiyellam therinjikaama alatchiyam pannathaeDo not disregard it without knowing all the facts.
Male
Jeram pooram sendhooram..haanFor all fevers, red oxide mineral powder (sendhooram)... haan!
Jeram pooram sendhooram..For all fevers, red oxide mineral powder...
Idhanaal vilaiyum palan thaan abaaramThe benefit resulting from this is truly immense,
Idhanaal vilaiyum palan thaan abaaramThe benefit resulting from this is truly immense.
Indha vithaiyile enga ejamaanIn this craft, my master,
Indha vithaiyile enga ejamaanIn this craft, my master,
Palaya sidhargalai pola vandha avadhaaramIs an incarnation akin to the ancient Siddha sages,
Palaya sidhargalai pola vandha avadhaaramIs an incarnation akin to the ancient Siddha sages.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful duo song from the 1959 film Panchali presents a humorous debate and praise comparing traditional Indian Sidha/Ayurvedic herbal remedies with modern Western surgical medicine. One character praises the natural healing power of native roots, spices, and herbal formulations like 'Thrikatu' (ginger, pepper, long pepper) and 'Legiyam'. The other counterbalances this by marveling at Western surgical techniques that quickly cut, repair, and stitch organs as triumphs of scientific progress. Ultimately, the song celebrates the wisdom of both medical approaches and praises their master as an avatar echoing the ancient Siddha tradition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Assonance/Alliteration)

Namma nattu vaithiyathai lesa ennathae / Nanmai ellaam purinjikaama alatchiyam pannathae

Matching starting letters or sounds in consecutive lines, such as 'Namma' and 'Nanmai'.

Enumeration (List Creation)

Suku milagu thippili kaai yum seena karkkandu

Listing traditional Siddha medicine ingredients ('Suku, milagu, thippili') to create rhythm and authentic context.

Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

Arai nodikkulla uruppai thiruppi thaiyal pottu mooduraar

Exaggerating the speed of surgical procedures ('within half a second') for comedic emphasis.

Simile / Metaphor

Palaya sidhargalai pola vandha avadhaaram

Comparing the master doctor to ancient legendary Siddhar saints.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by legendary music director K. V. Mahadevan, 'Panchali' (1959) featured lighthearted folk-style comic tracks typical of late 1950s Tamil cinema. Singers Tiruchy Loganathan and S. C. Krishnan were renowned for their distinct theatrical diction, making social commentary songs engaging and memorable.

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