- Lyricist
- Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
- Singer
- Rajkumar Bharathi
- Music director
- L. Vaidyanathan
- Movie name
- Ezhavathu Manithan
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Dec 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Nenjil Uramum Indri is a sharp, biting critique composed by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar, framed as a Kili Pattu (Parrot Song) where the poet addresses a parrot to condemn the hypocrisy and inaction of his contemporaries during India's freedom struggle. Bharathiyar lambastes self-proclaimed patriots who speak grandly of bravery and native products like salt, sugar, and indigenous clothes, but lack moral fortitude, genuine commitment, and practical solutions when faced with real suffering and poverty around them. He highlights the hollow nature of superficial nationalism, pointing out that people idly chant slogans like 'Vande Mataram' and boast about ancient glory while ignoring the immediate plight of their starving, dying brethren. Through fiery satire, Bharathiyar urges his countrymen to abandon empty lip service, develop true character and compassion, and engage in meaningful action for social and national liberation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Kili Pattu (Parrot Song Folk Form)
“Vanjanai solvaaradi kiliyae”
A traditional Tamil poetic genre where the poet addresses a parrot ('kiliyae') as a poetic device to express philosophical thoughts, satire, or social commentary.
Monaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Pazhamai pazhamaiyendru / Paavanai pesa landri”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across words in a line or stanza, such as 'Pazhamai', 'Paavanai', and 'Paamarar'.
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Nenjil uramum indri / Nermai thiramum indri”
Matching of second letters in consecutive lines, such as 'Nenjil' and 'Nermai' (sharing 'n' consonant harmony), and 'Uppendrum' and 'Ullnaattu'.
Anaphora / Repetition
“Vaai sollil veeraradi kiliyae / Vaai sollil veeraradi”
Repetition of lines for rhetorical emphasis and musical rhythm in vocal rendition.
Irony and Satire
“Vaayai thiranthu summaa / Kiliyae vanthae maadharamenpar”
Sharp use of irony contrasting empty slogans ('Vande Mataram') with lack of action against famine and suffering.
Did you know?
Trivia
This iconic poem by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar was adapted into the 1982 Tamil film 'Ezhavathu Manithan' (The Seventh Man), directed by K. Hariharan. The soundtrack featured several of Bharathiyar's poems set to music by renowned classical musician L. Vaidyanathan and rendered powerfully by K.J. Yesudas. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Ezhavathu Manithan
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.