Nillappa Konjam
From Nathaiyil Muthu · 1973
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Details
- Nathaiyil Muthu1973
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Nillappaa konjam nillappaa | Stop for a moment, my friend, stop. |
| Nillappaa konjam nillappaa | Stop for a moment, my friend, stop. |
| Male | |
| Naan ketkum kelvikku | To the question I ask, |
| Neeyaachchum sinthichchu sollappaa | At least you should think and tell me, my friend. |
| Badhil sollappaa | Give me an answer, my friend. |
| Male | |
| Naan ketkum kelvikku | To the question I ask, |
| Neeyaachchum sinthichchu sollappaa | At least you should think and tell me, my friend. |
| Badhil sollappaa | Give me an answer, my friend. |
| Male | |
| Nillappaa konjam nillappaa | Stop for a moment, my friend, stop. |
| Male | |
| Ayaiyainthu aandaachu yaaryaaro aandaachchu | Five times five years have passed, and various people have ruled, |
| Harisana munneatram ennaachchu | What happened to the progress of the oppressed? |
| Adhu thaengiya neeraattam ninnaachchu | It came to a standstill like stagnant water. |
| Male | |
| Ayaiyainthu aandaachu yaaryaaro aandaachchu | Five times five years have passed, and various people have ruled, |
| Harisana munneatram ennaachchu | What happened to the progress of the oppressed? |
| Adhu thaengiya neeraattam ninnaachchu | It came to a standstill like stagnant water. |
| Male | |
| Antha harisanam per solli karisanam kaattiya | Showing fake concern in the name of the oppressed, |
| Vegujanam munnaeri poyaachchu | The opportunists progressed and moved ahead. |
| Intha oru inam thaniyaaga aayaachchu | But this one community has been left isolated. |
| Yaenappaa idhu yaenappaa | Why is this so, my friend, why? |
| Ada chellappaa badhil sollappaa | Oh my dear friend, tell me an answer. |
| Male | |
| Pallu paraigalum padikkanum endruthaan | Saying that all oppressed classes should study, |
| Pallikoodangal undaachchu | Schools were established. |
| Thaazhthappattorkku mudhalidam endraachchu | First priority was given to the downtrodden. |
| Intha payan kondu munnaeri palan kanda pergalai | Those who progressed and benefitted using these opportunities, |
| Viral kondu ennanum velappaa | Can be counted on one's fingers, my friend. |
| Intha vedhanai yaenendru kelappaa | Ask why this agony exists, my friend. |
| Intha vedhanai yaenendru kelappaa | Ask why this agony exists, my friend. |
| Male | |
| Nillappaa konjam nillappaa | Stop for a moment, my friend, stop. |
| Male | |
| Palluparai endru sollakoodaathendru | Saying that caste names should not be used as slurs, |
| Sattangal pottaanga yaettilae | Laws were enacted on paper. |
| Pala sugaigal thanthaanga naattilae | Many privileges were granted in the nation. |
| Aanaal ellaarkkum vayirittu yaeraamalthaan mattum | But like a ladder that helps everyone else climb higher, |
| Irukkindra yaeni pol thaenappaa | While remaining stationary at the bottom, my friend, |
| Intha inam mattum iruppathu yaenappaa | Why does this community alone remain stuck like that, my friend? |
| Male | |
| Arasiyal saasanam aakki aliththa | Ambedkar, who drafted and gave us the Constitution, |
| Nam Ambedkar jadhiyil harisanam | Belonged to the very caste of the oppressed. |
| Avar arivu kalanjiyam ariyanum | One should realize that he was a treasure trove of wisdom. |
| Male | |
| Arasiyal saasanam aakki aliththa | Ambedkar, who drafted and gave us the Constitution, |
| Nam Ambedkar jadhiyil harisanam | Belonged to the very caste of the oppressed. |
| Avar arivu kalanjiyam ariyanum | One should realize that he was a treasure trove of wisdom. |
| Male | |
| Innum ariyaarum puriyaarum siriyaarum periyaarum | Still, whether ignorant, wise, young, or old, |
| Karadiyaai kaththiyum ennappaa | What is the use if leaders just shout like bears? |
| Adhai karuthinil kollaatti veenappaa | If it is not taken to heart, it is all wasted, my friend. |
| Male | |
| Nillappaa konjam nillappaa | Stop for a moment, my friend, stop. |
| Male | |
| Than saathiyillaamal un jaadhiyil vanthu | Coming outside his own caste into your caste, |
| Penjaadhi kondaanae kuththammaa | He took a wife; is that a crime, madam? |
| Oor pesi odhunguthu moththammaa | The whole village gossips and isolates them completely. |
| Male | |
| Than saathiyillaamal un jaadhiyil vanthu | Coming outside his own caste into your caste, |
| Penjaadhi kondaanae kuththammaa | He took a wife; is that a crime, madam? |
| Oor pesi odhunguthu moththammaa | The whole village gossips and isolates them completely. |
| Male | |
| Avalai thottaalum dhosham kaippattaalum | That touching her is a pollution and her contact, |
| Paavam ena kattodu solvathu yaenappaa | A sin; why do they say this so rigidly, my friend? |
| Idhai kattaayam nee yosi thaenappaa | You must definitely ponder over this, my friend. |
| Male | |
| Naan ketkum kelvikku | To the question I ask, |
| Neeyaachchum sinthichchu sollappaa | At least you should think and tell me, my friend. |
| Badhil sollappaa…. | Give me an answer, my friend.... |
நில்லப்பா கொஞ்சம் நில்லப்பா
நில்லப்பா கொஞ்சம் நில்லப்பா
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
நான் கேட்கும் கேள்விக்கு
நீயாச்சும் சிந்திச்சு சொல்லப்பா
பதில் சொல்லப்பா......
To the question I ask,
At least you should think and tell me, my friend.
Give me an answer, my friend.
நான் கேட்கும் கேள்விக்கு
நீயாச்சும் சிந்திச்சு சொல்லப்பா
பதில் சொல்லப்பா......
To the question I ask,
At least you should think and tell me, my friend.
Give me an answer, my friend.
நில்லப்பா கொஞ்சம் நில்லப்பா
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
அய்யய்ந்து ஆண்டாச்சு யார்யாரோ ஆண்டாச்சு
ஹரிசன முன்னேற்றம் என்னாச்சு
அது தேங்கிய நீராட்டம் நின்னாச்சு
Five times five years have passed, and various people have ruled,
What happened to the progress of the oppressed?
It came to a standstill like stagnant water.
அய்யய்ந்து ஆண்டாச்சு யார்யாரோ ஆண்டாச்சு
ஹரிசன முன்னேற்றம் என்னாச்சு
அது தேங்கிய நீராட்டம் நின்னாச்சு......
Five times five years have passed, and various people have ruled,
What happened to the progress of the oppressed?
It came to a standstill like stagnant water.
அந்த ஹரிசனம் பேர் சொல்லி கரிசனம் காட்டிய
வெகுஜனம் முன்னேறி போயாச்சு
இந்த ஒரு இனம் தனியாக ஆயாச்சு
ஏனப்பா இது ஏனப்பா
அட செல்லப்பா பதில் சொல்லப்பா
Showing fake concern in the name of the oppressed,
The opportunists progressed and moved ahead.
But this one community has been left isolated.
Why is this so, my friend, why?
Oh my dear friend, tell me an answer.
பள்ளுப் பறைகளும் படிக்கணும் என்றுதான்
பள்ளிக்கூடங்கள் உண்டாச்சு
தாழ்த்தப்பட்டோற்க்கு முதலிடம் என்றாச்சு
இந்த பயன் கொண்டு முன்னேறி பலன் கண்ட பேர்களை
விரல் கொண்டு எண்ணனும் வேலப்பா
இந்த வேதனை ஏனென்று கேளப்பா...
இந்த வேதனை ஏனென்று கேளப்பா...
Saying that all oppressed classes should study,
Schools were established.
First priority was given to the downtrodden.
Those who progressed and benefitted using these opportunities,
Can be counted on one's fingers, my friend.
Ask why this agony exists, my friend.
Ask why this agony exists, my friend.
நில்லப்பா கொஞ்சம் நில்லப்பா
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
பள்ளுப்பறை என்று சொல்லக்கூடாதென்று
சட்டங்கள் போட்டாங்க ஏட்டிலே
பல சலுகைகள் தந்தாங்க நாட்டிலே
ஆனால் எல்லார்க்கும் வயிறிட்டு ஏறாமல்தான் மட்டும்
இருக்கின்ற ஏணிப் போல் தேனப்பா
இந்த இனம் மட்டும் இருப்பது ஏனப்பா......
Saying that caste names should not be used as slurs,
Laws were enacted on paper.
Many privileges were granted in the nation.
But like a ladder that helps everyone else climb higher,
While remaining stationary at the bottom, my friend,
Why does this community alone remain stuck like that, my friend?
அரசியல் சாசனம் ஆக்கி அளித்த
நம் அம்பேத்கார் ஜாதியில் ஹரிசனம்
அவர் அறிவுக் களஞ்சியம் அறியணும்
Ambedkar, who drafted and gave us the Constitution,
Belonged to the very caste of the oppressed.
One should realize that he was a treasure trove of wisdom.
அரசியல் சாசனம் ஆக்கி அளித்த
நம் அம்பேத்கார் ஜாதியில் ஹரிசனம்
அவர் அறிவுக் களஞ்சியம் அறியணும்
Ambedkar, who drafted and gave us the Constitution,
Belonged to the very caste of the oppressed.
One should realize that he was a treasure trove of wisdom.
இன்னும் அறியாரும் புரியாரும் சிறியாரும்
பெரியாரும்
கரடியாய் கத்தியும் என்னப்பா அதை
கருத்தினில் கொல்லாட்டி வீணப்பா....
Still, whether ignorant, wise, young, or old,
What is the use if leaders just shout like bears?
If it is not taken to heart, it is all wasted, my friend.
நில்லப்பா கொஞ்சம் நில்லப்பா
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
தன் சாதியில்லாமல் உன் ஜாதியில் வந்து
பெண்ஜாதி கொண்டானே குத்தமா
ஊர் பேசி ஒதுக்குது மொத்தமா
Coming outside his own caste into your caste,
He took a wife; is that a crime, madam?
The whole village gossips and isolates them completely.
தன் சாதியில்லாமல் உன் ஜாதியில் வந்து
பெண்ஜாதி கொண்டானே குத்தமா
ஊர் பேசி ஒதுக்குது மொத்தமா
Coming outside his own caste into your caste,
He took a wife; is that a crime, madam?
The whole village gossips and isolates them completely.
அவளை தொட்டாலும் தோஷம் கைப்பட்டாலும்
பாவம் என கட்டோடு சொல்வது ஏனப்பா
இதை கட்டாயம் நீ யோசி தேனப்பா......
That touching her is a pollution and her contact,
A sin; why do they say this so rigidly, my friend?
You must definitely ponder over this, my friend.
நில்லப்பா கொஞ்சம் நில்லப்பா
To the question I ask,
At least you should think and tell me, my friend.
Give me an answer, my friend....
நான் கேட்கும் கேள்விக்கு
நீயாச்சும் சிந்திச்சு சொல்லப்பா
பதில் சொல்லப்பா......
Nillappaa konjam nillappaa
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
Nillappaa konjam nillappaa
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
Naan ketkum kelvikku
To the question I ask,
Neeyaachchum sinthichchu sollappaa
At least you should think and tell me, my friend.
Badhil sollappaa
Give me an answer, my friend.
Naan ketkum kelvikku
To the question I ask,
Neeyaachchum sinthichchu sollappaa
At least you should think and tell me, my friend.
Badhil sollappaa
Give me an answer, my friend.
Nillappaa konjam nillappaa
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
Ayaiyainthu aandaachu yaaryaaro aandaachchu
Five times five years have passed, and various people have ruled,
Harisana munneatram ennaachchu
What happened to the progress of the oppressed?
Adhu thaengiya neeraattam ninnaachchu
It came to a standstill like stagnant water.
Ayaiyainthu aandaachu yaaryaaro aandaachchu
Five times five years have passed, and various people have ruled,
Harisana munneatram ennaachchu
What happened to the progress of the oppressed?
Adhu thaengiya neeraattam ninnaachchu
It came to a standstill like stagnant water.
Antha harisanam per solli karisanam kaattiya
Showing fake concern in the name of the oppressed,
Vegujanam munnaeri poyaachchu
The opportunists progressed and moved ahead.
Intha oru inam thaniyaaga aayaachchu
But this one community has been left isolated.
Yaenappaa idhu yaenappaa
Why is this so, my friend, why?
Ada chellappaa badhil sollappaa
Oh my dear friend, tell me an answer.
Pallu paraigalum padikkanum endruthaan
Saying that all oppressed classes should study,
Pallikoodangal undaachchu
Schools were established.
Thaazhthappattorkku mudhalidam endraachchu
First priority was given to the downtrodden.
Intha payan kondu munnaeri palan kanda pergalai
Those who progressed and benefitted using these opportunities,
Viral kondu ennanum velappaa
Can be counted on one's fingers, my friend.
Intha vedhanai yaenendru kelappaa
Ask why this agony exists, my friend.
Intha vedhanai yaenendru kelappaa
Ask why this agony exists, my friend.
Nillappaa konjam nillappaa
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
Palluparai endru sollakoodaathendru
Saying that caste names should not be used as slurs,
Sattangal pottaanga yaettilae
Laws were enacted on paper.
Pala sugaigal thanthaanga naattilae
Many privileges were granted in the nation.
Aanaal ellaarkkum vayirittu yaeraamalthaan mattum
But like a ladder that helps everyone else climb higher,
Irukkindra yaeni pol thaenappaa
While remaining stationary at the bottom, my friend,
Intha inam mattum iruppathu yaenappaa
Why does this community alone remain stuck like that, my friend?
Arasiyal saasanam aakki aliththa
Ambedkar, who drafted and gave us the Constitution,
Nam Ambedkar jadhiyil harisanam
Belonged to the very caste of the oppressed.
Avar arivu kalanjiyam ariyanum
One should realize that he was a treasure trove of wisdom.
Arasiyal saasanam aakki aliththa
Ambedkar, who drafted and gave us the Constitution,
Nam Ambedkar jadhiyil harisanam
Belonged to the very caste of the oppressed.
Avar arivu kalanjiyam ariyanum
One should realize that he was a treasure trove of wisdom.
Innum ariyaarum puriyaarum siriyaarum periyaarum
Still, whether ignorant, wise, young, or old,
Karadiyaai kaththiyum ennappaa
What is the use if leaders just shout like bears?
Adhai karuthinil kollaatti veenappaa
If it is not taken to heart, it is all wasted, my friend.
Nillappaa konjam nillappaa
Stop for a moment, my friend, stop.
Than saathiyillaamal un jaadhiyil vanthu
Coming outside his own caste into your caste,
Penjaadhi kondaanae kuththammaa
He took a wife; is that a crime, madam?
Oor pesi odhunguthu moththammaa
The whole village gossips and isolates them completely.
Than saathiyillaamal un jaadhiyil vanthu
Coming outside his own caste into your caste,
Penjaadhi kondaanae kuththammaa
He took a wife; is that a crime, madam?
Oor pesi odhunguthu moththammaa
The whole village gossips and isolates them completely.
Avalai thottaalum dhosham kaippattaalum
That touching her is a pollution and her contact,
Paavam ena kattodu solvathu yaenappaa
A sin; why do they say this so rigidly, my friend?
Idhai kattaayam nee yosi thaenappaa
You must definitely ponder over this, my friend.
Naan ketkum kelvikku
To the question I ask,
Neeyaachchum sinthichchu sollappaa
At least you should think and tell me, my friend.
Badhil sollappaa….
Give me an answer, my friend....
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This powerful social-reform song from the film 'Nathaiyil Muthu' (1973) is a direct, impassioned questioning of social inequality and caste discrimination in independent India. The narrator calls upon a friend—and society at large—to pause and reflect on why, despite twenty-five years of independence and political promises, the socio-economic advancement of the downtrodden remains stagnant like static water. The lyricist highlights how political actors use the rhetoric of uplifting marginalized communities for their own gain while leaving the people isolated.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Adhu thaengiya neeraattam ninnaachchu”
Compares the stagnant state of social progress for oppressed communities directly to standing, stagnant water.
Metaphor / Analogy (Uruvagam)
“Irukkindra yaeni pol thaenappaa”
Compares the oppressed community to a ladder (yaeni), which helps others climb up to higher positions while itself remaining at the bottom.
Iyaipu (Rhyming end schemes)
“Ayaiyainthu aandaachu yaaryaaro aandaachchu / Harisana munneatram ennaachchu”
The deliberate use of ending rhymes ('aandaachchu', 'ennaachchu', 'ninnaachchu') creates a rhythmic, persuasive tone typical of Tamil philosophical/social reform songs.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Nathaiyil Muthu' (1973) featured music by the veteran composer duo Shankar-Ganesh and lyrics by legendary lyricist Vaali. Sung with deep emotive force by T. M. Soundararajan, this song stands out as a rare, explicit socio-political commentary in Tamil cinema that directly invokes Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and touches upon inter-caste marriage and social untouchability.
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