- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- L. R. Eswari, Chorus
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- School Master
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Apr 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This uplifting and energetic song celebrates the spirit of community service, unity, and reverence for teachers (Guru Bhakti). The lyrics draw parallels between student devotion and grand mythological/natural effort—comparing the students coming together to build a house for their beloved teacher with the Vanara army building the Ram Setu bridge for Lord Rama. Kannadasan emphasizes how individual tiny efforts, like tiny atoms forming a planet or single water drops creating a surging flood, combine to yield monumental achievements.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Mythological Allusion (Uvamaani)
“Vaanarappadai paalam pottathu Ramanukkaagavae”
References the Ramayana epic where the monkey army built Ram Setu, drawing an epic comparison to student voluntary labor.
Pun / Wordplay (Sledai)
“Kuruvinukku veedu katta Kuruvigalae pothum”
Plays on the homophonic qualities of 'Kuru' (Guru/Teacher) and 'Kuruvi' (sparrows/small birds), metaphorically calling students small sparrows coming to build a nest for their Guru.
Metaphor & Imagery
“Aayiramaayiram thuligal saernthu Vellam varalaachchu”
Uses the image of small water drops collecting into a flood to symbolize the strength of collective youth power.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Vaanarappadai ... / Indru maanava padai ...”
The second consonant sound 'aa-na' matches in Vaanara and Maanava across adjacent lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
School Master (1973) was directed by B. R. Panthulu and featured music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The song's theme echoes traditional Indian reverence for the Guru, framing education and community work as sacred duties.
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