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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thamizhan Endroru Inam

From Malaikkallan · 1954

Lyricist
Ramalingam Pillai
Singer
Soundararajan
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Malaikkallan1954

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Tamizhan endroru inamunduThere is a distinct group known as the Tamilian.
Tamizhan endroru inamunduThere is a distinct group known as the Tamilian.
Thaniyae avarukoru gunamunduHe possesses a unique character of his own.
Thaniyae avarukoru gunamunduHe possesses a unique character of his own.
Amizhtham avanathu mozhiyaagumHis language is sweet like divine nectar.
Andrae avanathu vazhiyaagumVirtue and righteousness are his eternal path.
Andrae avanathu vazhiyaagumVirtue and righteousness are his eternal path.
Male
Kalaigal yaavilum vallavanaamHe is skilled and proficient in all forms of art.
Kattravar evarukkum nallavanaamHe is kind and supportive to all learned scholars.
Kalaigal yaavilum vallavanaamHe is skilled and proficient in all forms of art.
Kattravar evarukkum nallavanaamHe is kind and supportive to all learned scholars.
Male
Nilai porul parpala adaiyaalamWith numerous enduring historical markers and symbols,
Nindrana innum udaiyonaamHe stands today as the proud possessor of a great legacy.
Male
Tamizhan endroru inamunduThere is a distinct group known as the Tamilian.
Male
Maanam perithena uyir viduvaanHe would willingly sacrifice his life for honor.
Matravarukkaaga thuyar paduvaanHe feels deep grief and empathy for the suffering of others.
Maanam perithena uyir viduvaanHe would willingly sacrifice his life for honor.
Matravarukkaaga thuyar paduvaanHe feels deep grief and empathy for the suffering of others.
Male
Thaanam vaangida koosiduvaanHe hesitates and shrinks away from receiving alms,
Tharuvathu melena pesiduvaanHe advocates that giving is far superior to taking.
Thaanam vaangida koosiduvaanHe hesitates and shrinks away from receiving alms,
Tharuvathu melena pesiduvaanHe advocates that giving is far superior to taking.
Male
Tamizhan endroru inamunduThere is a distinct group known as the Tamilian.
Male
Yaasigal thozhuthal undeninumEven if beggars worship or entreat him,
Samarasam naattinil kandavanaamHe established harmony and equality in his land.
Samarasam naattinil kandavanaamHe established harmony and equality in his land.
Male
Needhiyum urimaiyum anniyarkkumJustice and equal rights, even for strangers,
Nirai kuraiyaamal panninavanHe rendered fully without any shortcomings.
Male
Tamizhan endroru inamunduThere is a distinct group known as the Tamilian.
Thaniyae avarukoru gunamundu gunamunduHe possesses a unique character of his own.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This iconic anthem, written by Namakkal Kavignar V. Ramalingam Pillai, celebrates the rich identity, high moral standing, and cultural heritage of the Tamil people. It highlights core Tamil values such as linguistic pride, artistic excellence, unwavering self-respect, deep empathy for others, and a preference for charity over receiving alms.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Amizhtham avanathu mozhiyaagum

Compares the Tamil language directly to 'Amizhtham' (divine nectar), emphasizing its supreme sweetness and richness.

Initial Alliteration (Moonaai)

Tamizhan endroru inamundu / Thaniyae avarukoru gunamundu

Repetition of the initial 'Ta' sound across consecutive lines ('Tamizhan' and 'Thaniyae').

Second Letter Rhyme (Edugai)

Maanam perithena uyir viduvaan / Thaanam vaangida koosiduvaan

Repetition of the second consonant sound 'na' in 'Maanam' and 'Thaanam'.

Refrain (Anaphora)

Tamizhan endroru inamundu

The line 'Tamizhan endroru inamundu' repeats throughout the poem as a central thesis reinforcing Tamil pride.

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Trivia

Composed by Namakkal Kavignar V. Ramalingam Pillai, a prominent Gandhian poet and freedom fighter who was named the first Poet Laureate of Tamil Nadu. The poem was featured in the 1954 blockbuster film 'Malaikkallan' starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), which became the first Tamil film to win a President's Silver Medal.

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