There have been
several prominent writers in Tamizh during the 20th century. Of
these, five are my favorites: Subramania Bharathi, Kalki, Jayakanthan,
Pudumaipithan (alias Vriddhachalam) and Kannadasan. Under different conditions,
each one should have received a Nobel Prize in Literature. I wish everyone can
read their writings in Tamizh and enjoy the beauty of the language and the
beauty of the writer’s thoughts. Since that is not possible, I will try my hand
in translating one piece by Kannadasan, who had the genius to express deep
insights in simple Tamizh. Obviously, you cannot get the beauty of his use of
the language. Hope you get the beauty of
his thoughts.
From Kannadasan’s
book with the title: Andhi, Sandhi, Ardhajamam
Man invited Mother Nature
She came.
Man asked:
“Mother, give me a boon”
“Son, what boon do you want?” asked Mother Nature
“I want unlimited wealth”
Mother Nature poured wealth on him
She gave gold
She gave property
She gave dazzling mansion
With brilliant lights
And she gave him all kinds
Of vehicles
Wardrobe full of clothes
Mother Nature receded
The man got immersed in his wealth
Spent his money like water
Days passed
Wealth was there
But the man diminished
Roamed around for peace
Wanted love
Invited Mother Nature again
She came
Man asked
“I want something else”
“What do you want?”
“I want love”
Mother gave him beautiful girls
With stunning looks
Like artist’s portraits
Sculptors creations
Mother receded again
Man enjoyed, indulged
Made day into night
Night into day
Forgot the world
Stayed inside the mansion
The body started going down
Mind started to tire
Suddenly
There was no difference between
Touching a girl and touching a handful of sand
Man called for his Mother again
She came
“Mom, I want more”
“Son, what is it you want?”
“You gave me wealth; I enjoyed.
You gave me girls; I enjoyed.
But I am still
An ordinary man.
I want to be a king
I want to rule the land”
Mother gave that too.
Now, the Man is the King
If he hummed a request
Thousands came to serve
If he ordered
More came to obey and follow
The earth trembled at his command
He made people into puppets and peons
Got drunk on power and ego
People got mad
And got together
And shouted: “Where is the King?”
And started chasing
The King ran
And called for Mother again
“Mother, Mother”
“Son, what is it?”
“My body is shaking; boiling; always angry. Refuses to cool down”
“OK, what do you want now?”
“You gave me everything. But I need one more last thing”
“What is it?”
“The essence of being human; humanness”
The Mother laughed, and said:
“Son, everything other than humanness is inside of me. Humanness is only in you. You have to get it from inside yourself”
And She vanished!
1 comment:
There is humor and reality in this. Also, it seems to relate to current status in the world with leaders of this kind. It must be great to read it in tamil. Thanks for your enlightened sayings in this article.
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