Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharati was a forerunner in many respects. He is aptly a Rashtriya Kavi – a poet to be understood and appreciated by the entire nation. He loved nay worshipped the Akhand Bharat- (chetamilllaata Hindustaanam – சேதமில்லாத ஹிந்துஸ்தானம்). As our Prime Minister quoted Bharati in one of his Independence Day speeches, the poet firmly believed that Bharat will be the Viswa Guru in the future. Mahakavi’s conviction rooted deeply in Sanatana Dharma was that when we, Bharatiyas imbibe the spirit of Vedas and live by those principles, could guide the entire world to reach the immortal state, that is get liberated from the ills sapping the energy of the individual and the Nation.
A first-time casual reader may feel that Mahakavi’s ideas were mere exaggerated wishful thinking. Only who studies Bharati in depth can appreciate that he did not stop with just romanticising his ideas. Many of his poems revealed his grand vision for the future of this nation. He presented a complete road map and suggested feasible means of achieving them through his poems and articles in the journals which had the fortune of availing his services.
He did not leave any aspect of national life untouched. I would endeavour to dwell upon a few of his splendid writings.
A song which is said to be meant for children (Paappaa Paattu- பாப்பா பாட்டு) through simple words conveys profound concepts applicable to men and women of all ages. Bharati, in this song, prescribes Desha Bhakti, unflinching faith upon Almighty, love for fellow beings, care for animals and birds, team building and as the last of line of that poem says it is verily the Art of Living.
He exhorts the youth of the country to have Chatrapati Sivaji, Guru Govind Singh and Swami Vivekananda as role models. In his poem titled Pokinra Bhaaratamum and Varukinra Bhaarathamum (போகின்ற பாரதமும்-வருகின்ற பாரதமும்), he clearly states the slave, weak and beaten society should go soon; in its place, a new generation of youth filled with glow in the eyes, clarity in the mind, cheer in the heart and strength in the shoulders should rise to lead the country to reach the pinnacles of glory. (ஒளி படைத்த கண்ணினாய் வா வா வா – உறுதி கொண்ட நெஞ்சினாய் வா வா வா)
When he says, youth he gives equal importance to women. Sister Nivedita was his mentor and he followed her guidelines regarding women liberation. We must bear it in mind that both of them talked about Matru Shakti – empowerment of women based on the Bharatiya Samskruti and not on western models. In yet another song, he reminds that it is the duty of the men folk to be chivalrous in supporting our mothers and sisters to follow their Dharma. (பெண்ண றத்தினை ஆண்மக்கள் வீரந்தான் பேணு மாயிற் பிறகொரு தாழ்வில்லை!)
In every possible instance, he strongly urges everyone to shed fear. As Lord Krishna says, fear is the great sin and Bharati translated Bhagavad Gita in Tamil once again comprehendible by ordinary men. In his song, Victory Drum (ஜய பேரிகை), he writes ‘we vanquished the ghost of trepidation, we split the serpent of falsehood, drank away its life பயமெனும பேய்தனை யடித்தோம்-பொய்மை பாம்பைப் பிளந்துயிரைக் குடித்தோம்) (Ref.1)
He had respect for all religions but warned against those forces attempting to exploit the ignorance of the illiterate men and converting them to Christianity. He bemoans as to why should we fall prey when we have a treasure load of heritage in our country. Refer poem, Arive Deivam (அறிவே தெய்வம்), சுத்த அறிவே சிவமென்று கூறுஞ் சுருதிகள் கேளீரோ?-பல பித்த மதங்களி லேதடு மாறிப் பெருமை யழிவீரோ?)
He believed that independence can be meaningful when the youngsters have respect for their forefathers, appreciate their genius and learn from their lives. To make our youth, he strongly urges that our education should be founded on the Bharatiya values and culture. In his auto biography (poem), he laments as to how the education system prevailing then kept the young ignorant of Tiruvalluvar, Kambar, Kalidasa, Scientists like Aryabhatta and Bhaskara and so on. Has it any way changed even after 70 years? It really pains the hearts of the nationalists, that in Tamil Nadu, the land of great patriots like Bharati, the National Education Policy 2020 is getting so much of orchestrated protests.
Closing with a master piece poem, wandering on the snowclad mountain peaks, வெள்ளிப் பனிமலையின் மீதுலவுவோம், he provides a comprehensive list of action plans to make our country strong, self-reliant, prosperous country. Starting from clean roads, nurturing both agriculture and industry, making steel, exploring the space, Ganga Cauvery linking, ship building, and to taking telecommunication to all the corners of the country (Kashi to Kanchi). Thus, one can say, that he made us available an agenda of Swach Bharat to Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
Finally, what is to be appreciated here is that all of those writings were some 40 years before Independence, when the glorious era of Lal – Bal – Pal was slowly ending and Mahatma was yet to occupy the centre-stage!
The Rashtra Kavi in RSS
On September 11, the 100th memorial anniversary of Bharati, Swayamsevaks of RSS gratefully reminisce how the thoughts of Bharati impact them in so many ways. RSS karyalayas across Uttar and Dakshin Tamilnadu prants begin the day with the Tamil Suprabhatam invoking the blessings of Bharata Mata – sung by Bharati (பாரதமாதா திருப்பள்ளியெழுச்சி). Of course, the Ekatmata Stotram follows, which again contains Bharati’s name in this form: “Sree Subramanya Bharati”. Any RSS baithak in Tamilnadu for brainstorming begins with Bharati’s prayer to Almighty (அறிவிலே தெளிவு, நெஞ்சிலே உறுதி). As any Swayamsevak would frown at untouchability and casteism, Bharati too went hammer and tongs against the nefarious practice prevalent in Hindu society. He went to the extent of investing Kanakalingam (a Harjan lad of Puducherry) with sacred thread. He taught him Gayatri mantra. Reminds us of efforts of VHP and TTD in giving training to thousands of SC brethren in the duties of temple archaka / poojari during the past decade. Bharati is sad that Hindus of his day are like a bag of nellikkai (aamalakam) the contents of which get scattered all over once the bag is untied. He says he wishes to make the entire Hindusthan a single family. Say, what else on earth Swayamsevak’s are living and working for?
