Mahakavi Bharathi, whose 140th birthday falls on 11th December, needs no introduction. Even a century after his death, Bharathi still remains relevant to the social landscape of this era. His way of life and poetry has followers surpassing boundaries. His themes continue to influence generations cutting across gender, religion, caste, color, creed, young and old. ஆணுக்குப் பெண் சரிசமம் (Men and Women are equal), புதுமைப் பெண் (New Age Woman), பெண் விடுதலை (Woman Liberation), சாதிகள் இல்லையடி (No caste), அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை (Fear Not), மனத்தில் உறுதி வேண்டும் (Courageous Mind), நேர் கொண்ட பார்வை (Straight forward vision) are some of the quotable quotes, a few droplets from the ocean of his lyrics.
The national poet who infused patriotism in the minds of public is also known for his unstinted social service in uplifting the downtrodden and woman emancipation through his songs.
Bharathi came into lime light through his immortal songs, which not only instigated national spirit amongst the public but also motivated women to think beyond. He felt that a nation would become fully independent in the real sense only when women are empowered. Bharathiar not only dreamt of an Independent India but also of a ‘Pudumaip Pen’ (புதுமைப் பெண்) meaning a Neo Modern Woman in line with dharmic principles.
Penmai Vaazhagavendru (பெண்மை வாழ்கவென்று), Potri Potri (போற்றி போற்றி), Pen Viduthalai (பெண் விடுதலை), Thaga Thaga Vendru (தகதகவென்று), Om Shakthi Om Shakthi (ஓம் சக்தி ஓம் சக்தி), Kummiyadi Penne Kummiyadi (கும்மியடி பெண்ணே கும்மியடி), Vaiyum Muzhudum (வையம் முழுதும்), Thunbamillaa Nilayae (தும்பமில்ல நிலையே) are some of the songs and themes that highlight women’s liberation, right, emancipation, empowerment, boldness, self discipline, dignity, briskness, awareness, ability, upliftment, alertness and leadership qualities.
The revolutionary woman that Bharathi dreamt about is fearlessness and to fight against injustice of any kind and be the manifestation of Shakti.
Bharathiyar advocated women to take pride in their wisdom, command respect and fear not for anything and anyone on the earth. The neo modern new generation Indian woman should have a straight forward thought and steadfast look. Bharathi would deem her equal to men in all regards and will prove her wisdom and talents.
Bharathi greeted the future women of India as an emanation of Lord Shiva, a redeemer of mankind, who would learn more and more and conquer not only the universe but also the space. She would travel all around the world and bring home to our motherland new discoveries, inventions and make the country supreme. She is the ‘Shakthi’ or the ‘Power’.
Yet another immortal classic of Bharathi is ‘பாஞ்சாலி சபதம்’ (Pledge of Panchali or Draupadi). Bharathi has taken a portion from the epic Mahabharata wherein Panchalai or Draupadi was stripped by the Kauravas as the Pandavas had lost in the game of dice. In anger of shame and agony and to undo the injustice done to her, Panchali takes a pledge. She vows to take revenge by defeating them in Kurushetra war and drench her hair by the blood of decimated Kauravas. Until then she would not plait her hair. Bharathi compares Draupadi to Bharat Mata and exhorts the society to redeem her pride and freedom.
Bharathi was equally against caste system. He declared that there were only two castes – man and woman. He adorned many Dalits with sacred thread and declared all are equal creations and in fact it is a sin to differentiate or discriminate human-beings on the lines of race or caste. He advocated temple entry of Dalits.
Bharathi was very clear that the sole path to achieve the desired social, economic or political freedom, all citizens need to unite as children of Bharat Mata.
