The decade before Independence was a time of great political turbulence in Tamil Nadu. Along with the nationalist project of the Indian National Congress, there were strong political undercurrents with reformist agendas. The most vibrant of these were the "Self-respect Movement" (renamed later as the Dravidian Movement) and the "Leftist Movement" pioneered by the Communist Party of India.
(photo Credits: Frontline, The Hindu)
While the Communists met lesser political success than their Dravidian counterparts, they did greatly influence the politics of the state by acting as an effective pressure group. The early proponents of leftism in the state have also left a lasting legacy of simplicity, honesty and sacrifice in public life. In contemporary commentary, their lives still serve as a golden standard to which the current politicians of Tamil Nadu are contrasted in comparison. A noted social reformer and laureate, Jeevanantham was one of the prominent communist leaders in the early years of independence and was instrumental in unionising industrial workers and agricultural labourers in central Tamil Nadu. In the following lines, I've made an effort to translate my favourite excerpts from a Tamil song written by Comrade Jeeva in the 1930s.
Kaalukku Seruppum'illai
Kaal vayittru Koolum'illai
Passikk'ulaithomada - En Tholanae
Pasaiattrru Ponomada
No footware to wear
Not even a quarter meal of porridge
We are toiling for food - My Comrade
Fatigued, we've become...
Paal'indri pillai alum
Pattiniyaal thai aluvaal
velai'indri naam aluvom - En Tholanae
veedu muchhoodum alum alum alum...
The child cries for milk
The mother cries of hunger
We cry of joblessness - My Comrade
The house cries morning, evening & night...
Kaiyil oru kaasum illai
kadan koduppoorum illai
Seiyum tholilil kitta villai - En Tholanae
Thindaattam kolludhada
Not a penny in hand
Not a soul to lend us some
Nor is our chores remunerative - My comrade
The scuffle is grueling...
Ith'thuyarkku theervu thaan undo?
Ondru'pattu paadu'pattae
uiyarthi'vittaal sengodiyai
androodu theerumadaa - En Tholanae
ivv'imsai muraigal'lellam...
Is there even a solace to this menace?
With solidarity, if we fight
And hoist the Red Flag
That very day - My comrade
Will end, our misery...
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