52 Not for us
They well said
To the people of this earth that:
‘God is one
And human beings belong to one community’!
If we have only one community (caste)
In the name of community
Why this much bloodshed?
If God is only one
In the name of God
Why so many religions?
What Valluvar said that:
‘It is always easy to preach to others
But very difficult to practice it’(644)
Is true indeed on this earth
All the idealism that are proclaimed
Are only for others
‘Teaching is only for the world
And not for us’
This indeed is the reality
And this become our true nature
When I read about the recent bloodshed in some part of South Tamilnadu, I wrote this song. Among all the Indians, Tamilians always brag too much about them on several issues. I say this as a Tamilian. They always claim special status and privilege exclusively for them on every issue. Though Tamil is an ancient language and Tamil society is one of the oldest society in the world, all their tall claims based on their text and culture never reflect in practical life. For example caste is vehemently opposed not only by the Tamil literatures, but even almost every Tamil politician promotes it. But when it comes to practical life the grip of caste is as the same as we find in every part of the country. In election time politicians will select their candidate based on the percentage of the caste vote in a particular constituency. More couple are murdered in cross caste marriages in Tamilnadu than any other part of India. Almost every caste has its own political party and caste association. This clearly reflects the saying ‘teaching is only for others and not for us’. (ஊருக்குத்தான் உபதேசம்; உனக்கல்ல எனக்கல்ல)
20-12-1995. 9.30 am.
52 நமக்கல்ல
‘ஒன்றே குலமாகும்
ஒருவனே தேவனாவான்’
நன்றே உரைத்தார்கள்
நானிலத்து மாந்தருக்கு
ஒன்றே குலமானால்
குலத்தின் பெயராலே
குருதியும் பாய்வது ஏன்?
ஒன்றே தேவனென்றால்
இறைவனின் பெயராலே
இத்தனை மதங்களும் ஏன்?
‘சொல்லுதல் யார்க்கும்
எளிதாம் அரிதாம்
சொல்லியவண்ணம் செயல்’
என்றே வள்ளுவனும்
உரைத்த சொல்லதுவும்
உண்மை இவ்வுலகில்
கூ றிடும் கொள்கை எல்லாம்
கூடிடும் மக்களுக்கே
ஊருக்குத்தான் உபதேசம்
உனக்கல்ல எனக்கல்ல
என்பதே உண்மை நிலை
20-12-1995. 9.30 am.
இந்நாட்களில் தென் தமிழகப்பகுதிகளில் நடக்கும் ஜாதி/குல சண்டை பற்றி எண்ணியபோது எழுதியது.