I am pained at the way two great persons - Gandhi and Bharathi - are compared and contrasted and in the process dragged into needless controversy.
Both are tall in their own right. To praise one, the other need not be belittled. I am a great lover of Bharathi. But, quoting selectively from his verses here and there, his whole persona cannot be understood correctly. The theme, context, preceding and succeeding stanzas or lines must be read and understood correctly, before any opinion could be formed about Bharathi himself.
Bharathi did not escape to Puducherry, fearing for his life. He was 'mrutyunjaya'. (He kicked even Lord Yama). He was forcibly taken/sent to Puducherry, by his close friends. One more thing. Bharathi did not clamour for any post or had any belongings to save them from the British, if he was caught. He was already in abject poverty, we all know or have read. So, what is left to lose further?
Many of his ardent followers feared that his contribution to Indian freedom movement and Tamil literature will be greatly affected, if he was imprisoned. That's why he was forced to migrate to Puducherry. I have elaborately read that Bharthi's fiery songs wherever they were sung, incited the masses and ignited their patriotic fervour.
Regarding Venkatramani's poser that he didn't fight the French or write aggressively against them sounds illogical. Why Bharathi should? The French didn't harm him nor put any restrictions on his writings. Moreover, the French were fighting the British at that time in India and were considered friendly to all forces who were fighting the British. Thus, enemy's enemy was a friend.
Regarding the interesting meeting between Mahatma and Bharathi, it has been well documented. Bharathi went to Gandhi inviting him to preside over the meeting Bharathi was to address on Triplicane (Marina) Beach. But due to other pre-occupations on the same date, Bapuji couldn't accept the invitation.
When told about this, without any second thought, Bharathi said "Thank you Mr. Gandhi. My hearty blessings to you" and left. Immediately, Gandhi enquired others around who the dynamic and charismatic person was. They all replied it was 'Subramanya Bharathi'. Hearing this, Gandhi smiled and asked others to safeguard the treasure in the interest of the nation.
Bharathi has penned a poem eulogising the virtues of Gandhi and I believe it is known to everyone. Therefore, what I want to say is, Bharathi didn't ever work against the path shown by Gandhi. He only wanted the youth to be brave, bold and patriotic.
(Oli padaitha Kanninai, Va, Va, Va!)
I once again request our friends not to harm Bharathi or Gandhi. Please leave them.
Both are tall in their own right. To praise one, the other need not be belittled. I am a great lover of Bharathi. But, quoting selectively from his verses here and there, his whole persona cannot be understood correctly. The theme, context, preceding and succeeding stanzas or lines must be read and understood correctly, before any opinion could be formed about Bharathi himself.
Bharathi did not escape to Puducherry, fearing for his life. He was 'mrutyunjaya'. (He kicked even Lord Yama). He was forcibly taken/sent to Puducherry, by his close friends. One more thing. Bharathi did not clamour for any post or had any belongings to save them from the British, if he was caught. He was already in abject poverty, we all know or have read. So, what is left to lose further?
Many of his ardent followers feared that his contribution to Indian freedom movement and Tamil literature will be greatly affected, if he was imprisoned. That's why he was forced to migrate to Puducherry. I have elaborately read that Bharthi's fiery songs wherever they were sung, incited the masses and ignited their patriotic fervour.
Regarding Venkatramani's poser that he didn't fight the French or write aggressively against them sounds illogical. Why Bharathi should? The French didn't harm him nor put any restrictions on his writings. Moreover, the French were fighting the British at that time in India and were considered friendly to all forces who were fighting the British. Thus, enemy's enemy was a friend.
Regarding the interesting meeting between Mahatma and Bharathi, it has been well documented. Bharathi went to Gandhi inviting him to preside over the meeting Bharathi was to address on Triplicane (Marina) Beach. But due to other pre-occupations on the same date, Bapuji couldn't accept the invitation.
When told about this, without any second thought, Bharathi said "Thank you Mr. Gandhi. My hearty blessings to you" and left. Immediately, Gandhi enquired others around who the dynamic and charismatic person was. They all replied it was 'Subramanya Bharathi'. Hearing this, Gandhi smiled and asked others to safeguard the treasure in the interest of the nation.
Bharathi has penned a poem eulogising the virtues of Gandhi and I believe it is known to everyone. Therefore, what I want to say is, Bharathi didn't ever work against the path shown by Gandhi. He only wanted the youth to be brave, bold and patriotic.
(Oli padaitha Kanninai, Va, Va, Va!)
I once again request our friends not to harm Bharathi or Gandhi. Please leave them.
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