C.P. Student Blog

5. English Translation of Kumaran Asan’s Verses

2011-04-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is an assignment for online publication given during the X’mas vacation to the trainees of the BEd English Optional (2010-11) of Government College of Teacher Education, Trivandrum, South India. The assignment was posted by email to the teacher educator-in- charge. The submitted assignments were then edited by Ms. Saritha who has done a good job. All that I had to do was to make a few changes in the form and add an introduction.

Note:

•The main objective of the exercise was to make trainees explore the possibilities of using the Internet for teaching and learning. So at the commencement of their course, all the trainees were directed to open an email account.

•Reading and writing in Malayalam, their mother tongue, is something most of the trainees are adept at. But when attempting to translate texts in Malayalam into English, they learn about the kind of changes one has to make to incorporate the rhythm found in the original lyrics- something never practiced or even tested in the English class room!

•As the trainees were aware of the fact that their assignment will be published they have taken special care to refine their written work.

The Format

Each assignment has three parts:

I. Transliteration of Kumaran Asan’s verse

II.A summary of the verse

III. English translation of the verse

The name of the trainee follows each assignment

About Kumaran Asan

Kumaran Asan (1873-1924) also known as Mahakavi Kumaran Asan, (the name prefix Mahakavi (Awarded by Madras University in the Year 1922) meaning great poet and the suffix Asan meaning scholar or teacher) was a Malayalam poet, philosopher and social reformer of Kerala. Asan initiated a revolution in Malayalam poetry in the first quarter of the 20th century, transforming it from metaphysical to lyrical.
Some of his major works include :
Veena Poovu (1907)
Chinthavishtayaya Seetha (1919)
Chandala bhikshuki (1922) and Karuna (1923)

Index of assignments

Sl.No./ Name of Trainee/ Title of Verse(Transliteration)/ Translation

1. Ms. Abhaya Krishnan/ Kochukili /A Little Bird
2./Ms. Anila/ Nishaa Praarthana/ Night Prayer
3. Ms. Chitra JL/ Gunanishta / Uprightness
4. /Ms. Chitralekha S/ Kapotha Pushpam/ Dove – flower
5. /Ms. Gayaathri/ Ambili/ The Moon
6. /Ms.Girija/ Pookkaalam/ Season of Flowers
7. /Ms. Hima J Babu/ Kochu Kili/ Little Bird
8. /Ms. Indu/ Parukketta Kutti/ The Wounded Child
9. /Ms. Karuna Purushottaman / Vandinte Paattu/ The Beetle’s Song
10. /Ms. Nija R/ Pookkaalam/ Spring season
11. /Ms. Nisla/ Kuttiyum Thallayum/ Child and Mother
12./Sr. Bincy/ Kuttiyum Thallayum / Child and Mother
13. /Ms. Prasara/ Thottathile Ettukali / Spider in the Orchard
14../Ms. Soumya/ Kapotha Pushpam / The Dove Flower
15./Ms. Sreeja ST/ Sankeerthanam/ Psalm

The Assignment

Transliteration

Kochukili

Chollukendu cherupakshi ni kali-
Chullasippathithupoleyeppozhum
Allall neeyarikayillayo? Nina-
Kkillayo parakeyuthupalliyum?

Kochushakhakalilaanjiripathum
Pichiyannapadi paadidunnathum
Ichapoluyare ni parappathum
Mechaminnivayenikku koodumo?

Kaaluyarthiyayi, kaattilaadumoo-
Njaalil mevi rasamelumethra njan!
Neelavinnvazhi parannezhum sukham
Lolameyyithil ninakkothungumo?

Chitramingu, puzha kunnivatta the-
Llathalenni kili, ni kadappathum
Ethi vanmuthalamelumaanathan-
Masthakathilumirunnidunnathum!

Cheniyanna chirakaarnnoromana-
Praani, ninthadavakanna leelakal
Kaanukilkkothivarum- padhikkuvaan
Ponu- kochukiliyaayathilla njan!

Summary

In this poem, the poet is describing a bird’s freedom. The bird is free and can fly to all places. So, according to the poet the bird has no sorrows. Thus, there is a note of envy towards the bird in his tone.

Translation

A Little Bird

Tell me oh little bird,
Are you always playing?
Don’t you have any sorrows?
Don’t you go to any flying school?

You relax while perching on tree tops,
You sing when you are pinched and
Fly as high as you want,
However, can I do all these?

Sitting on a swing and
Swaying in the wind gives me élan!
You fly all over the azure sky,
How do you contain this ecstasy?

Oh bird, the way you cross hills and rivers
Leaves a picture in the mind and
How you roost on top of
Huge crocodiles and elephants!

Oh dearest celestial-winged creature,
Thy unfettered fun and frolic
Tempts me- I have to study-
Why didn’t I become a little bird instead?
-Ms. Abhaya Krishnan

Transliteration

Nishaa Praarthana

Vilayaadiya kutty thallaye
Thalarumbol thirayunnu daivame
Palavrithikalaal valanju nin
Nila nokkunnithu raavil njaanume.

Udalil kriyanilkkumenneyi
Ngudaneyindriyamullavum vibho
Vediyum- pozhiyunna poo nila-
Thadiyum polanayum bhavaanil njan.

Khrinayodumiruttil nilkkane
Thunayaayanga, vidathe vezhchayaal
Unaraakaname nadethilum
Gunavaanay jagadeesha , nale njan.

Jagathikku samridhi koodanam
Bhagavan, thwalkripayennil vaaykkanam
Akhamokkeyakannudikkanam
Sughamingente virodhikalkkume

Oru deepavu minduvum sphuri –
Pporu Nakshatravumonnumenniye
Irulmelirulaam sushupthiyil
Saranam chinmaya deva deva nee!

Summary

This is a night prayer in which the poet prays to God. He says that he seeks God only at night after getting tired of his day’s work, like a child who comes to its mother once tired of playing.

He will reach God like a flower falling on earth once his zeal for worldly life is subdued. He asks God to stay with him in all his hardships and seeks his grace to wake up with great energy in the morning. He prays for the prosperity of the world and for the wellbeing of all, whether friend or foe. He believes that no celestial light except the grace of God is capable of giving him hope in the darkness.

Translation

Night Prayer

As the child looks for its mother
Tired of playing
God, I look for you in the night
After all my work is done.

As the zeal in me subdues
Leaving the senses and body
God, I will come to you
Like a flower falling on earth.

In the darkness, stay with me
Compassionate, with your blessings
God, let me wake up tomorrow
With all your grace.

O God, make the world prosper
And shower your grace on me.
May sorrow vanish,
With the dawn of happiness for my foes as well.

Lamps, the moon and the stars-
Are nothing, but
God, you are the hope
In this dark sleep.

- Ms. Anila

Transliteration

Gunanishta

Theruthere vilangum navakrithaka rethnam
Theruvukalilengum thiruthakrithiyaayi,
Purumahima thaanum paribhavamiyannum
Maruvi vilayerum manikal marayaaraai.

Naya, mariya sathyam, daya, parahithathil
Priyatha muthalaakum hridayagunamellaam
Bhayamiyalumaaraayathathinude roopam
Swayamabhinayikkum khaladurakalaale.

Oruvijayamorthittoru chathi thudarnnaal
Perukumathumoolam pala vinakal naattil
Karumanagunangalkkanayuvathu dhoorthe,
Karuthuka sahikkaa gunanilayaneesan.

Kalikal mathiyaakkoo kapadamany! Neenaa-
Lolichitharidaa ninmukhamithorunaal nee
Thelivudaya neeril pedumoru marunnaal
Poliyumadhavaa poy nikashasilayerum!

Kshanaparibhavathaal gunamanikalmel nin
Pranayamorulesam kurayaruthu nenje,
Gunanirayodoppam manujanorunaalum
Thunayarulidaa kel suranirakalpolum.

Summary

The moral and ethical values were once considered sacred and well observed. Great ideals like justice, truth, kindness and concern for others are vanishing. Instead, certain heinous tendencies and greed are spreading everywhere. Imagine that somebody succeeds in a malicious deed and goes on doing the same. After a while, it will surely culminate in misery and would bring forth great calamity especially for the society he/she belongs to. Being vulnerable to the deeds of darkness is intolerable to the virtuous God. Therefore, stop hypocrisy. Otherwise every falsehood will be exposed some day! The mask will drop away and the deeds will be evaluated against a touch stone. Don’t give up pearls of virtue even in an ephemeral fit of anger. Never hope for assistance while in a problem unless you are upholding goodness.

Translation

Uprightness

Brightly shining gems of virtue
Briskly vanish here and there
Noble deeds go downwards; instead,
Thwarting sighs will take the lead.

Justice, truth and kindness, concern
Most of the human warmth of feelings
Get lost in a threatening pace while
Heinous deeds, greed spread at a fast pace.

Success in some cheating worthwhile
Prop up several dangers sure
Thus, darkness conquers your heart and head
Thou wanton! Can God bear you still?

No more fowl play hypocrite!
So no more brightness for your face
Get prepared for an exam – a touch stone
This indeed tells your real nature!

Never succumb to anguish that
Ever wipe away the truthfulness
Unless you uphold goodness
No God will extend His help.
=Ms. Chitra JL

Transliteration

Kapotha Pushpam

Itharasourabha veechiye menmayaal
Vidhuramaakkiyilam kulurvaayuvil
Ethirakannivide prasarippori
Madhura gandhamaho! mathimohanam.

Bhramaraneela lathaavalikalkku mel
Vimalamai malar manjariyonnithaa
Kamadamullilezhunna kulathil neer
Kumilathan nirapol vilasunnuthe!

Davalamaam spadikachimizheevidham
Navasugandhamodonnu thurannatho?
Avikalam maniyaarnnathinirmmala
Chaviyodum puthuchippi vidarnnatho?

Athivichithramanohara shilpami
Puthiya poo …karakaushalasaalayil
Ithinodothoru dandamayangalaam
Krithikalilla vidhe,vibhuthanne nee!

Ahaha! nirmmalalola manojnamee
Vihagamengane vannathinullilai:
Gahaname vidhicheshta-piraavithil
Sahajamo,nizhalo,mizhimaayayo?

Oru vikaaravumenniyaho! Ghagam
Maruvidunnithu maunasamaadhiyil.
Paravayil chilathundavathaaramay
Parayumanganeyaagama vedhikal

Bhuvanathathwavumandavumonnume
Vivaramilla, padichu valanjithe!
Ivanathen parisudhakapothike
Bhavathiyorukilanpinodothane!

Summary

This poem is an instance of metamorphosis by magic. The poet, through his magic spell, makes dove out of flower. It is almost like creation. He makes the dove a prophet. The poem ends in an ironical note where the poet requests the dove to tell universal truth; where the poet is the master of creation of the bird itself!

Translation

Dove – flower

What an enticing sweet fragrance!
That spreads here with friendliness
Which makes the odoured waves superior
And love –sick with sweet breeze.

Over the bee-blue bunch of leaves
A cluster of flowers which is chaste
Rests like water bubbles in a line!
In the pond where turtle lives.

Is it a white mirror-case opened?
With fragrance fresh
Or is it a shell beautiful, bloomed new?
Which is soft and perfect.

What a marvelous sculpture-
This new flower – in craftsmanship
No other soft teeth are equal
You are the lord of creation!

Wow! how comes the dove inside;
which is sweet, soft and beautiful
Deep is fate – in dove
Is it natural, shadowy or magic?

Ignorant of universal truth,
No knowledge, fed up with study
Thou my dear sacred dove
Speak! with love, if thou remember.

- Ms. Chitralekha S

Transliteration

Ambili

(Paanamattu)

Thumbappoovilum thumayezhum nila-
Vanpilthoovikkondaakaashaveedhiyil
Ambili ponginilkkunithaa mara-
Kombinmelninnu kololam doorathil.

Vellameghashakalangalaam nura-
Thallichukondu devakal vinnaakum
Vellathil vilayaadithuzhanjupom
Velliyodamithennu thonneedunnu!

Vinmelninnu manthasmitham thoovumen
Venmathikkoombe, ninneyeeyanthiyil
Ammathannangameriyen sodara-
‘nammaava’ yennalinju vilikkunu!

Dehashobhapolullathilkoorumi-
Mohanaakrithikkundithen pinnaale
Snehamodum vilikkum vazhi poru-
Nnaaha! Kochuvellaattin kidaavupol.

Vattam nannallitheevannamodiyaal
Muttume chennakkunninmukalil nee;
Ottunilkkangu,vannonnu ninmeni
Thottidaanum kothiyenikkomane.

Ennu kaipokkiyodinaanunmukhan
Kunneraanoru saahasi baalakan,
Chennu pinnil grihapaadakalamaa-
Yennu jeshtan thadanju njettumvare.

Summary

In the poem, the poet describes how the beauty of the moon enchants the little ones. The moon is shining in the sky, showering its brilliant light even on the tiniest of the flowers on earth without discrimination. The poet compares the moon to a silver vessel in which the angels sail. The splendid sight of the moon persuades the little boy to call it sweet “uncle”. He again equates the moon with an obedient little lamb. The child wonders whether the moon would hit the hills if he travels with everyone without any hesitation. The moon casts such a strong spell on the little boy that he runs towards the hill to touch his beloved moon. But soon he is brought back to reality by his brother reminding him of his homework. The poem brings out the conflit between beauty and duty.

Translation

The Moon

Beautiful moonlight spreads on tiny flowers
Lovingly showered from the boundless sky
Hanging way up, the full moon
Appears a yard away.

Like the frothy milky flakes of clouds
Pushed away by the heavenly angels
Rowing playfully in the endless horizon
In an exquisite silver boat you move!

Smiling gleefully from azure skies
Oh chandama, in this stunning dusk
You are cajoled as ‘uncle’ sweetly
A little boy from his mother’s lap.

Appealing to my mind, your tenderness
Your wonderful shape is following me
Lovingly chases wherever I call
Like the lamb of a little sheep.

Shape hinders your speed
The roundness will stick on the top of the hills
Little by little I feel like coming near you
To touch and caress my dear little one.

Thus running relentlessly with his hands up
Ready to climb and touch the awesome toy
From behind, his brother touches and stops
Announcing to the startled boy, his time for homework.
=Ms. Gayathri

Transliteration

Pookkaalam

Pookkunnithaa mulla, pookkunnilanji,
Pookkunnu thenmaavu, pookkunnashokam,
Vaykkunnu velikku varnangal, poovaal
Chokkunnu kaadanthi meghangal pole.

Ellaadavum pushpagandham parathi
Mellennu thekkunnu veesunnu vaayu;
Ullaasamee neenda kookooravathaa-
lellaarkkumekunnithe kokilangal.

Kaanunnitha raavile poovu thedi
Ksheenathwamoraatha theneecha kaattil
Ponereyulsaahamulkkondivaykke-
nthonam velukkunnushassoyithellaam?

Paadangal ponnin niram poondu, neele-
ppaadipparannethiyeethathayellaam,
Kedatta nellin kathirkkaambu kothi-
kkoodaarnna dikkorthu pokunnu vaanil.

Chandam dharaykkereyay, sheethavum po,-
yanthikku poonkaavilaalereyayi;
Santhoshamerunnu devaalayathil
Ponthunnu vaadyangal- vannoo vasantham!

Naakathil ninnomane, ninne vittee-
Lokathinaanandamekunnitheeshan;
Ee kollamee ninte paadam thozhaam njaan
Pokolla pokolla pookkalame nee!

Chinthichilamkaattu than niswanathaa-
lenthonnuraykkunnu nee?- njaanarinju;
"Enthaathanaam devanothunnathe njaa-
nenthaakilum cheyyu"vennallayallee?

Summary

The poet, in the poem "Pookkalam", tries to depict the sublimity of the
spring season. The nature and all the creatures in it welcome the
season happily. The poet even pleads the season not to go away this
year.

Translation

Season of Flowers

Here is jasmin, here is ilanji
Here is the mango tree and ashoka
All are flowering, colouring fences
Making the woods red as evening clouds
The southwind bringing fragrance gently
Cuckoos give us joy and mirth
The bees are after flowers, not fatigued,
Full of mirth and free of thoughts
The golden fields are rich with corns
And the parrots go back having plenty
The earth is clad in beauty, after the autumn
And from the church we do hear
The sound of trumpet
Ah! Spring has come.
Come from heaven, the son of God
Makes us happy by His grace.
I plead you, beg you, leave us not.
But I hear you "I will do what He says"
=Ms. Girija

Transliteration

Kochu Kili

Chollukenthu cheru pakshi nee kali-
Chullasippathithupoleyeppozhum
Allal neeyarikayillayo? Nina-
Kkillayo parakezhuthupalliyum?

Kochu shaakhakalilaanjirippathum
Pichiyannapadi paadidunnathum
Ichapoluyare nee parappathum
Mechamennivayenikku koodumo?

Kaaluyarthiyayi, kaattilaadu-
Moonjaalil mevi rasamelumethra njaan!
Neela vinvazhi parannezhum sukham
Lolameyyithil ninakkothungumo?

Chithramingu, puzha kunnivatta the-
Llathalenni kili, nee kadappathum
Ethi vanmuthalamelumaanathan-
Masthakathilumirunnidunnathum!

Cheniyanna chirakaarnnoromana-
Praani, nin thadavakanna leelakal
Kaanukilkkothivarum- padikkuvaan
Ponu- kochukiliyaayathilla njan!

Summary

A small child wonders at the commonplace activities of a little bird, which for him, are very exciting. The child expresses his wish to be a little bird, but knows he can never be.

Translation

Little Bird

Tell me you little bird,
Why you seem always happy
Haven’t you known what sadness is? Tell me
Don’t you have to go to school?

Sitting in tender branches of trees,
Singing sweetly
Flying high as you wish,Tell me
Have all these any good for me?

What an excitement you know I feel,
While swinging to the rhythm of wind!
Can you ever hide that pleasure you get
While flying across the blue sky?

Crossing rivers and hills,
Sans hunger
Resting upon the crocodiles
And over the heads of elephants!

You little bird, with beautiful wings,
I wish I were you.
You know I’ve to go to school as
I’m not a little bird like you!
-Ms. Hima J Babu

Transliteration

Parukketta Kutti

Arikathampodu varunnundamma njaan
Karayaaykomane,karal vaadi
Purikavum chundum chulichu nee vingi-
Karayaaykomane, varunnu njaan.

Panineerchempakacherumullettu nin
Kurunnukaiviral murinjithe!
Thaniye thaimaavilkkayariveenomal-
Cherukaalmuttukal chathanjithe!

Marichittippadam mukalil ninnayyo
Murichithe ponnin nerukayum
Muriyilkkattinmel kayarichaanchaadi-
Tharayil veenippoonkavilum nee.

Karuthenda, thallumithinai njaanennu,
Karayenda, novumakannupom
Ariyaappaithal nee kaliyaadiyetta
Murivu bhooshanam ninakkunnee.

Urachivannamakshathamoronnume
Thirichu chumbichaaludanamma,
Sphuricha pushpatheyalipole, kutti
Chirichaan kaar neengum sasipole.

Summary

The theme of this poem is the love of a mother for her naughty child. Even though the child is naughty and pesters his mother, making her angry, when he gets into a crisis the mother forgets every thing and comes to console him. This is a universal fact about motherly love.

Translation

The Wounded Child

I am coming to you with love
Don’t cry or lose your heart
You twitch your eyebrows and lips and sob
Don’t cry my dear I am coming.

Pricked by the thorn of rose
If your tender finger is wounded!
Climbing up a mango tree; my dear, if u have fallen down
And the little knees of yours bruised!

Aha! If you have pulled down the picture from the wall
And hurt your little forehead
If you tottered upon the bed in the room
And fell down and injured the chubby cheek.

Don’t be afraid, I won’t beat you,
Don’t cry, your pain will fly away
You know nothing, so these things have happened
And wounds are ornaments to a child.’

She said these things and
Kissed him with love, then
Like a beetle on a lovely flower
He began to laugh, like the
Moon that has come out from behind the cloud.

-Ms Indu

Transliteration

Vandinte Paattu

Kodumudiyil kazhukan vasikkatte
Koduthaam simham guhayilium vaazhatte,
Vadivelum thankakkunne, ninn poothoree
Nediya kaadaarnna saanuvil mevum njaan.

Pathichidaa nottam naarum pinangalil,
Kuthichu nirdayam konnidaa jeeviye,
Pathivaayikkaattil kaalathumanthikkum
Puthiya poo kandu ninn pukal vaazhthum njaan.

Azhakerum poovil neeyalinjekum the-
nazhalenye nukarnnaanandamaarnnuden
Ozhiyaatholum manamaarnna thennalin
Vazhiye ninpukal paadipparakkum njaan.

Mukalil sooryanum chandranum vanniru-
Lakalumaaru parathum kathirude
Pakalum raavum ponnomanakunne, ninn
Sakalasobhayum kandu rasikkum njaan.
-November 1915.

Summary

In this poem, the tiny beetle admires the mighty peak. Every aspect in nature reminds him of the power of the peak. The tiny creature is also aware of its own helplessness.

Translation

The Beetle’s Song

Let the vulture reside at the peak
Let the mighty lion reign at the den
Oh gorgeous golden peak,
I will subsist at the sylvan peak.

Behold the stinking carcass,
Pounce callously and kill the creature,
Often in the forest at dawn and dusk
I see a fresh flower and praise you.

Gracefully and delightfully,
you drink honey, from the dainty flower.
I will sing your fame
All through the ever-scenting breeze.

Sun and moon shine up above
And brighten you up.
From sunrise to sunset, I discern your glory,
Oh golden peak!

-Ms. Karuna Purushottaman

Transliteration

Pookkaalam

Pookkunnithaa mulla, pookkunnilanji,
Pookkunnu thenmaavu, pookkunnashokam,
Vaykkunnu velikku varnangal, poovaal
Chokkunnu kaadanthimeghangal pole

Ellaadavum pushpagandham parathi
Mellennu thekkunnu veeshunnu vaayu;
Ullaasamee neenda kookooravathaa-
lellaarkkumekunnithe kokilangal.

Kaanunnitha raavile poovu thedi
Ksheenathwamoraatha theneecha kaattil
Ponereyulsaahamulkkondivaykke-
nthonam velukkunnushassoyithellaam?

Paadangal ponnin niram poondu, neele-
Ppaadipparannethiyeethathayellaam,
Kedatta nellin kathirkkaambu kothi-
Koodaarnna dikkorthu pokunnu vaanil.

Chandam dharaykkereyay, seethavum po,-
yanthikku poongaavilaalereyaayi;
Santhoshamerunnu devaalayathil
Ponthunnu vaadyangal-vannoo vasantham!

Naakathil ninnomane, ninne vittee-
Lokathinaanandamekunnitheeshan;
Ee kollamee ninte paadam thozhaam njan
Pokolla pokolla pookkaalame nee!

Chinthichilangattuthan niswanathaa-
Lenthonnuraykkunnu nee?- njaanarinju;
"Enthaathanaam devanothunnathe nja-
nenthaakilum cheyyu" vennallayallee?

Summary

The poet here describes the spring season which brings lots of flowers, birds and insects to earth and makes it the happiest place. Spring season was sent directly from heaven to earth by God and the poet wishes to bow before it. Towards the end, the poet praises God by saying that whatever spring does on earth is in accordance with the directions of the Almighty.

Translation

Spring season

Jasmine is flowering, elenji is blooming,
Mango tree is flowering, so does Asoka tree,
Colouring the fences with flowers
And become red like black clouds

Sweet smell spreads everywhere
Slowly with the blowing south wind
The cooing of cuckoos makes
Everyone happy and gay.

Untiring honeybee goes to woods
In search of flowers early in the morning
With eagerness and is
Welcomed by the dawn.

Fields have turned golden in colour
And parrots fly overhead, singing beautiful songs
Peck the perfect spike of corn
And fly in the sky towards the nest.

Earth's beauty and elegance augmented,
Winter departs, crowded gardens in the dusk;
Happiness scales in the temple
Where melodious music rises-arrives spring!

From heaven, God send thee to earth
To bring ecstasy and rapture to the world
I worship you this year
Don't leave me alone spring!

What you utter through the voice of wind
After meditating?- I know
"I do only what
God, My Father tells" isn’t it this?

-Ms. Nija R

Transliteration

Kuttiyum Thallayum

Eevalliyil ninnu chemme – pookkal
povunnithaa parannamme!

Thetti ninakunni chollaam – nalpoo
mpaattakalalleyithellam.

Melkkumelingiva pongi- vinnil
nokkamme yenthoru bhangi!

Ayyo! Poykoodi kalippaan- amme
vayyeyenikku parappaan!

Aakaathathinganeyenni- chumma
mazhkollayennomalunni!

Picha nadannu kalippoo- neeyee
ppichakamundo nadappoo?

Ammattilaayathenthennaal- njaano
rummatharaamamma chonnaal.

Naamingariyuvathalpam- ellaa-
momane , devasangalppam.

Summary

‘Kuttiyum Tallayum’ is a poem written by renowned poet Kumaranasan. Two lined stanza is the formal pattern of the poem. The poet has versified in a conversational style. The conversation is between a mother and her child. The boy is very curious about the things happening around him. It is a simple poem which shows us the innocence and confusion of a child, and the mother’s answers to her son’s questions. The boy is making a comparison between his own activities and those of a butterfly. By comparing these things, he is unhappy about things which he can’t do. But his mother tells him about the positive traits of human beings in comparison to other living beings. She also reminds him that God is the creator of the world and that the creator knows everything. We are only the creations of God. So we have only a limited knowledge of what is happening around us.

Translation

Child and Mother

Mother! all the flowers
On this plant are flying away

No! my dear son-
These are all butterflies.

Mother! They are looking beautiful-
When rising one on top of the other in the sky.

Oh mother! I want to play with them
But I cannot fly!

Please don’t cry my dear child
Thinking of those things you cannot

You can walk and play here and there
Can the flowers walk like you?

Mother, why does it happen to be so?
I shall give you a kiss if you tell me.

We know only a little bit of things,
It is all created by God, my dear son.
=Ms. Nisla
Transliteration
Kuttiyum Thallayum

Ee valliyil ninnu chemme - poockal
Povunnitha parannamme !

Thetti ! ninnakunnee chollaam - nalpoo -
mbaattakalalleyithellaam.

Melkkumelingiva pongi - vinnil
Nokkamme, yenthoru bhangi !

Ayyo ! poykkoodikkalippaan - amme !
Vayyeyenikku parappaan !

Aakaathathinganeyennie - chumma
Mazhkollayennomalunnee !

Pichanadannu kalippoo - niyee -
Pichakamundo nadappoo?

Ammattilaayathenthennaal -njaano -
rummatharaamamma chonnaal.

Namingariyuvathalpam -yellaa -
momane, devasangalpam.

Summary

Modern man thinks that he is capable of everything. He does not consider his own nature and that of other living organisms. He misuses them for his own selfish needs. In this poem the child tells his mother that the flowers are flying away from the tendrils. But his mother corrects him. She tells him that they are not flying flowers but butterflies. The child is still worried that he is unable to fly with them. But the mother consoles her son by reminding him that he can walk but plants cannot walk. She adds that she doesn’t know the reason but everything is under GOD's control. This poem is in the form of a conversation between a Child and his Mother. People often think that they can conquer everything in the world. But some occasions prove that man is nothing before his creator. The thoughts of the child make us think of the point that EVERYTHING HAS ITS OWN IMPORTANCE and NO ONE IS PERFECT.

Child and Mother

Oh! Mother look! the flowers
Flying from the tendril
You’re Mistaken, my baby these are not flowers
but butterflies.
Look Mom, how beautiful they are!
When they fly higher and higher in the sky
Alas! Mother I have no wings to play with them
Don't think of the impossible and
worry in vain my son.
You can walk by yourself but the pichaka plant
never walks
The reason behind it is unknown
I have nothing but a kiss for you.
What we know is only a little
The whole world goes as per the Divine law.

-Sr. Bincy

Transliteration

Thottathile Ettukali
Thalirthalanju ninnidum tharukkal
Thante shakhayil
Koluthi neenda noolu reshmi pole
Naalu bhaagavum,
Kulathinullu kaanumarkkabimba-
Mothu kattilee-
Velutha kanni vachezhum vichithra-
Roopanaarivan!

Aduthidunnoreecha paattayaadi-
yaya jeeviye-
Ppidippathinnu kannivacholichi-
runnu kolluvaan
Padicha kallanaaru nee pragalbha-
naaya mukkuva-
Kkidaathano? Kadutha kaattilulla
Kochu vedano?

Minuthu nertha noolithengu ninnu?
Modi koodumee-
yanarkhamaam neyithu thanneyabhya-
sichathengu nee?
Ninaykka ninte thunnal kazhchavela
Thannilethiyaal
Ninakku thankamudra kittumettu-
kaali nishchayam!

Summary

The poem is about the spider's craft of weaving. The poet has a strong fascination for it; he praises the spider’s art and concludes the poem asserting that the spider is sure to get a gold medal if he contests.

Translation

Spider in the Orchard
Who is he? Building
Silver bars in sprouted boughs,
Touching them as thinner rays
Like the sun reflecting himself in the pond.

Who are you? Eminent trapper,
Making traps for flies and cockroaches
Who are you? A veteran fisherman?
Or a hunter in a dense forest?

From where you got this silky slimly string?
The art of weaving, you got from whom?
You will get gold if you show off,
You will get it if you go for.
-Ms Prasara

Transliteration

Kapotha Pushpam

Itharasourabha veechiye menmayaal
Vidhuramaakkiyilam kulurvaayuvil
Ethirakannivide prasarippori
Madhura gandhamaho! mathimohanam.

Bhramaraneela lathaavalikalkku mel
Vimalamai malar manjariyonnithaa
Kamadamullilezhunna kulathil neer
Kumilathan nirapol vilasunnuthe!

Davalamaam spadikachimizheevidham
Navasugandhamodonnu thurannatho?
Avikalam maniyaarnnathinirmmala
Chaviyodum puthuchippi vidarnnatho?

Athivichithramanohara shilpami
Puthiya poo …karakaushalasaalayil
Ithinodothoru dandamayangalaam
Krithikalilla vidhe,vibhuthanne nee!

Ahaha! nirmmalalola manojnamee
Vihagamengane vannathinullilai:
Gahaname vidhicheshta-piraavithil
Sahajamo,nizhalo,mizhimaayayo?

Oru vikaaravumenniyaho! Ghagam
Maruvidunnithu maunasamaadhiyil.
Paravayil chilathundavathaaramay
Parayumanganeyaagama vedhikal

Bhuvanathathwavumandavumonnume
Vivaramilla, padichu valanjithe!
Ivanathen parisudhakapothike
Bhavathiyorukilanpinodothane!

Summary

This poem is about the beauty of a flower that is spreading fragrance to all; one that is very beautiful and pleasant. The poet compares it to beautiful things and asserts that it is more beautiful than ivory. The poet sees a cloud in the flower .That is a wonderful sight according to the poet but at last poet sees the feeling of a bird that is expressing his emotions about his beauty. But the poet says that knowledge is greater than anything else. Through this poem, the poet argues that knowledge is more sublime than beauty.

Translation

The Dove Flower

The fragrance of wave is
Making love-lone, the breeze
What a beautiful smell it is!
There is a beautiful flower in the pond
That is a pleasant and shining like water bubbles.
What a beautiful smell it is!
That is very pleasant
Where did they get
this kind of beauty and charm.
What a wonderful sculpture is it!
That is new in the pond
There is no ivory like this
That kind of beauty you have, you are a lord.
Oh! God you are great
You have made this beauty.
That is not a shadow of cloud
There I am seeing a cloud.
There is a bird which
Expresses his emotions
They have all things
But he has no knowledge
About the world
Hei! you don’t have any
Jealousy to the flower
because flower has beauty
not knowledge.

-Ms. Soumya

Transliteration

Sankeerthanam

Chandameriya poovilum shabalaabhamaam shalabhathilum
Santhatham karathaariyannoru chithrachaathuri kaattiyum
Hantha! chaarukadakshamaalakalarkkarashmiyil neettiyum
Chinthayaam manimandirathil vilangumeeshane vaazhthuvin!

Saaramai sakalathilum mathasamgraham grahiyathathai
Kaaranaantharamai jagathiluyarnnu ninnidumonnine
Saurabholkadanaabhikondu mrigamkanakkanumeyamai
Dooramaakilumaathmahaardagunaaspadathe ninaykkuvin!

Nithya naayaka, neethichakramathin thirichilinakshamaam
Sathyamulkkamalathilum sthiramai vilanguka naavilum
Krithyabhoo vediyaatheyum madiyaatheyum karakodiyil
Prathyaham pradhayaarnna paavanakarma shakthi kalikkuka!

Saahasangal thudarnnudan sukhabhaandamaashu kavarnnupom
Dehamaanasadoshasanthathi Deva, Deva nashikkane!
Snehamaam kulirpoonilaavu parannu sarvavumekamai
Mohamaamirul neengi ninte mahathwamullil vilangane!

Dharmamaam vazhithannil vannanayunna vairikalanjave
Nirmaladyuthiyaarnna nischaya khadgamenthi nadannudan
Karmaseema kadannupoikkaliyaaduvaanarulename
Sarmavaaridhiyilkkripaakara, shaanthiyaam maninaukayil.

Summary

In this prayer song, "Sankeerthanam", the poet Kumaranasan tries to point out that the real seat of God, for whom we search everywhere, is our own soul. The poet compares this action of man to that of the Kasthura Deer. The poet is over whelmed with emotion as he explains how superior a simple life is, when compared to a life full of adventures and strong worldly desires.

Translation

Psalm

In beautiful flowers and colourful butterflies,
We see His wonderful creations.
His blessings we feel in the rays of sun,
Praise Him who lives in the realm of thoughts.
The sole answer for all religions,
Oh! You God, rising above the world,
We pursue You, not recognising,
But You are within us, We don't know.
You, the immortal, rotate the wheel of virtue,
Let the truth be in our mind and tongue,
May our hands be filled with noble deeds,
Fill us with blessings to complete our deeds,
Save me from my strong desires,
Fill my heart with sublime thoughts,
Let my heart be filled with love,
Let me realise thou as thee,
Lead me to the right path of duty,
Bless me to strike off the enemies in my path,
Bless me to live in the path of karma,
Bless me, the one who lives in the vessel of peace.

-Ms. Sreeja ST

4. English Translation of Malayalam Film Lyrics

2010-04-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is an assignment for online publication given during the X’mas vacation to the trainees of the BEd English Optional (2009-10) of Government College of Teacher Education, Trivandrum, South India. The assignment was posted by email to the teacher educator-in- charge. The submitted assignments were then edited by a team of trainees including Ms. Divya and Ms. Reshmi. They have done a wonderful job and all that I had to do was to make some very minor changes.

Note:

•The main objective of the exercise was to make trainees explore the possibilities of using the Internet for teaching and learning. So at the commencement of their course, all the trainees were directed to open an email account.

•Reading and writing in Malayalam, their mother tongue, is something most of the trainees are adept at. But when attempting to translate texts in Malayalam into English, they learn about the kind of changes one has to make to incorporate the rhythm found in the original lyrics- something never practiced or even tested in the English class room!

•As the trainees were aware of the fact that their assignment will be published they have taken special care to refine their written work.

The Format

Each assignment has three parts:

I.Transliteration of the Malayalam Film lyric

II.A summary of the lyric

III.English translation of the lyric

The name of the trainee follows each assignment

Index of assignments

Sl.No./ Name of Trainee / Title of Song

1./ Anas Y.A. / Nitya Kamuki
2. / Anoop M.J. /Janichupoyi Mauushyanai
3. / Jomon Augusty / Maalakhamar Vannu Poovidarth..
4. / Ancy S.A / Kaatadichu Kodumkaatadichu
5. / Anusha U / Paatu Paadi Urakaam
6. / Ajitha A.B./ Kannuneerthulliye..
7. / Arya A.R. / Upasana Upasana
8. / Athira Alphonse/ Kaataryilla Kadalariyilla…
9. / Beena L Mustafa/ Aayiram Mukhangal…
10. / Deepthi/ Onnam Maanam Ponmanam
11. / Dhanya / Manushyan Madhangale Shrist…
12. / Jessy Bhasker/ Advaitham Janicha Naatil…
13. /Meenu Mary Krien/ Poonthenaruvi…
14. / Princila / Kadarumasam Nadarumasam…
15. /Rashmi S Pillai /Ezharavelupinee…
16. / Reethamma PO/ Pravachakanmare…
17. /Sreeja VG / Edaya Kanyake Poyuka Nee…
18. / Sreelakshmi/ Ayiram Paadaswarangal Kilungi…
19. / Vijila GS/ Ammey…Ammey

The Assignment

1. “NITYA KAMUKI, NJAN NIN MADIYILE…”

Film: Sucy Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: Devarajan Singer: Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Nitya kamuki njan nin madiyile
Chitra vipanjikayakaan kothichu
Aa mirnala mirdhulaamguliyile prema pallaviyakaan kothichu…
Aashakal sangalpa chakravaalathile
Aalola vaasantha mekhangal
Avayude chirakile vaidooriyamuthinu
Hridhyamam pulkodi kaineeti veruthe (nitya......)
Aashakal vaasara swapnamam poikayil
Aaro varaikkunna chitrangal
Avayude kaiyile paanapaathrathile
Amirthinu dhahichu kaineeti veruthe…

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The singer addresses his beloved that he wants to become a lute in
her lap and also become a lotus flower in her soft hands. But that wish
ends in vain. The sweet smelling grass stretches its hands for
the pearl in the wings of a peacock. The singer becomes sad due to the
absence of his beloved and he compares his condition to that of a painter who paints
Pictures in the sky.

TRANSLATION

Beloved! In your lap
I desire to be a beautiful lute,
and wish to be a lotus in your hand.
Wishes are imagined horizon that
tremor clouds of peacock
for the pearl in their wings.

The hearty grass stretches its hands
in vain.
The ponds are dream of
a painter painting pictures in the sky,
But the goblet in his hands is filled with
honey for which we lengthen our hands
in vain.
………………………………………………………………….…..
Name of Trainee : ANAS Y A
……………………………………………………………………...

2. “JANICHUPOYI MANUSHYANYIJANICHUPOYI…”

Film: Kuttavaali Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: V Dakshinamoorthy Singer: Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Janichupoyi manushyanayi njan
Janichupoyi
Janichupoyi manushyanayi njan
Janichupoyi
Enikkumivide jeevikkenam
Enikkumivide jeevikkenam
Marikkuvolam oru nal marikkuvolam (Janichupoyi……)
Marichuchennal swarga kavadam
Thurakkumathre Daivam
Marichuchennal swarga kavadam
Thurakkumathre Daivam
Pakshe piranna mannil manushya puthranu
Niranja dhukham mathram (Janichupoyi……)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

Nobody likes to born in earth. Because earthly life is full of sorrows and bitter experiences .But unfortunately he born in earth, so he wants to live till death. He is struggling a lot for living. He believes that after death, God will open the gate of heaven for him. There ends the woe of life.

TRANSLATION

I born as a man
I born as a man,
I want to live
I want to live,
I want to live, till death.
The gate will open when I die
The gate will open when I die
The gate of heaven, the gate of heaven
God will open the gate for me
God will open the gate for me
Life on earth is full of woes
Full of woes make bitter life.
……………………………………………………………………
Name of Trainee :: ANOOP M J
…………………………………………………………………….

3. “MAALAKHAMAR VANNU POOVIDARTHUNNANU…”

Film : Makhane Ninakkuvendi Lyrics: Vayalar
Music :G.Devarajan Singer: P.Susheela

TRANSLITERATION
Malakhamar vannu poovidartthunnathu
Makhane ... ninikuvendi
Manassil snehamam sudha niraykunnathu
Makhane ... ninaku vendi (malakhamar...)
Mandhasmithathile chumbanam chorinjathu
Makhane ... ninaku vendi
Amma mezhuku vilakkumayi kathirikkunnathu
Makhane ... ninakuvendi (malakhamar...)
Mizhikal bashpathadakangalayathu
Makhane ... ninakuvendi
Amma prasavichanalmuthal thee thinnunnathu
Makhane ninakuvendi (malakhamar...)
Mookhadhakangale mulmudiyanjathu
Makhane ... ninakuvendi
Amma marikkathirikkan aagrahikkunnathu
Makhane... ninakkuvendi (malakhamar)

TRANSLATION

Angels come and flowering
for you ... dear son
I fill my heart with the nectar of love
for you ...dear son
Showering a smiling kiss
for you...dear son
With a candle a mother waits
for you ... dear son
Eyes become a river of eye drops
for you ... dear son
From birth mother swallows fire
for you... dear son
I wore the crown of thorns in silence
for you…dear son
Your mother desired to be immortal
for you…dear son
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Name of Trainee :: JOMON AUGUSTY
……………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. “KAATADICHU KODUMKAATADICHU…”

Film: Thulabharam Lyrics : Vayalar
Music : Devarajan Singer:Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Kattadichu - kodumkattadichu
Kayalile vilakkumaram kannadachu
Swargavum narakavum kalamam kadali-
Nakkarayo - ikkarayo?
Manushyane, srishtichatheeswarananenki-
Leeswaranodoru chodyam
Kannuneerkadalile kaliman dweepithu
Njangalkkenthinu thannu - pande nee
Njangalkkenthinu thannu?
Manushyane, theerthathu chekuthanankil
Chekuthanodoru chodyam
Swargathil vannoru kani neetti njangale
Dukka kadalilerinju - enthinee
Dukka kadalilerinju.

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The poem is about the mortality and unhappiness of human life. Through this poem the poet tells us that human life is full of sorrow. By referring earth to clay island, the poet mentions the mortality of human life. The poet also questions the meaning of human life. The poet is against God. He is not sure about creation. In short we can say that it is a revolutionary poem. The poem reminds us Shelley's ‘Ode to the West Wind’. In both the poems, the wind signifies revolution.

TRANSLATION

Wind blew, the heavy wind blew.
The light at the lake closed its eye.
Whether heaven and the hell are on
this shore or the other shore of the sea of time?
If God is the creator of man,
Then a question to Him.
Why did you give us
the clay island at the sea of tears?
If Satan is the maker of man,
Then a question to him.
Why did you throw us into the sea of unhappiness
by offering a fruit in the heaven?
Why did you throw us into the sea of heaven?
……………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : ANCY S A
……………………………………………………………………...

5. “PAATU PAADI URAKAM NJAN…”

Film: Seetha Singer: Shanta P Nair

TRANSLITERATION

Paattu padi urakkam njan thamarapoom paithale
Kettu, keetu nee uraghen karalintte kadhale
Karalinte kadhalae.
Ninnaale pulmadham poomedayayeda
Kannaanne enikku samrajyam kai vanneda, kai vanneda…
Rajavaye theerum nee oru kala momanee
Marakathe annu than thathan Sree Ramanee….ramanae
(Pattu padi….)
Rariraro rariro rariraro rariro
Rariraro rariro rariraro rariro…..

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

My child, who is a lotus I will sing a song for u. Hearing it, you can sleep, my child the love of my heart. You have changed this grass hut into a flower dais. By you, I got an empire. You will become a king one day. On that day, you must not forget your father Sree Raman.

TRANSLATION
I’ll sing a song
For you to sleep;
Lotus flower baby.

Hearing the song
Sleep well, you
Love of my heart.

Through you
This grass hut has
Changed to a floral home.

I have
Gained a kingdom,
through you.

You’ll be
A kind,
One day

Then remember
Your father
Sree Raman.
………………………………………………………………………………
Name of Trainee : ANUSHA U
……………………………………………………………………

6. “KANUNEER THULLIYE”

Film: Panitheeratha Veedu Lyrics: Vayalar
Music and singer: M S Viswanathan

TRANSLITERATION

Kannuneer thulliye
Sthreeyodupamicha kavyabhavane!
Abhinandhanam,ninakkabhinandhanam
Abhinandhanam,abhinandhanam
Vyasano,Kalidasano, athu
Bhasano,Shelleyo, Shakespearo
Abhinandhanam,ninakkabhinandhanam
Abhinandhanam,abhinandhanam
Vishadasagaramullil irambum
Thushara gadgadabindhu - sthreeyoru vikaravaidooryabindu
" Sariyanu athoru,chippiyil veenal vaidooryamakunnu
Poovil veenal paragamakunnu
Thodaruthu, edutheriyaruth"
Indranathaudhamakki iswaran bhushanamakki
Vyabhicharatheruvil manushyanamuthukal
Vilapesi vilkkunnu innu vilapesi vilkkunnu
Prapancha soundharyamullil vidarthum prakasha budbudabindu
Sthreeyoru prabhathanakshathrabindu
"Atheyathe aa nirthulliyilekku nokki-
ninnal prakrithi muzhuvan prathibimbikkunnathu kanam
Thodaruthu, athudakkaruth"
Chandrika chandanam nalki
Thennal vannalakangal pulki
Vazhiyathrakkidayil manushyana kumilakal
Vala viishiudakkunnu innu
vala viishiudakkunu!

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The poet glorifies the importance of women. The poet raises his voice against the sufferings of women. He also mentions the tolerance of women. Women should be given a real place of honour.

TRANSLATION

Oh imagination! you compared women to tears
Congrats, congrats to you congrats, congrats

Is it Vyasa, Kalidasa, Bhasa, Shelley or Shakespeare
Ovation, ovation to thee ovation, ovation

Oceans of mumps will bluster in mind in rime of falter globules
Women, an emotional lapis drops

"Yes, it became lapis when falls in oyster
When it falls in flower, it became anther

Don't touch it, don't throw away"
Indran made it weapon, God as ornament
Man sell that pearls, bargaining, bargaining
She unfolds nature within her

She, the dawn star
"Yes, we can see the reflection of nature when we look into that water drops

Don't touch it, don't break it!"
Moonlight sends sandal, breeze gave a touch
Man smashes those bubbles, breaking, breaking…
……………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : AJITHA A B
……………………………………………………………………...

7 “UPASANA, UPAASANA…”

Film: Thottavadi Singer: Jayachandran

TRANSLITERATION

Upasana - Upasana
Ithu dhanyamamorupasana
Unaratte – ushasupolunaratte
Oru yuga chethana unaratte
Upasana ! Upasana ! Upasana
Sathyam mayakkumarunninte chirakil
Swargathu parakkumi nattil – illatha
Swargathu parakkumi nattil
Agnikundangalkullil
Manushya – Hey ! Manushya
Valicheriyoo ninte mukhammoodi
( Upasana )
Kalam sarasayya theerthu mayangumi
Kanatha kurukshetra bhoovil kaliyugam
Kanatha kurukshetra bhoovil
Socratesumar dhyanichirikkumi
Swarna sopanathinarikil
Manushya – Hey ! Manushya
Valicheriyoo ninte vishapathram
( Upasana )

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

Truth is worship. It springs from the consideration of others. Truth may be described as “imaginative sympathy “- quivering anxiety to see into the minds and to share the feelings. But it dies under the mesmerism of poppy (drugs) which extinguishes the reasoning ability of the man who wishes to fly away to the “ unreal paradise” which is a common scene in our day to day life . The poet exhorts the man to throw away his pseudo face which he kept as an element of decorative.
Man is an animal. But he covers the marks of animosity by dress. He has animal passions but has to cover them by “brotherhood” (sociability). Time continues its triumphant march but it is the duty of man to utilize the best opportunities to change the world of kurukshetra into a pilgrimage. For this, the poet reminds the man to throw away the poison in his mind to embrace the world.
“Hey! Man bring the asset of truth in you before the time …… then only you will find the ultimate reality – “Man”, says the singer.
Science is nothing in front of man. A man can usurp every nook and corner of Science by his imaginative power (dream). Man always stands for the society with truth. Time will spread his greatness to succeeding generations. He will also resurrect from the pessimistic life to optimistic way. There are many wondrous things and yet nothing is more wondrous than – “Man”.
In the view point of Education, this poem implies some feelings of thought – Truth, Time and Brotherhood. Education must develop in a child a lively sense of the feelings of others, a conscience of truth and a consequent recognition of his own duty.

TRANSLATION

Worship – Worship
It’s a great worship
Awaken as a dawn
Let an era of life awaken
Worship! Worship! Worship
Truth on the wings of poppy
Flies to the heaven in this land
Flies to the unreal heaven in this land
Dream dies in this land – where
Science like an angel builds
The holy furnace – into that
Man – Hey! Man
Throw away your mask
Time – made bed of arrows sleeping
In this unseen world of kurukshetra
That world of kurukshetra unseen by kaliyugam
Socrateses meditate here
Beside the golden stepping stone
Man – Hey! Man
Throw away your venomous plate.
…………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : ARYA A R
…………………………………………………………………..

8. “KAATARIYILLA …KADALARIYILLA”

Film: Jail Singer: A.M.Raja

TRANSLITERATION

Kattariyilla????? kadalariyilla
alayum thirayude vedana
alayum thirayude vedana....(kattariyilla)
Theerdhayatrakal poyalum chennu
theerangalodu paranjalum
karunayillathoree lokathilaarum
thirinjunokkukayillallo......(kattariyilla)
Neeravi pongukayanallo
karal neerippukayukayanallo..
oru mazhavillayi manathorunal
virinju nilkumee vedanakal..
virinju nilkumee vedanakal...(kattariyilla)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

These lines are about the pain and grief of a wandering tide. It stretches out like a rainbow in the mind uncared for and moving solitarily.

TRANSLATION

Does the wind know?
Does the sea know?
The pain of a wandering tide!

Whether it goes on a pilgrimage,
or shares its pain with the shore,
Who cares?
in this merciless world...

The steam arises as the mind burns
the pain stretches out like a rainbow…
Oh! The unfolding pain,
the unfurling pain.
……………………………………………………………………..
Name of Trainee : ATHIRA ALPHONSE
..................................

9. “AYIRAM MUKHANGAL NJAN KANDU…”

Film: Night Duty Lyrics: Vayalar
Music:Dakshinamurty
Singer: Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Ayiram mukhangal njan kandu
Ayiravum poymukhangalayirunnu
Ayiram swapnangal njan kandu
Ayiravum virasangalayirunnu
Theekedathe manassumayi nammalee bhoomiyil
Thirayunna sreekovil – sathyathin
Thirikathum sreekovil
Abhishekamillathe naivedyamillathe
Adanje kidakkunnu
Manushyanum sathyathinum vilayidinju vilayidinju
Chandramadam pozhiyumbol mannil ninnunarum
Chirakulla swapnangal – ponnithal
Chirakulla swapnangal kavilathu
Kainakhakkala polumaniyathe kozhinje kidakkunnu
Manushyanum pushpangalkkum vilayidinju vilayidinju.

SUMMARY OF THE POEM

The poem laments the loss of value for truth and man in this world. According to the poet everything in this world has become an illusion. He is unable to find truth anywhere. In other words the sanctum sanctorum of truth remains closed before the worshippers. There is neither value for truth and man nor is there value for dreams and flowers.

TRANSLATION

Thousand faces have I seen
But those were fake
Thousand dreams have I had
But those were dull
With our minds ablaze
The shrine we are searching for-
The shrine lit with truth remains closed
Without coronation, without offerings
Man and truth have lost their value…
The dreams that arise from the earth
When moon showers its silver rays
The gold- petalled wings of those dreams have withered
Without leaving even a mark on the cheek
Man and flowers have lost their value…
……………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : BEENA L MUSTHAFA
……………………………………………………………………...........

10. “ONNAM MAANAM POOMANAM…”

Film: Enippadikal Lyrics : Vayalar
Music: G Devarajan Singer:Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Onnam manam poomanam
Pinnathe manam pon manam
Poomanathinum pon manathinum
Bhoomi penninte veli cherukante thoni

Swarnna kodimaram nattu pidipicha
Ponnambalathinte mittathu vacho
Pamba yatin kare pattu vithanicha
Panthalinullile panthalil vacho
Nalam kuli kazhinjethunna penninu
Neram velumkumbom veli
Nale manam velukumbom veli.. (oonam manam)

Ellarum manathu pon panam theerkumbo
Enoru muthani mookuthi theerkum
Ellarum pennine manjalil kettumbom
Enente malaye thoniyil kettum
Olam pothiyumbo nanam mulakkana
Thoniyilirikkana mala nale thalipoo
Choodana mala ..oh... (onnam manam)
SUMMARY OF THE SONG
The poem is centred on the theme of marriage. The poet sees himself getting married to a very beautiful girl in a temple or the holy river Pampa, the very next day. He talks very romantically about how he is planning to get a very alluring nose ring and speaks volumes about how he is going to make the “thaali” ready.

TRANSLATION

High above the golden lit sky,
The canoe slides along,
Sailing in a world of its own,
Set to glide by the whims of a soul,
The soul that belongs to the beloved of mademoiselle,
The enchantress who art enthralls the earth

Underneath the golden hued mast,
Watched by the divinity of the sanctum sanctorum
Or by the sides of the ever so elegant Pamba
When the first fair hair of the sun touches the ground
The celestial knot will be tied.

Whilst each scatters after money,
I shalt maketh a precious little ring,
Thou that adorns the most beautiful nose
Whilst each would raiseth their ladies unto a palanquin,
I shalt raise mine necklace unto mine canoe,
Shying away as each ripple rocks gently mine canoe
And tomorrow shalt witness a transformation
Mine necklace unto a wedding chain.

Thaali: A type of a wedding necklace worn by Malayalee women to show that their husbands have a long life.
………………………………………………………………………………….
Name of Trainee : DEEPTHI
…………………………………………………………………….....

11. “MANUSHYAN MADHANGALE SHRISTHICHU…”

Film: Achanum Bappaum Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: Devarajan Singer: Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Manushyan mathanghale srishtichu
Mathanghal daivanghale srishtichu
Manushyanum mathanghalum daivanghalum koodi
Mannu panku vechu manassu panku vechu (manushyan mathanghale...)
Hinduvaayi Mussalmaanaayi Christhianiyaayi
Nammale kandaalariyaathaayi-India brandhalayamaayi
Daivam theruvil marikkunnu,chekuthaan chirikkunnu (manushyan mathanghale...)
Sathyamevide,Saundaryamevide,swathandriyamevide
Nammude raktha bandhanghalevide
Aayiram yuganghalil orikkal
Varaarula avathaarangalevide
Manushyan theruvil marikkunnu
Mathanghal chirikkunnu (manushyan mathanghale...)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

This philosophical song from the film "Achanum Baappayum" was penned decades ago. The significance of the song still remains intact. The song ruminates on how man created the so called religions which divided man and paved the way for separatist and narrow thinking. Man became Hindus, Muslims and Christians based on caste feelings. The highly poetic lines penned by Vayalar show how India became a mental asylum where people live with one another oblivious of the real values which each religion represents. In doing such atrocious acts, human beings are actually killing God. Truth, beauty and liberty get strangled in the mad fight waged in the name of religions. The poet brings out the fact that we will reach the position where even God cannot save us. In the end, humanity will die and religions and casteism will triumph over human beings. The song remains relevant even today as human beings are behaving with a very narrow outlook oblivious of the broader humanitarian concepts.

TRANSLATION

Man, the creator of religions
Religion, the creator of gods
Man, religions and gods
Shared lands, shared minds
He became Hindu, Muslim, Christian
India turned out to be a mental asylum.
God dies in street, devil smiles.
Truth, beauty and liberty are things of past
Went passed the age where blood relations mattered.
Where is the avatar who comes once in thousand years?
Man dies in street, religions smiles
……………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : DHANYA R
……………………………………………………………………...

12. “AVVAITHAM JANICHA NATTIL”

Film: Line Bus Lyrics: Vayalar

TRANSLITERATION

Adwaitham janicha nattil
Aadishankaran Janicha nattil
Ayiram Jathikal, ayiram mathangal
Ayiram daivangal.
Mathangal Janikkum, Mathangal marikkum
Manushyanonne vazhiyullu-
Nithyasneham thelikkunna veedhi
Sathyanweshana Veedhi-yugangal
Raktham chinthiya veedhi [Adwaitham…….]
Prapancham muzhuvan velicham nalkan
Pakalinonne vilakikkullu !
Laksham nakshathradeepangal koluthi
Swapanam kanunna rathri-velicham
Swapnam kanunna rathri. [Adwaitham…..]

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The place where Adwaitham and Aadishankara were born is now polluted by thousands of religions, castes and gods. Amid the tumultuous environment, man has only one way to get relief. And it is the way of eternal love; something seeked by all. There is only one light, which illuminates the universe. The night is dreaming for the arrival of the dawn by the company of numerous stars. This poem inspires value education. It draws out the best side of man. It provides a strong statement: the need to absorb basic spirits. It conveys the truth, the oneness of all religions.

TRANSLATION
Where Adi Sankara was born,
Is torn by a thousand castes……a thousand religions
A thousand Gods.
Religions take birth … religions die out
There remains but one path before man:
The path that eternal love carves out,
The path that leads to truth…the path
On which eons shed their blood.
To light the whole world
The day has but one lamp
The star-studded night lights a thousand lamps
And dreams of night.
……………………………………………………………………
Name of Trainee : JESSY BHASKAR
……………………………………………………………………......

13. “POONTHENARUVI...”

Film: Oru Penninde Katha Singer: P.Susheela

TRANSLITERATION

Poonthenaruvi
Ponmudi puzhayude anujathi,
Namukkore prayam
Namukkore moham
Namukkore daaham
Oru thazhvareyil janichu
Oru poonthanalil valernu
Poonilavalakkiya puliyilakarayulla
Pudavayuduthu nadannu -nammal
Pudavayuduthu nadannu -
Oormakal marikkumo
Oolangal nilakumo?
(Poonthen....)
Mudiyil palunku kilungi -neela-
Mizhikalil kanavu thilangi
Kaamini manimaril pulakangal unarthunna
Kadhakal paranju mayengi - nammal
Kavithakal paadi mayengi -
Oormakal marikkumo
Oolangal nilakkumo?
(Poonthen....)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

Rivers are God-given gifts. In the ancient times, when there were no factories and industries, rivers and their tributaries were considered holy. Pure water flowing through them was as sweet as honey. Purity, holiness and grandeur of rivers were sung and praised in old film songs.
In the film song given above, the writer portrays the Ponmudi river. A young girl loves the river so much that she addresses the river as her own sister. Like the ceaseless waves of the river, the memories of the girl never die.

TRANSLATION

Ode to the River

Far away beyond miles, flowing and flowing,
Twists and curls, while wind blowing and blowing,
In a hurry, where are you rushing?

Will you stop anywhere?
You are the life of our land!
Stay with us for ever.

In you lies our welfare,
We’ll look after you with care.
When you look at the sun above,

You shine with glare.
When clouds come above,
Brims out your water.

Beside the banks life spills fair,
Your absence fills us with despair.
……………………………………………………………………
Name of Trainee : MEENU MARY KURIEN

...............................

14. “KADARUMASAM NADARUMASAM...”

Film: Ezhurathrikal Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: Salil Chaudhiri Singer: Jayachandran

TRANSLITERATION

Kadarumasam Nadarumasam
Kannerkadalkkare thamasam
Ee vazhiyampalangalil chirakattuvezhum
Vanampadikalallo njangal.

Vilakkukoluthatha Veedhikal ningal
Vilichalum mindatha daivangal
Yedukulamevide, Meccayevide
Yerusalemevide Idayenevide.

Theruvilurangum Nizhalukal njangal
Thadavilkidakkum mohangal
Ushasin redhame, chuvanna redhame
Unaruka yugame, ithile ithile.

SUMMARY OF THE POEM

The poet says that we dwell in the seashore of tears and we share half of our lives in our homes and the other half in the forests. It means we spend half of our lives in the darkness of ignorance and the rest in the light of knowledge. Life is full of sorrow; sometimes we do not have enough strength to overcome the difficulties in life. Education empowers us to solve our problems well and to pass the various hurdles.
God does not enlighten us and we are in the darkness of ignorance. The gods of all religions do not help us. We are homeless shadows, our desires are imprisoned.
The poet invites the goddess of dawn to come in her red chariot to awaken people who are captives and in obscurity. In short, education is the only goddess and acquiring knowledge is the only way to get rid of ignorance.

TRANSLATION

Residing on the shore of tears,
Sharing six months
Each in the home town and in the woods
Are we the skylarks falling wingless in these taverns?
Ye are the unlit ways,
Gods mum to our calls
Oh! Where is the clan of Yadavas, Mecca?
Where is Jerusalem and where is ye shepherd?
We are the street sleeping shadows
And desires imprisoned
Oh! Ye the crimson chariot of dawn!
Oh! Awake here ye epoch.
……………………………………………………………………....
Name of Trainee : PRINCILA C S
……………………………………………………………………......

15. “EZHARAVELUPINEE”

Film:Thilothama Lyrics: Vayalar
Music:Devarajan Singer: Janaki

TRANSLITERATION

Ezharavelupinunarvare, ente sakhimaare
Enthinuenne ponnaniyichu, manthrakodiudipichu
(ezhara…)
Enpriyanilathe panthalil chellumbol
Enthiniee svayamvarahaaram
Balikodukan kondupokumbol enthini
Thilavum thalavum thozhee
(ezhara…)
Ente kinavinte pattada koodumbol
Enthinee mangala geetham, purratheninee mangala geetham
Pidayumenaatmavin chirakadiochakal
Priyathaman kelkumo thozhee?
(ezhara…)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

This oldie by one of the biggest names, Vayalar, in the world of Malayalam music is a song of lamentation, that of love lost and how desperate the protagonist-the prospective bride- feels. The song is in the form of a monologue with the bride making her feelings known through the questions directed to her friends.
The protagonist asks her friends who wake up in the early hours why they want to get her ready for the wedding. The protagonist is melancholic and is not at all looking forward to getting married as she is marrying someone completely against her wishes. She doesn’t want to be led to the “mandapam” (dais) where someone else has replaced her beloved. She asks her friends why she has to carry the bridal accessories (thilakam, thaalam) when she is to be sacrificed. All her dreams of uniting with her beloved have come to a standstill and she doesn’t want to hear songs of betrothal. She asks her friends whether they were aware of and could hear the wild, frenzied flapping of her soul.

TRANSLATION

At the wake of dawn,
Why do you bedeck me with ornaments?
And this bridal gown?
Why this “svayamvara” garland, friends!
When my beloved is gone.
Why this saffron mark and this basket of flowers?
When my sacrifice is going on,
When buried lie my dreams,
Why this betrothal song?

My soul flaps in pain,
Can you hear it, my friend?
……………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : RASHMI S PILLAI
…………………………………………………………………….......

16. “Pravachakanmare…”

Film: Anibhavangal Palichakal Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: Devarajan Singer: Yesudas

l
TRANSLITERATION

Pravachakanmare....Pravachakanmare
Parayu prabhatham akaleyano .... ?
Prakshamakaleyano ...... ? (prava)
Adiyushasin chuvanna mannil ninna
Yuga sangamangal...
Ivideyuyarthiya viswasagopurangal
Idinju veezhunnu...kattil idinju veezhunnu
Yi vazhitharayil alambhamillathe
Eswaran nilkkunnu...
Dharmaneethikal thadi valarthi
Thapasirikkunnu...thapasirikkunnu (prava)
Bhavi charithram thiruthiyezhuthum aratha yudha bhuvil
Idayan thelichoru chaithanniya chakravalam
Thakarnnu veezhunnu...
Yi kuru shethrathil ayudhamillathe
Arjunan nilkkunnu....
Thathuwa shasthrangal yetho chithayil
Kathi yeriyunnu (prava)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

One who is thirsty for justice, peace and joy, mourns over the missing values and he even finds God is driven out from the temple. The spiritual life is no more and the great men of prayers are in desperation for the soulless Bharath. Even Arjuna sees no weapon to fight for justice and human values. They are thrown out into the furnace of carcasses and are burning. The great souls who shed their blood for the land are still in pain. And the prophesies are questioned by the poet, asking whether the dawn is far - will it be far for ever?
TRANSLATION
Is the Dawn far…
Oh! Those ancient days
Of joy peace and love
Again buried…buried
Oh, where are you prophets?
The bliss and grace gained
Those blissful men of prayers,
Here finds its tomb in dark
Will they rise again and again?
The ancient graceful lives
Who shed their blood for land
Now mourn again so deep
Oh, lost the land thy soul
Will it bring back those splendid
days again to grant the joy?
Will there ever be bliss again?
Oh prophets, tell me now,
Well the dawn is far…
……………………………………………………………………...
Name of Trainee : REETHAMMA PO
.................................

17. “EDAYA KANYAKE POYUKA NEE…”

Film: Manavatti Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: Devarajan Singer: Yesudas

TRANSLITERATION

Edaya kanyake povuka nee
Eeyananthamam jeevitha veedhiyil
Edarathe-Kalidarathe-
(Edaya….)
Kannukalal ulkannukalale
Annweshippoo neele
Kandethum nee Manushya puthrane
Innallenkil nale
(Edaya….)
Kailuyarthiya kurishumkonde
Kalvari nilpoo dhoore
Ninnathmavil Uyirtheneekkum
Kanneeroppum Nadhan
(Edaya….)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The song, in the form of an exhortation to a shepherd girl, delineates that if the girl can sustain a strong faith in God, it will enable her to overcome all her sorrows and sufferings and one day her tears will be wiped by the divine inspiration of Jesus Christ.

TRANSLATION

Go away you shepherd girl
Along this life path of eternity;
Without slipping- without slipping on your feet.
(Go away…)

With the eyes-your inward eyes
Always go on your searches
There is no doubt, you’ll reach Him,
Today or tomorrow.
(Go away…)

Holding the Cross in her hand
Staying there Kalvari far away from here
He who emerges in your heart of the heart,
Will wipe out your tears.
(Go away…)
……………………………………………………………………....
Name of Trainee : SREEJA V G
…………………………………………………………………….....

18. “AYIRAM PAADASWARANGAL KILUNGI…”

Film:Nadi Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: Devarajan Singer: P Susheela

TRANSLITERATION

Ayiram padasarangal kilungi
Aluva puzha pinneyum ozhuki
Arum kanathe oolavum theeravum
Alin kanangalil muzhuki muzhuki
(ayiram padasarangal……)

Eeranayal nadiyude maril
Ee vidarna neerkumilakalil
Verpedunna vedanayo
Veridunna nirvrithiyo
Omale…….aromale…….
Onnuchirikku……….orikkalkudi………..
(ayiram padasarangal……)

Ee nilavum kulirkattum ee palunkum
Kalpadavukalum odiyethul ormakalil
Omalale gadgadhavum
Omale…….aromale…….
Onnuchirikku……….orikkalkudi………..
(ayiram padasarangal……)

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The river Aluva continued its way, tinkling its thousands of anklets. The waves and the banks engaged in embraces. I don’t know whether it is the pain of parting or the symbol of rapture that blossomed through the bubble on the river. Oh my beloved, just smile for me once again .The cooling breeze and bright moonlight filled my thoughts with you. My beloved, just smile for me once again.

TRANSLATION

Tinkling its thousands of anklets, She, the river Aluva flowed ………
The banks and waves
Forget themselves in lovely embraces………
Tinkling its thousands of anklets, she, the river Aluva flowed ………
Whether it is pain of parting? Or it is symbol of rapture.
That blossomed through
the small bubbles on the river
Oh my beloved!
Just smile once more.
Tinkling its thousands of anklets, she, the river Aluva flowed ………

The cool breeze and the moonlight.
Made my thought filled with you
Oh my beloved!
Just smile once more.
Tinkling its thousands of anklets, she, the river Aluva flowed ………
……………………………………………………………………......
Name of Trainee : SREELAKSHMI
……………………………………………………………………......

19. “AMMEY… AMMEY”

Film: Chayam Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: G Devarajan Singer: Ayiroor Sadasivan

TRANSLITERATION

Ammey ammey aviduthe munpil njaanaru dhaivamaru?
Aadiyil maanavum bhoomiyum theerthathu daivamaayirikkaam
Aaraam naalil manushyanetheerthathum daivamaayirikkam
Aa daivathe pettu valarthiyathammayallo amma
Aa daivathe mulappaloottiyathammayallo amma (ammey)
Daivavum nammalum avarude ekantha dahamayirunnille
Rakthakkuzhaliloode, asthithaliriloode
Makkalude manasilekkozhuki vannu
Ammayude shashava swarangalil nammal
Manpavakalaayirunnu
Kaalavum nammalum avarude sandesha
Kavyamaayirunnille?Pokilkkodiyiloode, pushpachediyilode
Makkalude njarambilekkozhuki vannu
Ammayude yauvana swapnangalil nammal
Brahmanandamaayirunnu
Ammey ammey aviduthe munpil njaanaru daivamaaru ammey…

SUMMARY OF THE SONG

The song is on the greatness of a mother. The singer is of the view that mother’s position is greater than that of God. He says that it is the mother who gives birth to gods. She is the Creator and so can be regarded as greater that God.

TRANSLATION

Who is God or myself before thee oh Mother??
May be God had created the Heaven and the earth
And had made Man in the beginning

But you had borne him and produced Him,
Ye nourished Him with the blood of thy life (Mother)
Weren’t we and God their lonely her lonely desire?

Through the vessels of life, through bone so tender,,
Flowed into the minds of children
We were in her infant heavens

Dolls made of clay
Weren’t time and ourselves their odes?
Through the naval cord, through the flowering plant,
Flowed into the tender minds
In her youth hood dreams,
We were the Joy of Brahma…

Oh Goddess, who am I or God before thee??
…………………………………………………………………....
Name of Trainee : VIJILA G S
………………………………………………………………….....

3. Qualities to be nurtured in school children

2009-01-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

About the article

This is an assignment given to the trainees [of the present academic year 2008-09 of my college, Government College of Teacher Education, Trivandrum] to be completed during the Christmas vacation. Each trainee was asked to prepare a write up not exceeding hundred words with two paragraphs on a given topic. All the twenty two trainees were accordingly assigned a ‘quality’ each which they as teachers of the future would like to develop in school children.

First, they had to explain the topic (quality) and then they had to suggest ways of nurturing the quality in the pupils. The complete assignments were to be sent to me by email.

Once the college reopened after the Christmas vacation, the written work was handed over to the trainee chosen to be the online editor of publications [Ms Anju]. Two other trainees[Ms Devi and Ms Priya] too joined the editor to make necessary corrections. Once the corrected version was ready, I made a final correction and handed over the write ups to the respective trainees. This gave them an opportunity to see peer/ teacher correction of written work . Each assignment contains the title, two paragraphs and the name of the trainee who wrote the article.

The assignment: Qualities to be nurtured in School Children

Learn from great lives

Children have a tendency to imitate. They may imitate their film star, a sports hero or a singer. This tendency tells us that some persons can influence them. The teacher can make use of this aspect of the students. And given the fact that personalities can influence students, the teacher him/herself must possess a good personality.

Teachers should occasionally mention the achievements and contributions of great personalities in the class room. This will fascinate students. It will also help mould students into better citizens. Books dealing with the lives of great personalities like Gandhiji can be given to develop great values. Use of Visual Media to exhibit films on lives of great rulers like Asoka may be attempted. Study tours to places where great men like Tagore lived will give the students a sense of oneness with the noble lives. Even interviews with great personalities is a great help. -Abdul Latheef

Peaceful co-existence

The tem ‘co-existence’ means “to exist together in the same place or at the same time especially in a peaceful way”. The term is to be of greater significance in the present world where education is looked upon as the actual treasure of human life. An educational institution like school is a miniature form of society where the pupils from entirely different circumstances gather. They share and acquire knowledge through different sources. Their existence should be of a co-existence, that is, in a harmonious manner. That is what matters. If there is no peace and harmony there will not be any progress for the nation.

The teachers have an inexplicable role to play in molding the pupils into worthy citizens. The teachers who are also ‘social doctors’ can follow certain criteria for helping students to acquire a sense of peaceful co-existence: Extreme competitive type of learning which is mainly exam oriented should be discouraged. Students should be made
to realize that their existence as social beings assumes significance. Bright students should be encouraged to help the weaker students in learning during group work. Sharing mentality should be promoted among students. The teachers should check whether campus politics functions in a healthy atmosphere. Seminars and lectures should be conducted on very important days like Independence Day, Republic day etc. - Anju. S.R.

Team work

Team work is defined as a joint action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group. It develops the ability to work towards a common vision and it enhances creativity as well as innovation in children. It makes the pupils participate wholeheartedly and develops the cooperative effort by the members of a group or team to achieve a common goal. It also brings forth the different ideas, confidence and feeling of sharing in children. Teamwork has got great importance in today's world.

Team work can be nurtured through simple social activities like encouraging team members to spend time together. Group bonding sessions which involve fun activities can be employed by the teacher to enable the pupils to get to know their team members. Group dynamics games can be designed by the teacher to reveal how individuals approach a problem and how the team works together. Psychological analysis of team roles and training too should be attempted by the teacher.-Cimy Asaf

Knowledge is power

"Virtue is an angel, but she is a blind one, and must ask knowledge to show her the pathway that leads to her goal"[Horace Mann] What helped mankind to establish total control over other races is our innate knowledge of ourselves and the world we inhabit. Without this knowledge we are nothing but equals to the animals that we look down upon. So the power of humanity rests upon our unique knowledge. “Knowledge comes by eyes always open and working hands; and there is no knowledge that is not power”[Ralph Waldo Emerson]
There is no secret behind rock-solid knowledge. No cheap miracles can do the trick but only a clear and straight approach. In the long run, knowledge pays rich rewards in our lives and the shortest path to it consists of 4 major points: Nurse our hunger for knowledge, Determine what we really need to know, Locate sources of information, Formulate knowledge for active recall.-Devi

Perfection through practice

Freitz was a great violinist. One day a woman came to him and said ‘’I would give my life to play violin like you,” Freitz replied, “I gave mine !”…This incident tells us how important practice is to achieve perfection. To acquire any skill we need practice. Like any other skill, learning also is a skill . Every skill is improved, modified, and perfected only through practice. Thomas Edison invented the bulb by repeating on his experiment an unbelieving number, 1000 times. So the fact remains that practice is the last rung in the ladder towards perfection.

Primarily we should have a dream, a dream of perfection and then we should have a desire … a desire for perfection. So that our dreams turn into thoughts. These thoughts should be analyzed and a plan that suits our skills and our limitations should be devised.This thoughtful plan should be turned into ACTION !!!! ACTION!!!! PERFECTION!!! That is why Dr. A .P .J Abdul Kalam said :
Dream, dream, dream
Dreams turn into Thoughts
And thoughts turn into action!
And the repeated Action - Practice would lead us to PERFECTION
- Sr.Goretti

Action …Not words

Words and no deeds is no easy way to achieve one’s goals. Assume that one want to learn swimming. One cannot become a good swimmer just by talking about it or by reading books on swimming. One need to act and need to get into the water and practice. The quickest and most effective way to acquire an attribute or ability is to act. “ All great men were toiling upward in the night while their companions slept.” The price of success is the hard work and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves.

Most often children fail to give a try because they often fear that any wrong step on their part would invoke others’ laughter and negative remarks. Laziness and the perturbed vision about the thing also matters; they limit their goals in other words not giving it action. Children don’t even know what they can accomplish, and aren’t even aware of their potentialities. Here a teacher’s role is very significant in giving sufficient encouragement and motivation to prompt the students to come to the forefront and thereby developing optimistic thoughts in him. Parents too have much to do here. Encourage children to come out with their own innovations and make them realize their potential for excellence. A hand of encouragement and a pat on the back will definitely do wonders and a teacher can be instrumental in making the child an useful citizen. -Indu B.C

Communication skills

Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons. The objective of communication is to extend clearly the emotion so that the receiver accepts it and he is subjected to change, modification, correction or any other process that is needed to improve the situation . Communication skill involves continuity and co-ordinated effort with a vision . Mehrabian (1971) has stated that communication takes place 45% verbally and 55% non verbally.

A child should be given freedom to express his thoughts and feelings. Good speech is the result of good listening skills. The resourcefulness of the teacher is a major factor which helps the development of speaking skill among students.Discussion can enliven communication skill. Role play, Description, Narration, Information gap filling, Asking questions, Running commentary, Imagining, Reading aloud, Decision making, Reacting according to the situation are some of the speaking activities that can be practiced. If the teacher’s pronunciation, fluency, modulation of voice etc. are of good standard, the students will be motivated. Pupil – pupil interaction should be given more importance. To use language for oral communication, a lot of constant practice is required and habits are to be formed and internalized.-Kanthi

Advice of elders

The term education is a complex one with a variety of definitions. In the broadest sense it is the transmission of knowledge from one generation to another. Thus it becomes a product of experience and the advice of elders play a very crucial role. “Seek ye counsel of the aged, for in their eyes have looked on the faces of the years and their ears have harkened to the voices of life. Even if the counsel is displeasing to you, pay heed to them”, says the Persian writer Kahlil Gibran. Experience is the treasure that the elders have with them.

Children should find time to converse with elders and make them share there ideas. The most important and interesting fact is that the elders need not be well educated to share their thoughts, for wisdom comes through experience. They have the ability to put things in simple words. They often make use of stories and incidents from their own life. All we need to is to value their thoughts and make use of it in our own ways. Success will be ours.-Lathika Pillai

Co-operation not competition

Competition is the antithesis of co-operation. The desire to compete with others is a common impetus. But in a class room the spirit of co-operation should be encouraged rather than competition.

Co-operation can be nurtured through a democratic atmosphere in the class. Students can be involved in group discussions, role play, group projects, healthy debates and other group tasks. The class room activities should be process oriented rather than product oriented. Group work can be encouraged by giving prizes to the best group. In short, children should be taught that it is through co-operation rather than conflict that their greatest successes will be derived.-Leena

Learn from other’s experience

Man is a social being who acquires a lot of experience from his milieu. To a certain extent, it is the society in which he lives that makes him resourceful and capable of leading a successful life. He evolves moral values both from his life and others’ life experiences. Through his social interactions he gains the norms of life. The do’s and don’ts of a social being is also learned from the society itself.

The teacher should not attempt to teach the values of love, patriotism, patience, tolerance, sympathy, generosity etc through books alone. The Media should be put to good use. For example after listening to the news of a 14 year old child who jumped into a lake to save his friend from drowning, the student will get the value, that the life of others is also as important as his own. The Taj Hotel official who lost his wife and children while rescuing others and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who sacrificed his life during Operation Cyclone can ignite patriotic feelings of children. -Mary Risa

Sharp memory

Sharp memory helps us to remember right things at the right time and avoid wastage of time.

In order to nurture sharp memory in children, they must be taught the power of concentration and to avoid distractions while doing a particular task. They must be taught to have a healthy balanced diet and avoid stale, fast food items. Yoga and meditation need to be made a part of daily routine. During free time they can be made to play memory games. -Priya.K

Prudence

Prudence is one of the inexplicable qualities children require to succeed in life. Children may have the ability to save money. Saving money is a good thing while spending money lavishly is not a fair thing.

The Sanchika plan was introduced in schools to help nurture in children the good habit of saving money. Children can ask their parents, elders, neighbours and friends, how they are saving money. By reading books or newspapers and watching films children can acquire some sort of information about the skilful handling of money. Its also worth teaching the significance of proverbs such as:
“Be just before you are generous”, “Cut your coat, according to the cloth”, and “A penny saved is a penny gained.” - Resmi. R

Avoid Complexes

The word ‘complex’ means number of dissimilar parts intricately related. It is a mental stage, which is the result of past experiences or suppressed tendencies. In Psychology it is an abnormal mental stage. For an individual to succeed in life, avoiding complexes is of great importance.

It is an accepted fact that individuals differ in their ability, interest, capacity, aptitude and other personal quality. In a class room, a teacher has to teach different students who come from different backgrounds- social, economic and hereditary. This means there is every possibility of developing complexes. For successful class room transaction a teacher has to prevent complexes from developing. The teacher should make the pupils think positively and stress moral qualities like love, sacrifice, self-control, truthfulness co-operation, uprightness, tolerance etc. By organizing and giving leadership to pupils in group work, project, camps, social work etc. developing of complexes can be prevented. -Saiju

Healthy Thinking

A healthy person is an asset to the nation. Health, both physical and mental, has an important role in education. They are equally important but a little more preference goes to mental health. ‘A sound mind in a sound body’, is not a mere saying. In order to maintain this, all including schools, families and society should take initiation. It is worth remembering that, health is the greatest of all possessions.

Children can gain physical health through regular exercises, developing a sense of neatness, good habits and by taking nutritious food. By giving confidence, happiness, love, kindness, encouragement, care and opportunity for creative thinking, we can help the children to gain sound mental health. -Saji . A.K

Books are our best friends

Francis Bacon said “ Reading maketh a full man”. Happy is the man who acquires the habit of reading when he is young. Such a person secures a life long source of pleasure, instruction and inspiration. Books are not just our friends, but our guides too, which inspire us to go further in life. For instance when we feel disturbed, we can read the Holy Bible which gives us relief. It gives peace to our mind and increases our concentration. It gives us knowledge, which is considered to be the world’s greatest treasure.

Just as a child needs a balanced diet, a child’s mind also needs a balanced diet which means reading a variety of knowledgeable books. In the initial stage, elders should have to help children to collect the right book. We can quiz the children on the author, theme, character,language etc. Paintings and reading competition can be conducted and winners can be given prizes. Teachers can share his/her experiences on reading. To develop reading habit preparation of synopsis of books, writing of book reviews etc can be assigned as tasks for students. - Sr. Selin E.V

Receptive to new ideas

Human mind is dynamic in nature, everyone likes changes or new ideas. New ideas will promote logical thinking. New ideas provide opportunities for mental and physical development of the pupils. Pupils get practical awareness of how to behave in a society or in a community.

Pupils can acquire information and new ideas by listening and reading. Reading has a vital role in getting new ideas. Reading news papers, periodicals and books relating to current affairs will provide a lot of things which are needed for the pupils. Pupils can also acquire new ideas by watching news and important programmes on Television, and also by hearing news and other educational programmes through radio. They can gather a lot of information from television channels like Pogo, Animal Planet, Discovery etc. They can enrich their ideas by visiting places of historical importance. The School library can also provide opportunities for getting new ideas. Teachers should also conduct field trips for improving the ideas of their learners. - Shahina Beevi

Integrity

Integrity is an important quality that helps children to succeed in life. If a person fails to acquire it he will fail in his life.

Basically children can acquire integrity through their parents. Children have an inherent tendency to tell lies and steal things to get whatever they like. In this situation a mother and a teacher can be a role model to acquire integrity. A teacher can facilitate children to acquire integrity in class room activities through skit, drama, Value Education, prayers, use of multimedia and by making them read books on the lives of eminent personalities.-Sheeba

Grab opportunities

An opportunity is an invitation to success. It is said that no opportunity seek for us, but we have to seek for them. Grab opportunity at any cost. Never allow losing of a great opportunity.

You should open your eyes and ears to the world so that you can find a number of opportunities waiting for you. It is up to you to decide whether an opportunity is suitable for you or not. Then you have to work hard with a steady mind to win the aim. Also remember that the time is limited. Strike while the iron is hot... surely success will be yours. -Shiji

Don’t be copy cats

Among the qualities essential for success in life, presence of individuality possess a conspicuous place. Being a copycat is something unfair. When a person mugs up the ideas and thoughts of other persons, he loses his own identity. One can absorb the positive aspects in another individual, but the presence of individuality must be there. His mind, thoughts, ideas etc must be his own. Standing out in a crowd is something great.
Teachers can play a crucial role in the development of a child’s individuality. Right from the beginning when a child shows something of his own style, it must be welcomed with open arms. He must be encouraged and appreciated. The teacher must not limit the imagination of the child by providing spoon-feeding mode of teaching giving capsule answers. Instead the teacher has to help her students to come out with original ideas and opinions. The teacher must treat every child equally and must respect them as individuals. A good teacher also has to identify the particularity of the child before her. -SimiA.S.

Set goals in life

A goal can be defined as something that gives some meaning to one’s life. A life becomes meaningful only when a goal is achieved. Life is simply a journey from birth to death. During this journey every individual has to achieve something of his own. A positive person is always rated on his achievements in life. Achievement in life depends upon the goals we have. Having some goal fulfils one’s dreams of life.

The teacher should encourage the students to set a goal in life. We have to make them aware of its importance and make them work hard to achieve that. This would help to grow up as a responsible individual until the goal is achieved.
-Soumya Mohan.A.M

Importance of optimism

Optimism is an important quality to be developed in a person. An optimist always expects good things to happen or things to be successful. He can always face all the problems especially, an individual problem at an harmonious level. A sustainable and mature personality can be developed through an optimistic view. Optimism is the key stone of our progress. It helps us to manage programmes or take initiative to do something. Self acceptance, self esteem, self respect, humility etc. are the ingredients of optimism.

We can help children nurture an optimistic outlook by making them:
retain a stability in life, sustain a balanced mind, envisage a happy life and develop an ambition in life.-Sr. Suby M.D.

Value of Personal Experience

The child’s mind is not a “Tabula Rasa”. Even before the child goes to school he acquires the basic knowledge on all subjects from his society. In the case of language learning the child acquires experience by imitating the speech and actions of his elders. This type of learning is more powerful than any other type of learning. Every child has to face different situations in his life and this gives a lot of experience and confidence which enable them to face new situations.

Teachers should as far as possible try to provide direct experience while providing learning experiences and encourage them to reflect on it. This would not only result in better comprehension but also develop in the child the ability to draw on personal experiences. In fact the teacher should constantly try to widen his/her student’s experiences consciously by providing more innovative and challenging circumstances. - Suja

2. Chalussery Community-based Field-study Reports

2008-03-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

The three- day Community Living Camp of the academic year 2007-08 of Govt. College of Teacher Education, Calicut, was held in February [13th to 15th] at Chalussery, Thrithala, Palakkad district, Kerala State. The main theme of the camp was ‘Education and Social Change’. One of the objectives of the camp was “to enquire the legacy of a community- its cultural, social, scientific, educational and environmental aspects. Given below is a report submitted by the English optional students after their field study . The five areas of study for which reports were submitted are :

1. Colony Settlement
2. Environmental issues related to Nila
3. Pakkanar Family
4. Nattarivukal and Medication
5. Ayurveda : A Way of Life

The names of the trainees who took part in the field study and contributed to the writing of the report follows each topic

Ps. The reports were submitted as assignments. On receiving the assignments, I corrected them and made slight changes to make it readable for a global audience.

1. Colony Settlement

Introduction
Colonies are a common phenomena through out the world. Each colony is distinct in its own ways. This distinction comes from the unique life style of the people. There has been a number of studies carried out in this field.

A detailed study conducted in two colonies, Koolath Colony and Kunnatheri colony at Chalisseri in Palakkad district brought forth valuable information about colony settlements.

Infrastructure
These colonies together comprise 42 houses, which are roofed with tiles. Some of them are thatched too. All the houses are electrified. In addition to that they have water, telephone and transport facilities. They are acutely conscious of maintaining a clean environment . The Panchyat authorities and some clubs functioning within the colony, work hand in hand for the progress of the colony.

Educational background
The old generation residing in the colony are illiterate but are eager to give the new generation what they have missed out in life. Hence education for the new generation is a top priority for the elders. One of the clubs named ‘Punchiri’ conducts coaching classes for colony members, for various Public examinations. A number of them get through these exams. There is an ‘Anganvadi’ running in the colony which attends to matters of health and pre-schooling education of children of the colony .

Economic status
Economically, the families are not well off and is mostly below average. Most of the people are coolies or daily wage workers. Some women of the colony work in small scale industries. Private vehicles and fashionable life style is simply beyond their reach..

Health condition
The health condition of the colonists is satisfactory even though the houses are placed closely. Their attention to cleanliness have s kept them free from epidemics. Hospitals are not located near .But medical camps are conducted periodically under the leadership of various clubs.

Social customs
No special customs are observed in these colonies except Samadhi. Samadhi is burying the dead bodies in the yard itself. They set up a monument on the burial ground and every evening they light lamps near the monument.

Life Style
They lead a simple life, people believing in different religious faiths live together harmoniously. There appeared a healthy cooperation between neighbours.

Conclusion
Their life is a typical example of simplicity and secularism. They make us think that in this competitive world, there are some others who lead calm and satisfying life despite many . Besides the acute consciousness about cleanliness , there is quite a lit of things that city dwellers can learn from them .If there is one lesson we can learn from them it is this : ‘unity is strength’.
[Submitted by Ameer Ali, Roshin Mathew & Shameera K.M]

2. Environmental issues related to Nila

Where is the Nila that gushed along its path in its full glory and power?What happened to Nila , the cradle of cultures, the reservoir from which writers drew inspiration? What led to the ‘near-death’ state of Nila and what are its after effects- that was our mission when we set out to the banks of the once longest river in Kerala.

One glance at the docile body of water not even capable of flowing properly told us the sweeping , swirling Nila has become a thing of the past-immortalized in some old Malayalam films. As we let our eyes span the river we saw a well-like structure leaning precariously to one side. We were told that the well was constructed as a Pump House and that the well started leaning as a result of sand mining which was rampant in that area.

In the opinion of the local people, the demise of Nila started with the construction of Malampuzha dam, which resulted in the depositing of vast amounts of silt on the banks of Nila. Soon disappeared the vast banks which were glorious stretches of pristine white sand. Instead, the banks were filled with needle like thick shrubs. Gone were the playgrounds, the meeting place of friends… While this affected the strength of bonds between the people, a much more serious issue was looming up viz; water scarcity, a thing unheard of in the past.

Where as Nila flooded the roads during the rainy season before, even the heaviest of monsoon now fails to quench the thirst of Nila herself, let alone wet her banks. Wells dry up and people run about for water by the middle of February just as summer sets in . The people who came to talk to us kept looking at Nila with nostalgia in their eyes and we could almost feel their grief.

Sand mining, a necessary evil as described by the elderly people whom we met, has been gnawing at the very soul of Nila. The banks of Nila disappear faster than ever and Nila is sinking deeper and deeper as if it is trying to move as far away from the lives of people as possible. This changed the bio-diversity of Nila and the surroundings. Earlier there were many varieties of migrating birds during the season, but now they see only cranes .Fish wealth has also decreased drastically.

The people seemed resigned to the evils of sand mining which, prompted us to ask about laws against it. We learned that ineffective laws and a strong mining mafia together with the support of a few locals who make a livelihood from this has made sand mining a necessary evil.

With the choice of the lesser evil heavy on our minds, we left the banks of Nila, a tigress trying hard to retain the vestiges of its old glory, refusing to succumb to the powers trying to destroy her.

[Submitted by Neetha, Sajna & Sindhu ]

3. Pakkanar Family

‘Parayi Petta Panthirukulam’ is one of the famous legends of Kerala. The story goes a Brahmin of the upper caste named Vararuchin married a a ‘paraya’(1) girl , panjami. Out of her husband’s compulsion, Panjami abandons their eleven children. Vaacuchi’s argument was that the children will be fed by the same God who has given mouth to them. The last child was mouthless and was idolized by his parents. That idol came to be know as Vayillakunnilappan. The abandoned children were Melathol Agnihothri, Perunthachan, Pakkanar, Pananar, Rajakan , Uppudootan, Vallon, Naranath Bhranthan, Akavoor Chathan, Vaduthala Nair and Karakkalamma. They were brought up by different people in different parts of Kerala.

Pakkanar lived at Eerathingal in Pallakkad district. Now seventeen families of Pakkanar’s descendants reside around Pakkanar Temple at Eerattingal. Though their traditional occupations were veterinary and sift plaiting, now only a very few old women are engaged in sift plaiting. As usual, the new generation is engaged in white collar jobs. The ‘mana’(2) of Melathol Agnihothri, the elder brother of panthirukulam is near pakkanar’s residence. The intimacy which existed in the past between the two families is seen to be ruptured.

“Pakkanar Thottam’ is a popular festival of panthirukulam(3) and it is celebrated in alternate years in the month of Kumbham.(February –March) All the descendants of panthrikulam except Vayillakunnilappan participate in this festival. Five performances known as ‘peedam’ are staged by the accompaniment of instruments like drum, horn etc. Only these art forms were present earlier. But today we have the modified form of pakkanar Thottam including drama, concert and elephant show. The festival is now deeed to be a part of the cultural heritage of Kerala
We found that all arrangements have been done for celebrating Pakkaner Thottam commencing on 4th April 2008. Its expense is roughly Rs.2 lakh, and this expense is met from the income of Pakkanar Temple.
(1) Paraya: a lower caste
(2) Mana : former residence of upper castes
(3) Panthirukulam: family belonging to 12 members

[Submitted by Ayisha, Remadevi & Sangeetha]

4. Nattarivukal and Medication

When we consider ‘nattarivukal’ (1) and its convictions , it is believed that no plant in our premises is nugatory. Each and every plant is a herb and has got a medicinal value of its own. It thereby holds a very admirable position in our lives. Most of the chronic diseases, especially skin diseases can be cured by these local herbs. We can prepare ‘Kashayas’(2) and medicinal ghee out of its juices and extracts. In ancient times, we could procure herbs from forests but now the major problem we confront is the scarcity of herbs, for dense vegetation has vastly disappeared .

Some of the herbs found in our surroundings and its corresponding uses are listed below:

1. ‘Kattarvazha’ (Aloevera) can be sued as a good conditioner for hair and also as a pain killer.

2. ‘Somalatha’ an orchid like plant which uses little water, is very effective for skin diseases.

3. ‘Chittaratha’ (Alpinia Calcarata) is a good tranquilizer and earlier it was used in women’s post delivery treatments.

4. ‘Iruveli’ (Colius Vetiveroids) is good for fever.

5. ‘Adalodakam’ (Adathoda Vasica) can cure asthma.

6. ‘Chakkarakolli’ ( Jimnima Silvestra) can be useful for diabetic patients.

7. ‘Changalam paranda ‘ (Vitis Quadragularis) is good for bone and helps to rejoin broken bones.

Treatment based on ‘nattarivukal’ is now nearing its predicted end. It has many impediments in its path, like scarcity of herbs and lack of experts in the present generation. Allopathy has always turned its back on traditional treatments, christening it as unscientific. But if these extremities are brought under a scientific roof, it will bring about incredible revolutions in the field of Medicine.

(1) Nattarivukal: it is the knowledge that is transferred orally from one generation to another

(2) Kashaya : It is a medicinal syrup made out of herbal extracts

[Submitted by Ragini, Rakesh & Sreeja]

5. Ayurveda : A Way of Life

Ancient India had the blessed Vedas, and the present India gets rejuvenated by the spirit of the Vedas. Atharva Veda still makes its presence felt among the people in the form of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is the compendium of two terms ‘ayur’ and ‘veda , rightly meaning knowledge of life. Ayurvedic treatment had flourished since time immemorial in Kerala and so it is one of the well sought after destinations of people all over the world .Over the years Ayurveda has to gained an envious status mainly because its treatment goes in close amity with nature.

A few pioneers in ayurvedic treatment in Palakkad district in Kerala are CNS Ayurvedasala, Raja Health Acres and Vaidyamadom. They treat incurable diseases like Alzhemers, Cancer etc. C.N.S Ayurvedasala for instance is credited with having cured the deplorable condition of ‘pollunna Unnikal’ ( a diseases which necessitates children to be soaked with water every hour owing to the failure of the functioning of sweat glands). Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners is believed to have performed complex surgeries too.

To keep pace with the changing scenario and for meet competition from other forms of treatment , most of the ayurvedic centres in Kerala offer treatments like Uzhichil Swedanam, Ksheerasanam, etc. Body massage is a common treatment common in all the ayurvedic clinics as it rejuvenates both body and mind. Most of the centres offer state of the art facilities . For instance Raja Health Acres comprises certain well furnished and air conditioned rooms something quite uncommon in normal ayurvedic clinics.

Treatment is based on place, time and state of the patient . Primal importance is given to body, mind and spirit respectively. Medicines are prepared strictly following the traditional prescriptions in ancient ayurvedic texts. Milk is called the nectar in ayurveda, as it is an essential ingredient of most medicines. Strict abstinence from eating certain food items is an inevitable part of the treatment.

In Kerala most of the hospitals have the facility to prepare and store medicines in underground cellars for years. And most of the hospitals, plant and tend the herbs they need in their own premises. Each hospital is credited with having state of the art libraries, where ancient and valuable books are preserved. In a way it is a traditionally followed treatment in which it is taught and transmitted from generation to generation.

It has been found that Ayurvedic treatment is unsuitable when the patient requires immediate attention owing to pain or discomfort . But the fact remains that Ayurveda is an appropriate treatment for the body and mind if given under the guidance of an adept doctor. Perhaps it greatest merit is that it can have no after effects as in allopathic medicines . This could be one reason why Ayurveda continues to be popular among many both in India and abroad.

[Submitted by Aiswarya, Roby, Samad & Vidya]

1. Superstitions of Kerala

2008-03-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

This Blog posting on Superstitions of Kerala was originally given as an assignment to the trainees of the English optional , Govt. College of Teacher Education, Calicut, to be completed and submitted by email immediately after the X’mas vacation 2007.

On submission, I had edited and classified them under three heads :

1. Gods and rituals
2. People and habits
3. Animals and birds

C. Praveen, Teacher Educator , Govt. CTE, Trivandrum

Note: * The name of the trainee who submitted the entry follows
each superstition.
* The trainees are also members of the English Club of the College.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
1. Gods and Rituals

* Effect of a goddess’ wrath

The belief, if you failed to worship Bhadrakal, [ the furious face of the Hindu goddess Durga] you would be cursed with smallpox had been prevalent in the ancient days. Negligence on the part of the devotee in performing rituals or worshipping the deity could spark the fury of the goddess. The wrathful goddess would then curse him/her with illness, so that the accursed learns a lesson .This belief prevailed for a long time and people even approached astrologers to perform some remedial rituals.
[ Sreeja T.S]

* Significance of going round the banyan tree in the temple premises
According to a Hindu belief, the lower part of the banyan tree is resided by Lord Brahma, the middle part, Lord Vishnu and the upper part, Lord Siva. One has to go around a Banyan tree seven times. Circling the tree at dawn brings recovery from diseases and luck to have children. It is also believed that going around the banyan tree will reduce the ill effects of Saturn on devotees.

The banyan tree has a special importance as it purifies the air in a temple. This concept has a scientific aspect too. Only two plants in the world have the ability to produce Ozone viz. Banyan tree and Basil. The Ozone produced by the Banyan tree, though it is in a very slight amount, improves health and refreshes the mind. That’s why people say that one should circle the Banyan tree when one visits a temple.
[Rakesh E.T]

* Pilgrims touching Priest and the Head Priest is forbidden

The Priest and the Head Priest are the ones that make ceremonial offerings to the deity, in temples. Their duty involves among other things , bathing the idol with perfumed sandal paste. Many come to the temple and it is often difficult to know any thing about the people who visit temples .Often people who don’t bathe and hence are unclean come too and by touching the Priest or the Head Priest while receiving offerings he/ she pollutes both the priest and the idol. Polluting and idol is considered inauspicious.
[Aiswarya Lakshmi]

* A ritual for family deities

Chavoot (1)1 is a custom that is still prevalent in South Kerala, especially in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. After the seasons of cultivation and harvest, it’s the right time for the head of the family to repose and then to perform ceremonies like Chavoot. Its conducted for the departed forefathers and also for the family deities (Paradaivangal)[2] like Madan, Marutha,Pey,Yogeshwaran
[3] and so forth. The eldest member of the family must choose a Friday or Tuesday for performing this rite. After dusk, one places a lamp and neranazhi [4] on the cow dung smeared courtyard of ones house. Thereafter bestows avil [5 ]mixture,
ada [6], bananas, jaggery and sugar upon a thooshanila [7 ]for each one of the deities separately. Toddy and liquor are also placed along with it. One then takes some water in a kindi [8] and by offering prayers, one sprinkles it over the offerings in the thooshanila. After ten minutes one shares these among the members of the family. It’s believed that if one performs this rite with due ceremony, the head as well as the entire members of the family along with its flora and fauna, will be redeemed from all miseries and misfortunes.

Foot notes:

*1Chavoot is the name of a ritual performed in Kerala for the deceased members and family deities.
*2 paradaivangal means family deities.
*3Madan, Marutha, Pey and Yogeswaran are family deities in Kerala .
*4neranazhi is a nazhi (measuring vessel in Kerala) full of rice or paddy.
*5avil is flattened rice.
*6ada is a kind of flour cake.
*7thooshanila is the end portion of a plantain leaf.
*8kindi is a brass water pot with a spout.
[ Sreeja T.S]

* Significance of the ‘Parayidal’ ritual

Most temples in Kerala observe a ritual known as ‘Parayidal’ as a part of their festival. The temple idol is mounted on an elephant and it visits neighbouring houses in a procession. The temple priest leads the procession. Various drums like Chenda, Maddalam etc. are played during the procession . Bursting crackers is an indispensable part of the procession.

Young maidens sweep the courtyard of the house and smears the surface with cow’s dung. After the cleaning of the courtyard they draw designs using rice flour. Such designs have been called as “Kolams”. A plantain leaf is placed on the “Kolam” and a lamp is lit along with offerings to the Hindu God, Ganesha.

When the temple idol arrives at the courtyard, a “Para”, which is a basin for measurement, filled with paddy is placed in front of the lamp. After liturgies the Brahmins offer paddy to the God . This religious ceremony comes to an end when the priest gets his ‘dakshina’ or token money for favours rendered. This ritual is observed to bring prosperity. It also helps to save one from evil resulting from ones star of birth.

[Rakesh E.T]

2. People and Habits

* Significance of drawing designs on the floor, every morning

In India, a few communities still follow the custom of drawing designs on the floor. It is an usual sight in the South Indian states of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. After sweeping the courtyard clean, the women take bath, apply vermilion on their forehead and draw the designs on the floor. Unmarried women also do the same. Usually the designs are not that of human beings and other objects. They draw designs in a swindling, up and down and criss-cross manner using dough rice. Some draw floral designs. After making the outline, they also puff it by adding green, red, blue and yellow powders. It is believed that these are for the opulence and goodness of their own residence.
[Aiswarya Lakshmi]

*Lighting lamp at dawn

It is an old age custom in Kerala. Early in the morning after taking bath, people light the lamp. They believe that this would bring home the goddess of wealth , Lakshmi. Some people chant the Harinama Keerthana at that time. They believe that doing so also make their mind pure and those living in the house will prosper.
[Ragini.K]

* Bathing to overcome evil ‘Kani’

It was an old belief practiced by Brahmins and the upper caste . When they set out on a journey or a new enterprise , if they happen to see the lower caste people on the way , it was considered an ill omen. So they temporarily delayed the trip, cleansed themselves by taking bath again continued the journey or venture.

It may be noted that the bath has little significance. What matters is the person seen first , or the kani when the journey commenced. The belief was that, if they took a bath again not only will the body become pure and energetic but also the blemishes of the kani will vanish.

For many Keralites kani is very important even today and it is reflected in the popular festival , Vishu.

[Ayisha .M]

*On wearing golden anklets

Gold is synonymous with Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth). Elders believe that wearing gold on legs is a serious abuse. One can very well wear it on the neck, nose or ear. It adds to the beauty also. According to traditional health science, the constant rubbing of gold on the ‘vital nerve centre’ (Nagamarmmam) of legs may cause rheumatism. Hence wearing gold anklets on ones legs is discouraged.
[Roshan.T.Mathew ]

* Stepping on winnowing fan is forbidden

A winnowing fan is made of reed or sliced bamboo. It has four sides , and is flat. It is used to clean and separate corn or paddy from chaff. Food is sacred. Stepping on a winnowing fan in addition to showing disrespect to food makes it unclean. Elders consider stepping on a winnowing fan even by innocent children a sin.
[Ameer Ali Kaderi]

* Direction for sleeping

Elders often say that each direction has its own gods according to Vastu, the Indian Science of Architecture.

While sleeping, placing of head in the northern direction is forbidden as only the dead body is ever placed in the northern direction . Placing the head in the eastern, and southern direction is acceptable.

To some local scientists the earth’s magnetic circle which moving from the northern direction repulses the magnetic circle of the human body and results in hysteria.

[Roby Mathew ]

*The best way to rise from bed

It is considered best to rise from the bed by turning to the right side with folded palms. In addition to being auspicious doing so makes ones mind fresh. Often good deeds are performed with the right hand. Religious rites , sacrificial offerings, consumption of food etc. place importance for the right side.
[Ragini.K]

* Using the Grinding stone after dark is forbidden

Before mechanization women entirely depended on the grinding stone. Traditionally many abstain from grinding in the evening. This is because evening is the time of lighting lamps for worship. In addition , the noise that the grinding stone makes disturbs one who prays. It is also widely believed that evening is the time when the Goddess of wealth visits houses and the noise of a grinding machine might discomfort the Goddess.

Further, in olden days when there was no electricity , lamps were used to light the rooms and the grinding stone was usually placed near the kitchen . When it is dark one seldom notices lizards , ants or cockroaches . Some of these could be poisonous .
[Ameer Ali Kaderi]

*Effect of consuming stolen food

It is widely believed that consumption of stolen food causes hiccough. We know that consumption of hot and spicy food materials or eating rashly often results in hiccough. Children it has been observed eat delicious food items covertly. Then they consume in a reckless manner resulting in hiccough.
[Remadevi K.P]

* Fisherwoman and Sea relationship

Whenever the "Marakkan" (husband of a fisher woman) goes to sea for fishing his ‘Marakkathy’(wife) should sit in the hut offering prayer to God and the Sea Mother till his return. This is a traditional belief and custom among the fisher folk of Kerala. Failure to do so and indulging in flirting with men will cause the Sea Mother to become angry and She will drown the boat of the Marakkan.
[Sindhu.S]

* On Curses

Popular Indian mythology gives several instances of sufferings caused by the effect of curses by sages and celestial angels . To the people of Kerala, particularly the older generation , curses are bound to have its effect.
[Shameera K.M]

*On marrying ones own uncle’s daughter

Marrying ones Uncle’s daughter was an old custom in Kerala. The Uncle referred to here is the mother's brother. It was also believed that such a marriage will result in better family ties and a more cordial relationship. Further the family property wouldn’t diminish as dowry.

The practice is not very popular in Kerala now.
[Sindhu. S]

*The effect of the star ‘Chithira’

There is a wide spread belief that if any one is born under the sign of Chitira the fourteenth star in the lunar mansion , his /her house is sure to ruin and perish .This is attributed to the position of Sun and Mars in relation to the star Chitira.

Those born under this sign is sure to lose ones house and has to live in other houses. They however display strong opinions and dislike being advised by others. This results in quarrels.

The ruin of the Travancore Kings is attributed to the birth of a prince under the star, Chitira.
[Vidya P.M]

* Significance of displaying scarecrow

Hanging dummies in front of new buildings both completed and under construction is common in Kerala. It can also be seen in vegetable orchards. It is widely believed that the gaze or evil eyes of on-lookers are directed to it and not to the things around.
Scare crows also generate fear on thieves at night ! [Sangeetha Sukumaran]

*Consumption and the sin of killing

Some people justify the deed of killing animals . The logic is that to eat means to suffer and eating the animal is tantamount to suffering . That is. the sin of killing can be compensated only by eating!
[Roby Mathew]

*Significance of giving new Bridal Dress on the occasion of Marriage

Marriage is an auspicious occasion. Here a man accepts a woman as his life partner. It is the solemn duty of the man to protect the bride throughout his life, giving her everything she needs. By giving the new bridal dress, the groom solemnly and explicitly declares that he takes over all these responsibilities from that moment onwards. That is the importance and implication of the New Bridal Dress.
Dress is the most important thing for a woman in order to protect her chastity. So taking the New Bridal Dress from her life partner is a long cherished wish of every woman. That is also one reason why the married woman preserves the bridal attire till the end of her life.
[Roshan.T.Mathew ]

* On birth and rebirth

Hindus believe in rebirth. But rebirth is completely dependent on ones Karma (ie; deeds one does during ones life time). One is reborn a worm, a cockroach, a fly or other form depending on ones karma. Only one who performs good deeds ever gets to be reborn as a human being. Hence the emphasis on performing noble deeds during ones life on earth.
[Vidya P.M]

* Comparison : Dog and woman

To many, a dog that sleeps at night and a woman who sleeps during day are alike. Dogs we know are supposed to guard the house at night. Likewise a woman is supposed to involve in domestic work during day time . She should not sleep, ignoring her duties. Hence the comparison .
[Abdul Samad K]

*Effect of Mass Prayer

Many believe that mass prayer has to some extent the effect of curing various ailments.
The cure is only temporary. But even the temporary cure depends on the patient's strong belief in the God to whom the prayer is offered. It has also been noted that the singing and use of music elevates the mental state of the patient.!

Pentecost, a section of the Christian community strongly believe that mass prayers in the patient’s home helps cure diseases.

[Rema Devi K.P]

3. Animals and Birds

* Arrival of a cat is favoured in houses

As in olden times, there is still a belief among the housewives that a cat's arrival in to the house is a boon. Often the arrival of a cat coincides with auspicious moments in the house . But, it is the cat that gets the credit .

Cats we know , kill rats, cockroaches and other creatures which are a menace to people who dwell in a house. So the household's love and affection towards the cat increases. Moreover a cat never causes disturbances. Hence the arrival of a cat is always considered a good thing.
[Ayisha M]

* God of Death ‘Kalan’ and howling of dogs

Dogs usually bark; at certain moments they groan too. It’s believed that dogs howl like jackals when they see Kalan – the God of Death. People believe that man cannot see Kalan with his naked eyes but animals can, particularly dogs. Dogs receive signals of movements and sound waves from the atmosphere and it groans.

Hours prior to the Tsunami which hit the Kerala coast many heard the groaning of dogs !
[Abdul Samad K]

*Effect of cat crossing ones path

Many people believe that while going on a venture if a cat crosses ones path it is not auspicious to walk along the path. Proceeding on the venture , ignoring the crossing by the cat will turn to be a futile exercise.
It is often said that if the cat jumps from left to right it is an ill-omen and if it jumps from right to left it is considered to be a good sign. [Sangeetha Sukumaran]

* Effect of crows roosting on trees

It is widely believed that if crows build their nest on any tree , that tree is bound to wither away. One reason could be that their excreta and constant movement break small branches. Even the heat generated by them could result in the tree turning dry.
[Shameera K.M]

*For more articles by the editor view :

http://cpraveenpublications.blogspot.com/