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Home , Subramania Bharati, Subramaniya Siva

The Triveni Sangam M. R. Jambunaathan

s Lal-Bal-Pal, the Company in 1906 who competed Triumvirates laid the strong against the monopoly of the British Afoundation of Indian Steam Navigation Independence movement, during the Company (BISNC). He launched the same period, in (then first indigenous Indian shipping ) three patriots, service between Tuticorin and Chidambaram, Bharati and Siva Colombo. equally praiseworthy sacrificed Subramania Bharathi also known their blood, sweat and all the as Bharathi ( December 11, 1882 – resources at their command for the September 11, 1921), was a Tamil liberation of our Motherland. writer, poet, journalist, Indian Vallinayagan Ulaganathan independence activist, social Chidambaram (September 5, 1872 – reformer and polyglot. Popularly November 18, 1936), popularly known as Mahakavi, he was a known by his initials, V.O.C., also pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and known as Kappalottiya Tamizhan is considered one of the greatest ‘Bharatiya Helmsman’, an Indian Tamil literary figures of all time. His freedom fighter and founder numerous works included fiery of Swadeshi Steam Navigation songs kindling patriotism during

48 u Bhavan’s Journal, 15 January, 2021 the Indian Independence movement. ( October 4, 1884 – July 23, 1925) was a freedom fighter, writer and a journalist. In 1908, he was arrested by the British and was the first political prisoner in Madras jail. While serving a prison term, he was afflicted by leprosy. The British authorities forbade him to travel by rail after his release and hence he was forced to travel on foot. He continued to fight for independence and was incarcerated many times until 1922. Trishakti V O Chidambaram One is tempted to compare V O Swami Ramakrishnananda, (founder Chidambaram with Ichcha Shakti- of Ramakrishna movement in Goddess of Wealth, Siva with Kriya southern parts of the country) when Shakthi, Goddess of Power or he met Swamiji at . In case Valour and Bharati with Gnana of Bharati, following the foot steps Shakti – Goddess of Wisdom. Each of Bankim Chandra, Vivekananda of them had many unique and Aurobindo he perceived Bharat attributes and equally many Mata as one combined form of commonalities. Their thirst for Trishakti- Durga, Lakshmi and freedom -nationalism stood on the . Subramaniya Siva took solid bedrock of spirituality. it further by endeavouring to build a Spirituality – Swadeshi – grand temple for Bharata Mata in Samruddhi Paappaarapatti, Dharmapuri We can find many evidences of district, a place where he spent his their spiritual orientation from their final days. Alas, his dream remains speeches and writings. However, we yet unfulfilled! will confine to just one example for Based on spiritual principles, each. VOC has clearly mentioned in all their efforts were not limited to his autobiography that he got the mere political freedom but goes to seed thought of Swadeshi from economic prosperity and further to

Bhavan’s Journal, 15 January, 2021 u 49 the future. His conviction rooted deeply in Sanatana Dharma was that when we, Bharatiyas imbibe the spirit of and live by those principles, we could guide the entire world to reach the immortal state, that is get liberated from the ills sapping the energy of the individual and the Nation (Viyanulakanaithaiyum amudhena). A first-time casual reader may feel that Mahakavi’s ideas were mere exaggerated wishful thinking. Only one who studies Mahakavi Bharati in depth can appreciate liberation of the soul, that is aatma that he did not stop with just mukti. romanticising his ideas. Many of A Triveni Sangam his poems revealed his grand By comparing Bharati with river vision for the future of this nation. Ganga, Chidambaram with river He presented a complete road Yamuna and Siva with river map and suggested feasible Saraswati, we do not intend to weigh means of achieving them through or evaluate their contribution to the his poems and articles in the national life. journals which had the fortune of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati availing his services. was a forerunner in many respects. Appeals all sections He is aptly a Desiya (Rashtriya) Kavi, Bharati did not leave any aspect a poet to be understood and of national life untouched. Here is appreciated by the entire nation. a sample of few of his splendid He loved, nay worshipped the writings: Akhand Bharat- (chetamilllaata A song which is said to be meant Hindustaanam). for children (Paappaa Paattu) Mahakavi firmly believed that through simple words conveys Bharat will be the Viswa in profound concepts applicable to

50 u Bhavan’s Journal, 15 January, 2021 men and women of all ages. supporting our mothers and Bharati, in this song, prescribes sisters to follow their Dharma. Desha Bhakti, unflinching faith Comprehensive Road Map upon Almighty, love for fellow Bharati believed that beings, care for animals and birds, independence can be meaningful team building and as the last line only when the youngsters have of that poem says it is verily the Art respect for their forefathers, of Living. appreciate their genius and learn He exhorts the youth of the from their lives. To rectify the country to have Chhatrapati situation prevailing then, he Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh and strongly urges that our national as role education should be founded on models. In his poem titled Pokinra the Bharatiya values and Bhaaratamum and Varukinra culture. Bhaarathamum, he clearly states To close with his master piece the slave, weak and beaten poem, Wandering on the snowclad society should go soon; in its mountain peaks, he provides a place, a new generation of youth comprehensive list of action filled with glow in the eyes, plans to make our country strong, clarity of mind, cheerful heart and self-reliant, and a prosperous strong shoulders should rise to country. Starting from clean lead the country to the pinnacles roads, nurturing both agriculture of glory. and industry, making steel, When he says youth, he gives exploring the space, Ganga equal importance to women. Cauvery linking, ship building, was his mentor and to taking telecommunication and he followed her guidelines to all the corners of the country regarding women liberation. We (Kashi to Kanchi). must bear it in mind that both of What has to be appreciated here them talked about Maatru Shakti— is that all of those writings were empowerment of women based on some 30 years before the Bharatiya Samskruti and not Independence, when the glorious on western models. In yet another era of Lal-Bal-Pal was slowly song, he reminds that it is the duty ending and Mahatma was yet to of the menfolk to be chivalrous in occupy the centrestage! 

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