Nilgiri poetry day

One of the enchanting aspects of Badaga Language is its disarming simplicity. But though the sentences are swathed in sweetness of simple words, it can contain deep expressions of emotions conveyed in the proper usage of rhymes [holla – alla] or pair words [huttu – nattu] apart from other attributes. When the sweetness of this language is combined to carry the human expressions in the form of a poetry, it is a great pleasure to indulge oneself in a world of sheer bliss.

When I came across the following poem, my first reaction was, ‘how beautifully the love of a mother has been brought out’. That set me thinking that there may be many other ‘unsung’ poets among ourselves. How nice if their poems in BADAGA could find a wider audience? I am not talking about some KAVITHAI in Tamil or a poetry in English. BUT ONLY BADAGA POEMS. By the way what is the word in Badaga for poem & poetry? I am sure it is not kavithai or kavi . Cannot be kadhe (song) too. Then……..??

This poem titled ‘My Mother’ by Mohan (hope he reads this and sends more of his creations) beautifully describes the filial bond and eternal love a mother has for her son even in very adverse, trying and difficult situations. She could not find any fault nor found anything demeaning, in the one whom she had brought into this world,nurtured, carried on her hips, cared for and brought up even when the rest of world rejected and rediculed him. I have attempted an English translation and hope I have captured the essence of the deep feelings expressed in the poem.The author has really ‘ played’ with the rhyming Badaga words and forcefully brought out not only the sadness and silent suffering of a son but also the uncompromised love of a mother.

Enna Awai by B.Mohan [of Kunna Bikkatti]

(From ‘Mandhadha Maathu’ – Published by Badaga Welfare Association, Madras, issue dated 1-4-93 (Hannu 3,- Hoo 10)

Kettu Muridhu Naa Kerio Kulibaneyu Huttu Nattu Enna Hollandhu Hegoneyu Hethu Thathi Saakidha Awai Enna Hollandhu Hegule Maathi Allandhu thallule Goonu bhuddu Naa Cooli Geevaneyu Huttu Kettu Naa Maasi Kulibaneyu Pattu Beetha Batte Ekkoneyu Kettandhu Hegule Awai Enna Mattandhu Thallule Kottage Huggi Naa Geria Baakoneyu Araya Kulidu Naa Danava Mesoneyu Horia Thookki Naa Hotte Kaibeneyu Kore Ondhu Hegule Awai Ondhu Ariandhu Nudivile

English Translation of the above poem by Bellie Jayaprakash

My Mother

Even when I was down with poverty and sat at the front court yard, Even when the near and dear ones despised and deserted, My mother who cared for and carried me as a baby, Did not blame me as bad and did not reject me,

Even when I toiled as a Cooli with a bent back, Even when I sat down with my looks dulled and dirty Even when I wore patched up old clothes My mother never gave up nor rejected me as gone !

Even when I swept the stables to clean the droppings, Even when I sat on the rock to tender the cows, Even when I lifted loads so as to suppress the hunger with the earning, My mother never found any fault ; never scolded me as ignorant.