Ananthu and Sathyaraj deliver ‘Cheran Enge’ from the album Kalavaadiya Pozhuthugal. Lyricist Vairamuthu and composer Bharadwaj create a confrontational mood addressing lost Tamil heritage. This track presents a direct challenge to societal erosion of cultural values.
Released: December 25, 2017
Cheran Enge
Bharadwaj | Vairamuthu • From “Kalavaadiya Pozhuthugal”
Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Composer
Bharadwaj
What is the meaning of Cheran Enge Lyrics from Kalavaadiya Pozhuthugal?
Vairamuthu contrasts capitalists and laborers, noting how ‘those who invest brains become wealthy’ while body-workers face poverty. He states Tamil identity ‘has left Tamil Nadu itself,’ framing cultural decline through historical absence.
Cheran Engae Chozhan EngaeWhere is the Chera, where is the Chola?
Paandi Naadum PonatheThe Pandya kingdom is gone too.
Mannar Vamsam Aanada MannilIn the soil where royal dynasties once ruled,
Mann Puzhukkal Vaazhuthaeearthworms are living now.
Cheran Engae Chozhan EngaeWhere is the Chera, where is the Chola?
Paandi Naadum PonatheThe Pandya kingdom is gone too.
Mannar Vamsam Aanada MannilIn the soil where royal dynasties once ruled,
Mann Puzhukkal Vaazhuthaeearthworms are living now.
Thanthai Periyaar Vantha MannilIn the land where Father ‘Periyar’ walked,
Manthai Nariyaa Vaazhvathua pack of foxes is living.
Maanam Veeram Karpu EllaamHonor, valor, and purity—all of it,
Santhakadaiyaa Saervathuare ending up in the marketplace.
Tamizhnaattai Vittu TamizhFrom the land of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil language
Poe Vittathuhas gone away.
Cheran Engae Chozhan EngaeWhere is the Chera, where is the Chola?
Paandi Naadum PonatheThe Pandya kingdom is gone too.
Mannar Vamsam Aanada MannilIn the soil where royal dynasties once ruled,
Mann Puzhukkal Vaazhuthaeearthworms are living now.
Naattai Maattrum ThozhilaaliyinFor the laborer who transforms the nation,
Veettai Paththi Yosiththavanhe was the one who thought about their homes.
Marumalarchiyin NaayaganThe hero of this renaissance
Marks Allavois surely ‘Marx’, isn’t he?
Vervaikkaana En VaazhkkaiyaiFor my life spent in sweat,
Oivukkaaga Undaakkinaanhe created a time for rest.
May Dhinam Engal VaazhvukkuThe ‘May Day’ holiday for our lives
Vaazhththallavois a blessing, isn’t it?
Moolai Mudhalaai VaiththavaraeThose who invested their brains as capital
Perum Mudhalaaligalaai Maarugiraarare turning into big capitalists.
Udalai Mudhalaai VaiththavaroBut those who invested their bodies as capital,
Kaiyil Odugal Yaenthuvatho Ooare they left holding begging bowls in their hands?
Intha Ulagam Viraivil Maattram VarumThis world will see a change very soon.
Mannai Uzhaippavar Aalum Kaalam VarumThe time will come when those who till the soil will rule.
Sooriyan Kaattru VaanampolJust like the sun, the wind, and the sky,
Engal Soththum Pothuvaai Aagividumour wealth will become common property too.
Samaththuvam ThondrividumEquality will emerge.
Tamizha TamizhaOh Tamil, oh Tamil.
Erimalai Pongi Varum VazhiyilIn the path of an erupting volcano,
Erumpugal Poochikal Enna Seiyyumwhat can ants and insects possibly do?
Puligal Orr Ani SaernthuvittaalIf the tigers gather together in one formation,
Bootsvaal Koottam Enna Seiyyumwhat can the boot-wearing crowd do?
Mannan Vendaam Magudam VendaamWe don’t need a king, we don’t need a crown.
Tamizhanaaga VaazhvomLet’s just live as Tamils.
Maanam Ennum AadaikattiWearing honor as our clothing,
Manitharaaga Maaruvomlet’s transform into true humans.
Thanthai Periyaar Sonna SollaiThe words spoken by Father ‘Periyar’,
Sinthaiyil Yaettri Seyalpadutake them into your mind and act.
Unnai Vendraal Ulagai VelvaaiIf you conquer yourself, you will conquer the world.
Unnaal Mudiyum PurappaaduYou can do it, set forth.
Annai Tamil Ariyanai Yaera AanaiyiduGive the order for Mother Tamil to ascend the throne.
Kalavaadiya Pozhuthugal’s lyrics meaning merges Marxist ideals with Tamil linguistic pride, advocating communal wealth and equality. The song ends with a call for self-transformation and collective action rooted in Periyar’s teachings.
