Bharathiyaar – Voice Of Our Nation
Immerse into the powerful and timeless poetry of Subramania Bharathi, a revered poet, visionary, and freedom fighter known as Bharathiyaar, and explore the enduring legacy of his songs, a collection of inspiring Tamil poetry that has stood the test of time.
This course introduces you to the multifaceted genius of Subramania Bharathi and will uncover how his rhythmic and powerful verses addressed a wide range of themes, from India’s cultural heritage to the pursuit of justice and freedom from colonial rule. With their profound message and vibrant imagery, Bharathiyaar’s paadalgal continue to be a source of inspiration, a testament to his indomitable spirit and his lasting contribution to Indian literature and national identity.
Faculty
*The Course may not be offered if the number of registrations is less than 15.
18 November 2025 - 24 February 2026
6:00-7:00 PM IST
Every Tuesday
Introduction
In this course, we will explore the profound philosophy of Bharathiyaar through a close reading of his powerful verses, supported by English translations. We’ll examine how his poetry became a comprehensive expression of nationalism and a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement. The course will also provide a deeper understanding of the historical context of his works and the lasting respect and honor he has received for his contributions to Tamil literature and the nation’s freedom struggle.
Course Objectives
- Explain the historical and cultural context surrounding Bharathiyaar’s work, helping the seekers understand the environment that shaped his poetry
- Detail the structure of Bharathiyaar’s paadalgal, helping the seekers to identify and differentiate between various poetic forms
- Discuss the reasons for Bharathiyaar’s historical honor, assessing his influence on Indian nationalism and society
- Facilitate analysis of Bharathiyaar’s place in Tamil literature by having students compare his style and themes with other poets, recognizing his unique contributions.
Course Outcomes
- Students will be able to recite key poems and songs by Bharathiyaar, showing their familiarity with his work
- Students will be able to translate and explain the word-by-word meaning of selected poems, demonstrating their grasp of both the language and the embedded themes of nationalism and social reform
- Students will be able to analyze the structure of Bharathiyaar’s paadalgal, distinguishing between various poetic forms and topics covered
- Students will be able to synthesize their understanding of the historical context, philosophical themes, and literary significance to produce a short analytical essay or presentation
Course Syllabus
- Selected poems of Mahakavi Bharathiyaar
- Philosophy of Bharathiyaar
- Historical background of Mahakavi Bharathiyaar
Reading List
- Bharathiyaar Padalgal – Any publications
- Bharathiyaar books – Seeni Viswanathan
- Philosophy of Mahakavi Bharathiyaar
Course Features
- Live Interactive Sessions: Engage in live lectures with opportunities for Q&A
- Flexible Learning: Access recorded sessions and course materials at your convenience
- Certificate of Completion: Earn a certificate upon successfully completing the course
*Important Enrollment Notice: Please note that this course requires a minimum of 15 registrations to commence. If the required number of students is not met, enrolled participants will be notified promptly and provided with options for a full refund or alternative courses.
Faculty
Vinoth Kumar Shanmugam
Vinoth Kumar Shanmugam is a Physics teacher. Having graduated in Physics and with multiple post-graduations in Education, English and Education Management, he cleared his NET and is presently doing research in Indic Educational system. He has an experience of 15 years in teaching values and ethics through many NGOs. He also has his own NGO that has been involved in education for more than 10 years. A Yoga trainer and motivational speaker, he has conducted various workshop in the core subject and in the ethical values and morals. Vinoth is a Trustee of Vishva Vidya Foundation which is focused on recovering Tamil Education and Bharatiya Shiksha.