Kagga 308
D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original
Transliteration
sarakAra harigOlu, teresuLigaLattittasure kuDidavaru kelaru huTTu hAkuvarubirugALi bIsuvudu, janaveddu kuNiyuvuduuruLadihudachchariyo! – MANKUTIMMA
Interpretation
In this Universe, the life of a man is influenced not only by the acts of nature or his individual actions, the society in which he lives also plays a crucial role
Man, being a social animal has evolved into living in a society where there is a governance of some sorts – by a King or a Dictator or by a democratically elected Government. The acts of people at the helm of power has immense ability to influence the life of an individual.
Mankutimma, imagine your life in such a society in which the Government is like a coracle which is intended to help you lead your life. However, there are massive disturbances in society like strong currents through which the coracle has to pass through. The leaders at the helm of this coracle are not necessary of sound mind & reasoning; instead they behave as drunkards…there are fellow citizens who instead of sitting quitely in the coracle are dancing & causing unstability…such is your life here…amidst all these challenges it is nothing but a surprise & most definitely the benevolence of the Creator that the coracle is still stable & you are able to lead your life here meaningfully.
Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?