In a small village in southern Tamil Nadu, an elderly couple has captured hearts with their soul-stirring rendition of a Tamil folk song dedicated to Bhagwan Sri Ram. Annalakshmi and her husband Seeni Nadar, whose remarkable singing talents came to light when organisers from the Sangh Parivar visited their home as part of the Akshat Prasad of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi,.
The couple hails from Ariangavur, near Bhavoorchatram in the Tenkasi district, where they studied at the Ariangavur Hindu Primary School. Annalakshmi shared that her teacher, Saroja, taught this particular Tamil folk song about Sri Ram to all the children when they were in the 3rd standard. Interestingly, Ariangavur is home to a Sri Ram Temple, further highlighting the deep cultural roots of the couple.
Their proficiency in singing this traditional song, despite their age, left the organisers in awe, and their remarkable skills have now gained attention on social media platforms. The video of Annalakshmi and Seeni Nadar’s performance has resonated with many, eliciting goosebumps and admiration for its rarity—a layman’s rendition of Ramakavya lyrics in Tamil, presented in a single folk song format.
The Tamil folk song, rooted in the oral tradition and not recorded in print, holds significant cultural value. It has been passed down from generation to generation through oral transmission. Annalakshmi and Seeni Nadar’s performance serves as a testament to the enduring presence of Lord Rama in every household and the unifying power of Bharathiya culture across India.
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The couple’s talent gained attention during a visit by Sangh Parivar organisers as part of the Akshat Prasad of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi. Their rendition not only showcased the timeless appeal of the epic story of Bhagwan Sri Ram but also emphasised its universal nature. The love for Bhagawan Sri Ram knows no bounds, extending from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and beyond. While variations exist in vernacular languages across Bharat, the crux of the epic story remains unchanged.
Kambar’s Tamil rendition, based on Valmiki Ramayan, adds a local flavor to the narrative, preserving the essence while adapting it to suit regional traditions. The Ramayana has permeated Southeast Asian nations influenced by Indian culture, resulting in versions like Thailand’s Ramakien and others in Burma, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Bhagwan Sri Ram’s universal appeal is evident in the devotion observed across diverse regions. In Tamil Nadu, celebrations like Sri Ram Navami, marking Lord Ram’s birth, are cherished. Devotees conduct ten-day discourses on Ramayan in houses and temples, culminating in Sita Kalyanam (wedding) ceremonies. Additionally, ritualistic readings of Sundara Khand are undertaken to seek protection from evils and attain success in life.
The video of Annalakshmi and Seeni Nadar’s folk song has stirred sentiments on social media, particularly among those who appreciate the cultural richness embedded in such oral traditions. It serves as a powerful reminder that Lord Rama is a unifying figure in Bharathiya culture, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The couple’s rendition, at this age, resonates as a timeless expression of devotion, bridging generations and embodying the essence of a shared cultural heritage.
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