Ovvaiyaar’s Aathichudi

The other day while I was driving, I was listening to the remix from a Thamizh movie on a FM radio. It was all about Ovvaiyaar’s Aathichudi (ஒளவையாரின் ஆத்திச்சூடி)! The one that is so ancient and that I hope that every generation takes along.

The first reaction was, crazy buggers, they have not let this one go to. But later one thing stuck me (purely reminded by someone saying something in a meeting). And I went back to my school days to try and get Aathichudi. It was a refresher of sorts for me. I hope you love the below without any controversy.

Read what this great Old lady has given and the greatness of Thamizh.

Like any other language Tamil has Alphabets. Basically they are of two sets.

Uyir Ezhuthugal

Mei Ezhuthugal.

While all languages teach alphabets with some objects (like A for Apple, B for Boy etc.,.) look at what Thamizh offers.

The below are Thamizh’s Uyir Ezhugal.

அ, ஆ, இ, ஈ, உ, ஊ, எ, ஏ, ஐ, ஒ, ஓ, ஒள, ஃ

And look at how this great lady teaches Thamizh. She teaches Thamizh with morals.

அறம் செய்ய விரும்பு (Aram Seiya Virumbu) -> Have desire to do good

ஆறுவது சினம் (Aaruvadhu Sinam) -> The one that reduces should be anger

இயல்வது கரவேல் (Iyalvadhu Karavel) -> Donate what you can/Help if you can.

ஈவது விலக்கேல் (Eevadhu Vilagel) -> Do not stop giving.

உடையது விளம்பேல் (Udaiyadhu Velambel) -> Don't belittle your family and self to others/have and exhibit pride.

ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் (Ookamadhu Kaividale) -> Do not lose hope

எண், எழுத்து இகழேல் (Enn, Ezhuthu Igalel) -> Do not underestimate the power of Mathematics and literature

ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி (Yerpadhu Igazhchi) -> Receiving is meaner.

ஐயமிட்டு உண் (Iyamittu Unn) -> Eat after sharing.

ஒப்புரவு ஒழுகு (Oppuravu Ozhugu) -> Get used to what you have. Get along with the world.

ஓதுவ தொழியேல் (Odhuvadhu Ozhiyel) -> Never stop learning or preaching.

ஒளவியம் பேசேல் (Oviyam Pesale) -> Do not talk ill about others.

ஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல் (Akanjurukale) -> Do not be stingy.

It does not stop here. It continues with the Mei Ezhuthugal as well.

Of course not all of this is exact meaning and may not even be right, but I’ve tried my level best to capture it. Apologies if you find the meaning wrong. My intent is to say how the ancient Thamizh culture instilled morality into our system. While doing so am trying to translate a few as I can. If you find it wrong, please correct me and I shall include that as well.

Long live Thamizh!

Hope you had got something out of this.

Please do not treat me as a Thamizh Maniac. It just occurred to me and am just penning it down. Even if you think so, no issues.

- Raj