When I was a little girl, Thatha (Grandpa TVS) taught me a Bharathiyar poem.
We used to recite it together in a funny sing-song fashion.
As I started growing up, I would recite it to him like an orator……..giving it all that I had.
Long after he was gone, whenever I was faced with a storm, whenever fate conspired to throw me in the dark pits of life..I have recited the poem and have clawed the way out of those dark pits because I realized being fearless is an attitude.
Transliteration of Bharathiyar’s poem:
Achamillai, achamillai, acham enbadhu illaye,
Uchi meedhu vaan idinthu veezkindra podhilum,
Achamillai, achamillai, acham enbadhu illaye!
Rough Translation:
I have no fear, I have no fear, There is no fear in me,
Even if the sky above crumbles and falls down on me,
I have no fear, I have no fear, There is no fear in me!
When we jokingly recited the poem…..
Little did I know why Thatha taught the poem to me.
Little did he know the legacy he would leave in my heart and mind.
I am rooting for you. Be fearless.