Padunnu Nammal
'We shall sing the songs of/ for change together' is the
chorus penned by Babu Kodamvelil and composed by Santhosh George which
definitely became the heartbeat of the youngsters who were passionately engaged
with the Student Christian Movement in Kerala since the 90s. The song, in a
way, was one among those which gave a clarion call to work with the 'othered'
identities and be in solidarity with the struggle (struggles) of social justice
across the world.
The song opens with some of the pertinent questions of
existential crisis of the youngsters of that generation. The lyrics reflected
the questions which emerged from the ground realities. The music of this song
was also a marked departure from most of the songs written during that period
in SCM due to its fast-paced rhythm and
folk based tune. When a group of SCMers sang this song in one of the
fishworker's struggles led by Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation,
the fishworkers asked them to include their struggle too into it. Thus, one
views this song as a work in progress. This might be one among the songs of
'Padaamonnai' which has travelled across India among the struggling communities
by narrating the meaning of the song in their respective languages yet have
sung in the original form.
In the early 2000s, there were re-readings too regarding the
meaning of this song. It was pointed out that the song has been originally
written from the realms of a 'saviour complex syndrome'. These discussions also
happened in the background of the emerging discourses of identity politics
and subaltern movements across India and the world too.
Nonetheless, the heart of this song lies in its conviction and
commitment to engage with the struggles for social justice and for a meaningful
existence of humanity in this world, here on earth. It was with this passion
that many who travelled along with the Student Christian Movement did make
efforts to be with the people's struggle in India envisioning a dream of New
Heaven and Earth. Personally, this has (has) been one of the (many) songs which
has challenged my formations and outlook towards 'Choosing Life'.
Anil Tharayath Varghese
