❖ Critical Analysis of "There is No Fear" by Subramanya

Bharathi

Introduction: The Power of Being Brave

Subramanya Bharathi was a great poet and a fighter for India’s freedom. He had strong and
brave thoughts. His poem "There is No Fear" talks about courage, strength, and
determination. When British people ruled India, many Indians were scared to fight for their
freedom. Bharathi wanted to remove this fear from people’s hearts and make them strong.

In the poem, he keeps saying: "There is no fear, there is no fear, nothing like fear." This is
not just a normal sentence, but a powerful message. He reminds us that we should never be
afraid. Fear stops us from doing great things. If we remove fear, we can live a truly free life.

Theme of Being Brave and Fighting Back

The biggest idea in this poem is fearlessness. Bharathi teaches us that life is full of problems
like poverty, war, betrayal, and suffering. But even when things are difficult, we should not
be scared.

His words were very important during India’s fight for freedom. At that time, many people
were afraid of speaking against the British rulers. They feared being punished, sent to jail, or
even killed. Bharathi wanted them to understand that freedom is not for people who live in
fear. Only brave and strong people can fight against injustice.

But this poem is not only about fighting the British. It is also about personal struggles. In life,
people fear many things—failing exams, losing money, being rejected, or being judged by
society. Bharathi’s message is for everyone. He says that courage comes from inside us, and
once we stop being afraid, we can do anything.
Use of Symbols and Images

Bharathi uses powerful pictures in his words to show what true courage means. He does not
just tell us to be brave—he shows us what bravery looks like.

• Enemies standing against him → This means struggles and oppression. It can be the
British rulers or anyone who stops us from being free.
• Poverty and begging for food → This means hard times and no money. Even if we
lose everything, Bharathi says, we should never be afraid.
• Losing all possessions → This shows that true bravery does not come from money.
A person who is brave from inside does not need material things.
• Betrayal by friends (poison in the mouth) → Sometimes, even our own friends hurt
or cheat us. But Bharathi says we should not become weak because of it.
• Armies attacking → This means danger, war, or problems in life. Bharathi says, even
if enemies attack us, we should not be scared.
• The sky falling on his head → This is the biggest disaster one can imagine. But
Bharathi says, even if the whole world is destroyed, I will not be afraid.

These pictures tell us that Bharathi’s courage is complete—he is fearless in every situation.

Repetition of Words for Strength

One of the strongest things about this poem is repetition. Bharathi keeps saying: "There is no
fear, there is no fear, nothing like fear."

This is very important because when we hear the same words again and again, they stay in
our minds. Bharathi wants people to believe these words, just like a prayer or mantra.

Repetition also gives confidence. No matter what danger he describes in the poem—poverty,
war, betrayal—he always follows it with "There is no fear." This shows that bravery is
forever. It is not temporary or only in some situations. A truly brave person is fearless
always.
Deep Meaning: Spiritual and Philosophical Ideas

This poem is not only about India’s freedom. It also has deep spiritual meaning. In Indian
philosophy, there is an important idea called Abhaya (which means fearlessness). Many Indian
saints and wise men have said that a person who removes fear becomes truly free.

Bharathi’s message is similar to these ideas. He says he is not afraid of losing money, suffering
insults, or even dying. This is just like what Indian spiritual books say—the world is
temporary, but our inner strength is forever.

His words are also similar to the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: "A true
warrior does not fear death."

Bharathi teaches us that once we stop fearing anything, we become powerful. Fear is just
an illusion. If we remove it, we can do great things in life.

Importance in Society and Politics

During Bharathi’s time, India was ruled by the British. People were too scared to speak against
them because they feared punishment, jail, or death. Bharathi wanted to break this fear. He
told Indians: "Do not be afraid. Fight for your freedom."

His message is still very important today. There are many kinds of oppression in the world—
not just from rulers, but also from unfair systems, social discrimination, and personal
struggles.

• This poem gives strength to people fighting against injustice, like Dalits, women, and
the poor.
• It gives courage to people facing personal fears, like fear of failure or rejection.
• It inspires leaders and activists who want to change society for the better.

Bharathi teaches that fear is the biggest enemy. If we remove fear from our hearts, nothing
can stop us.
Final Thought

Bharathi’s "There is No Fear" is more than just a poem—it is a battle cry. It is a call to be
fearless and face life’s problems with courage. Through strong words, repetition, and deep
meaning, Bharathi teaches us that fear is a choice—and we must choose to reject it. Whether
we are fighting injustice, struggling with poverty, or facing personal fears, we must always
be brave.

Even today, this poem gives strength to people who feel weak or afraid. It reminds us that the
first step to freedom is to remove fear from our hearts.

Bharathi’s final message is simple but powerful: "If you want true freedom, first remove
fear from your heart."
 ❖ Critical Analysis of "Beat the Drum of Victory" by Subramanya
Bharathi

Introduction: The Call for Justice

Subramanya Bharathi was a bold Tamil poet who used his poems to fight against social
problems like caste system, unfair treatment of women, religious fights, and rich-poor
gap. His poems were not just beautiful words but a strong message for people to wake up
and change. In this poem, Bharathi compares himself to a drum, making a loud noise for
justice and unity. He believes that if people follow equality, love, and kindness, the world
will become a happy place. His words are strong and powerful, telling people to leave bad
old customs and make the world fair for everyone.

Spreading Truth and Knowledge

Bharathi starts the poem with confidence. He says he wants to tell something important to
the world. He writes, "Let me tell something good to the whole town. Let me tell the truth
as I know it." This shows that he is brave and wants to spread truth. He believes that truth
should be spoken loudly, like beating a drum, so that everyone listens. He also asks God
for help, saying, "Let the Almighty come to my help in this." This shows that he feels his
mission is holy and good, not just his personal idea.

Ending Caste Discrimination

Bharathi hated the caste system, which divided people by birth and created unfairness. He
wanted to end caste cruelty and believed that love could make the world better. He says,
"The world will prosper in love—Let us help each other in living, and excel in numerous
trades." This means that if people treat each other as equals and support each other, society
will grow and improve. He wanted a world where a person is respected for hard work and
skills, not for which family they are born into.
The Importance of Women's Rights

Bharathi was one of the first Indian poets to speak strongly for women's rights. He believed
that women are as smart as men, but society has kept them behind. He writes, "God gave
the power of reasoning to women. But some fools on earth stood in their way." This means
that God made women intelligent, but society stopped them from using their minds. He gives
an example, "Is it right to put out one eye and thus spoil the vision?" He means that if
women are not allowed to learn and grow, society becomes blind and weak.

Education as a Path to Progress

Bharathi continues talking about gender equality and explains that education can change
everything. He writes, "Women’s intelligence, if nourished, will drive away the darkness
of ignorance from the world." This means that if women get education, they will remove
ignorance and make the world a smarter place. He dreams of a world where everyone has
knowledge and skills, making life fair and happy.

Religious Harmony and Unity

Bharathi strongly believed that religion should bring people together, not divide them. He
writes, "All men worship one and the same God, who pervades the whole universe. God
is one, over the wide world; no need for conflicts on this score." This means that all people
pray to the same God, just with different names and ways. He hates religious fights and
says that fighting in the name of God is foolish. Instead, people should focus on love,
kindness, and togetherness.

Universal Brotherhood and Peace

Bharathi’s dream is not just about ending caste and religious fights—he also wants no more
wars. He writes, "Let all men live like brothers in this world. We have a world wide
enough for everyone to live in. Why should we then wage wars?" This means that the world
is big enough for everyone to live peacefully. He says that wars are useless and are mostly
about land, power, or religion. Instead of fighting, people should live together in peace and
friendship.

Fairness, Hard Work, and Economic Justice

Bharathi also talks about money and fairness. He believes that everyone should have enough
food and a good life. He writes, "Make sure that there is enough food for all men on earth.
Educate people, till your land, and live a good life. But never you steal other men’s share."
This means that no one should be hungry, and society should focus on education, hard work,
and honesty. He warns that greed and corruption will make people suffer. According to
Bharathi, a fair society is built on honesty and integrity.

Freedom Through Equality and Fraternity

Towards the end of the poem, Bharathi gives a message of hope and unity. He says, "Equality
and fraternity for one and all on earth will harm no one, but liberate the world." This
means that treating everyone equally and kindly will not hurt anyone but will free people
from pain and injustice. He believes that love and togetherness can change the world and
make everyone happy.

Final Thought

This poem is not just a beautiful work—it is a call for action. Bharathi wanted people to
wake up and fight for justice. He stood against caste system, gender inequality, religious
fights, and economic unfairness. His words are strong and full of power, like the sound of
a drum, calling people to stand up and make the world better. Even today, his message is
very important, reminding us that if we work together, we can create a fair and equal world.
His poetry still inspires people to fight against unfairness and build a world full of love,
truth, and equality.
 ❖ Critical Analysis of "Conch" by Subramania Bharati

Subramania Bharati’s poem "Conch" is like a wake-up call to all people. It tells them to think
wisely, work hard, and not waste time waiting for happiness after death. The conch (a shell
used in Hindu prayers) is a symbol of awakening and truth. The poem sends a strong
message: "Wake up! Take action! Don’t be lazy!" Bharati criticizes blind faith, materialism,
and illusion and asks people to be smart and responsible.

Blind Faith is Not Good

Many people believe that if they pray and do good things, they will go to heaven (Shiva’s or
Vishnu’s world) after they die. Some religious teachers encourage people to focus only on the
afterlife, making them believe that happiness comes after death.

Bharati strongly disagrees with this idea. He says, "No! This is foolish!" According to him,
people who only think about heaven waste their time instead of living their lives fully. He
tells people, "Don’t wait for happiness! Create it now!" Life is meant for action, learning,
and growth, not just waiting for divine rewards.

He asks people to blow the conch, which means spread this truth and tell others to stop
wasting time thinking about life after death. He urges people to focus on the present and not
live in false hopes of the future.

Be Smart and Take Action

Bharati teaches that freedom and happiness (Moksha) are not something that happens after
death. People can achieve happiness right now in this life and this moment if they make the
right choices.

To do this, people need to use their intelligence and make efforts to improve their lives. Clear
thinking and hard work lead to true freedom. People who wait for happiness without taking
action will never achieve it. A person with a sharp and smart mind can change their life for
the better.
Bharati calls these people "pure" because they do not sit idle, waiting for something magical
to happen. Instead, they work hard and make wise decisions. He tells people again: "Blow
the conch!" This means spread the message that real happiness comes from working hard
and being wise, not from waiting for the future.

The World is a Trick (Illusion)

Bharati talks about Maya (which means "trick" or "illusion"). The world appears shiny and
attractive, making people believe that money, power, and pleasure are the most important
things in life. But in reality, these things do not bring true happiness. They are just temporary
distractions.

Wise people understand this trick and do not get trapped by it. They control their senses and
do not let money, fame, or pleasure rule their lives. However, this does not mean they reject
everything. It simply means they know that real peace comes from within, not from external
things.

Bharati says: "Be smart! Don’t get trapped by money, beauty, or fame!" Instead of running
after material things, people should focus on what really matters—knowledge, self-control,
and inner peace. He tells people again: "Blow the conch! Wake up others!"

Beauty and Gold Won’t Make You Happy

Many people believe that having beauty and wealth makes life perfect. They think that
attractive looks and lots of money bring happiness. Bharati says, "This is a lie!" These things
may look good, but they are not the key to real joy.

He gives two examples: beautiful women with sharp, attractive eyes and gold, which
symbolizes wealth and luxury. Many people think that if they have a beautiful partner and
a lot of money, they will be happy. But Bharati warns that this is a false belief.
Those who chase beauty and wealth blindly are stuck in the mire (which means dirt or filth).
This means that their lives become empty and meaningless because they focus on temporary
pleasures instead of real growth.

Bharati believes that true happiness comes from work and action. People who do their
duties calmly and with dedication are like saints—wise and pure. Once again, he asks people
to blow the conch—to wake up from materialism and focus on meaningful work.

Who Are the Real "Great" People?

Bharati challenges the idea of who is truly great. In his time, people believed that being born
in a high caste or rich family made someone noble. But Bharati rejects this idea. He says
that real noble people are not born great; they become great through wisdom and good
actions.

The real Aryans (which means noble people) are those who:

• Understand the truth about the world and do not get fooled by illusions.
• Remain happy and content without running after material things.
• Work hard and live a life of wisdom and peace.

This means Bharati does not believe in caste or birth-based greatness. He believes anyone
can be great if they are wise, good-hearted, and hardworking. True nobility comes from
the mind and actions, not from family or money.

What Can We Learn From This Poem?

Even though Bharati wrote this poem more than 100 years ago, its message is still very
important today.

• Do not just pray and wait for happiness—create it now. Many people still believe
that happiness comes from luck or God’s blessings. But Bharati says we must work
for it ourselves.
 • Use your brain, work hard, and think smart. Being lazy or blindly believing things
will not lead to success. Bharati encourages people to think deeply and act wisely.
• Don’t waste life chasing money, beauty, or power. These things may look attractive
but do not bring real joy.
• Help others understand these truths—Blow the conch! We must spread awareness
and help others wake up from ignorance.

Final Thought: Wake Up! Take Charge of Your Life!

Bharati’s poem is like a big alarm clock. It tells people:

• "Wake up from foolish thoughts!"

• "Stop being lazy!"
• "Don’t wait for heaven—make your life good NOW!"

The conch is a symbol—it means "spread this message to everyone!"

So, what should we do?

Think smart, work hard, and live wisely. Don’t just wait for miracles—make your own
success!
 ❖ Critical Analysis of “Freedom” by Subramania Bharati

Subramania Bharati’s poem Freedom is a strong and emotional poem about India’s fight for
freedom from British rule. He is not just complaining about the problems but is shouting like
a warrior, asking Indians to wake up and fight. He uses powerful questions, strong words,
and examples from history to make Indians feel proud of their past and fight for their future.

1. The Main Idea: Freedom vs. Slavery

The biggest idea in this poem is the difference between freedom and slavery. Bharati is angry
and upset because Indians are not fighting enough for their own freedom. He asks a very
important question: "When will our love of slavery die?"

Here, Bharati is saying that Indians have become too used to being ruled by the British.
Instead of fighting back, they are accepting their suffering. This is similar to how a bird in a
cage forgets how to fly. The poet wants Indians to remember their power and break the cage
of British rule.

He also calls India a Mother, like a goddess who is in pain. He asks: "When will our
Mother's chains break?"

This means that India is like a mother who has been tied up and hurt by the British. Bharati
wants every Indian to feel this pain and stand up to protect their mother.

2. Bharati’s Questions: Making People Think

Bharati does not just tell people what to do. He keeps asking questions to make them think
and feel guilty. Some of his questions are:

• "When will we stop being slaves?"

• "Why are we only getting hunger and sickness?"
• "Why are others enjoying the wealth of our country?"
These questions are very powerful because they do not give direct answers. Instead, they
make every Indian stop and think about their situation. Bharati wants people to feel
ashamed so that they wake up and fight for their rights.

This style of questioning is like a teacher asking a student difficult questions so that the
student realizes his mistakes. The poet is not just blaming the British; he is also blaming
Indians for not fighting back enough.

3. India’s Glorious Past: The Golden Age

Bharati does not just talk about the problems of British rule. He reminds Indians of their
great past. He asks: "Wasn’t there another Bharat raised by our noble Aryan race?"

Here, Bharati is talking about the ancient times when India was powerful, rich, and
respected. The Aryans in Indian history were known for their bravery, knowledge, and
leadership. The poet is telling Indians that they are the children of great warriors and
scholars.

He also talks about Dharma, which means duty and righteousness. He asks: "Where is your
dharma? Don’t you have a duty to save India?"

This means that every Indian has a duty to fight for their country. Just like Lord Krishna
told Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita to fight for what is right, Bharati is telling every Indian to
do their duty and fight for their land.

4. The British Rule: Injustice and Poverty

Bharati is very angry about how British rule has made Indians poor and weak. He asks:
"Are hunger and sickness the only things we get?"

Here, he is talking about how British rule took away India’s wealth and gave back only
suffering. He also asks: "For whom are the fruits of our labor?"
This means that Indians are working hard, but the British are taking all the money and
success. This is similar to how a farmer works hard in the field, but the crops are stolen by
someone else.

This idea is similar to Dadabhai Naoroji’s ‘Drain Theory’, which says that the British took
away India’s wealth and gave nothing back. Bharati wants Indians to realize that they are
being used and should fight back.

He also calls the British "demons", which makes it sound like a mythological battle between
good and evil. Just like Rama had to fight Ravana, Bharati is telling Indians that they must
destroy the British rule.

5. The Biggest Enemy: Fear

One of the most important messages in the poem is that fear is stopping Indians from
fighting. Bharati shouts: "Chase Fear away!"

He believes that fear is like a chain that is keeping Indians weak and silent. He wants people
to be brave and fearless, like the warriors of the past. This idea is also similar to Swami
Vivekananda’s teachings, where he said: "Fear is the biggest sin."

Bharati believes that freedom will come only when people stop being afraid. He wants
Indians to stand up, fight, and never bow down to British rule again.

6. The Style of the Poem: A Powerful Speech

Bharati’s poem does not feel like normal poetry. It sounds like a speech, a war cry, or a
prayer. The rhythm is fast, and the words are strong and emotional. He uses:

• Repetition – He keeps asking similar questions again and again to make people think
deeply.
• Direct Address – He speaks directly to the reader, like a leader talking to his soldiers.
• Short, powerful lines – This makes the poem easy to remember and chant.
Because of this oratorical style, Bharati’s poem became very popular among freedom
fighters. People could recite it in rallies and protests, making it a weapon of words against
British rule.

Final Thought: A Call for Action, Not Just Hope

Bharati’s poem is not just a sad song about India’s suffering. It is a call for action. He is
not waiting for freedom—he is demanding it. He tells Indians:

• Freedom will not come as a gift—you have to take it.

• Fear is the biggest enemy—be brave and fight.
• India was once great—it can rise again.

Even today, this poem reminds us that freedom is a continuous struggle. Whether it is
political freedom, economic freedom, or freedom of thought, Bharati’s words still inspire
people to stand up against injustice.