Kannadasan is one of the great poets, lyricists, and social commentators of mid 20th century Tamil society.　He did not have formal education beyond 6th or 7th grade.　His poems and prose are simple and direct conveying complex ideas, thoughts and feelings with fewest words that alliterate and rhyme as well.　He was a colossus in the 20th century Tamil cinema.

Kannadasan was a self-taught genius with lots of personal faults and weaknesses.　Many students have earned their PhDs　studying his literary work.

I am happy to present one of Kannadasan’s poems that I am sure will resonate well with readers — even in its non-poetic translation. — KSV

“What is birth?” I asked.
“Be born and see!” He said.
“What is learning?” I asked.
“Learn and see!” He ordered.
“What is wisdom?” I asked.
“Be wise and see!” He ordered.
“What is love?” I asked.
“Give it and see!” He said.
“What is affection?” I asked.
“Share it and see!” He told.
“What is conjugal bliss?” I asked.
“Marry and see!” He said.
“What is a son?” I asked.
“Have one and see!” He said.
“What is old age?” I asked.
“Get senile and see!” He told.
“What is poverty?” I asked.
“Be deprived and see!” He said.
“What is after death?” I asked.
“Die and see!” He said.
“If experience alone is the path in life,
God, why do I need you?” I asked.
Leaning closer, He whispered,
“Verily, I myself am that very experience.”