Nee Ninaindhaal

A song that inspires me.

I was listening to this song while driving to office and thinking about possible outcomes of my appraisal discussion. I have written down my wins and failures.

The monthly report I share on a WhatsApp group got kudos from someone important. So, I remain optimistic. But still, there is 10% doubt in my mind.

I have outsourced this doubt to the gods. If they think that this is not the ideal thing for me, they will surely mess up the outcomes.

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Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is the uncomfortable feeling you get when you hold two conflicting thoughts or beliefs at the same time.

There is no sight worse than that of a defeated human who believes that he/she has worked hard but not got rewards. I am sure they had done something significant. But it was not good enough to receive the expected reward.

I strongly believe that humans should take initiative, fight and claim what they truly believe belongs to them. But at the same time I also believe in destiny. Nobody can prevent what’s already decided. It’s a blatant example of cognitive dissonance.

Or maybe it is not. You can say “try your best and let the gods decide”. But then, who knows what is good enough. You still have to dig into the truth and find out what kind of actions can get you the results you want. There needs to be some sort of intuition and wisdom to plan out your actions towards the desired results.

At an individual, I am trying to figure out this path through reading, listening to podcasts and interacting with people. I am trying to learn this through the game of chess or observing events unfolding around me. History also has some lessons in understanding the human psyche.

That said, the song ‘Nee Ninaindhaal’ always evokes devotion and a sense of detachment from all battles —real or imagined— going on in my head.

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Nee Ninaindhaal

I have a fairly decent understanding of Tamil. But when I dug into the meaning of the song, line by line, I realised I didn’t know the correct meaning of four out of eight lines in this short but powerful song. Well, here’s me closing my gaps in knowledge.

I hop you give it a listen and share it with those who might enjoy this song.

Pallavi
Nee ninaindhaal agaadathu undo.
Neeraja dala nayani Mahalakshmi

Is there anything impossible when you think of it, O lotus-eyed Mahalakshmi?

Anupallavi
Manitha vazzkayile inbha thunbham,
Maari Mari varuvathum un cheyal andro

In human life, joy and sorrow come and go, are they not all by your doing?

Charanam
Yella perumaigalum irunthalum athu,
Un adi vangamal nilai perumo

Un arul parvai illathavarkku,
Ulagile vazha vazhi ethu amma.

Even if one possesses all greatness, can it endure without bowing at your feet?

For those deprived of your gracious gaze, what path remains in this world to truly live, O Mother?

Update: Got a decent hike but not a promotion. But I was told I’m on the right path and got specific feedback that can take me to the next level.