This is a song sung by Smt MS Subbulakshmi amma, when she was invited to sing at the United Nations in 1966.
During one of the events with Kanchi periyava recently, heard all the students singing Maithreem Bhajatha song. I have never heard this song till last year and somehow the curiosity to learn more about the importance of the song lingered, and recently got fulfilled. Sharing what I learned!
When MS amma was invited by the United Nations to sing a song, she was perplexed about what song to sing. Anyone who has grown up in India would have heard at least one song of Smt. MS Subbulakshmi (lovingly called as MS amma). Her voice, her singing mesmerizes the listener. Few decades back, every household in India used to wake up listening to her voice singing the Venkateswara Suprabhatam on the radio/cassette players. Her greatness & humility is well known by everyone. She has sung thousands of songs, and when she got a call from the United Nations, she was perplexed about what song to sing. I could not believe it.
What does a leader do when faced with the biggest challenge or biggest opportunity to represent their country?
She reaches out to Kanchi Sri Mahaperiyava 🙏🏻 and seeks his guidance about what she should sing. When I read this, tears rolled down my eyes, as this is what defines humility. Even though you are great, you always seek guidance from your Guru (teacher) and that it is lifelong. Your connection with your Guru (teacher) remains for life.
Sri Mahaperiyava writes Maithreem Bhajatha song and gives it to her and asks her to sing this at the United Nations.
What do the lyrics mean?
The song is written in Sanskrit and the meaning of the verses are explained below
Maithreem Bhajatha song
Maithreem Bhajatha Akila Hrith Jeththreem – Serve with Friendship and Humility, it will conquer the hearts of everyone
Atmavat Eva Paraan Api Pashyata – Look upon others similar to yourself
Yuddham Tyajata – Renounce War
Spardhaam Tyajata – Renounce unnecessary Competition for Power
Tyajata Pareshwa Akrama Aakramanam – Give up Aggression on others’ properties which is wrong
Jananee Prithivee Kaamadughaastey – Mother Earth is wide enough and ready to give us all we desire like a Kaamadenu
Janako Deva Sakala Dayaalu – God, Our Father, is very Compassionate to All
Daamyata, Datta, Dayathvam Janathaa – So, Restrain yourself, Donate your wealth, Be Kind to others, oh People of the world
Shreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam – May All People of this World be Happy and Prosperous.
Shreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam – May All People of this World be Happy and Prosperous.
Shreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam – May All People of this World be Happy and Prosperous.
Such simple verses seeking World Peace written by Sri Maha Periyava and sung by Smt. MS amma!
In respect of “Maitreem Bhajata”, the three “da’s, “daamyata”, “datta” and “dayathvam” represent qualities which humanity should nurture forever.
When this song was rendered at UNO, all the delegates from the World Nations were given the translation of this song. The rendering of this song by Smt. MS Subbulakshmi amma and the meaning was so heartfelt that most of the delegates were moved by the song and her voice.
In essence, May the people of the world, live in peace!
Wonderfully narrated. Sathamaanam bavathu
Thank you Sir 🙏🏻