Politico Poem by Ch J Satyananda Kumar

Telugu Original: Narla Venkateswara Rao
English Translation: Ch J Satyananda Kumar

(1)
Panasa tonala kante, pandu maamidi kante
Paanakammu kante, paala kante
Panchadaara kante padaviyE teepiraa
Navayugaala baata naarla maata

More than sheaths of jack fruit, more than ripe mango,
More than sweet syrup, more than milk
More than sugar political position is sweeter
Modern times’ way, Narla’s sway

(2)
SaasanasabhalOna aaseenudainanta
Maananeeyudaina manuvu kaadu
Yeddu nekkinanta eesudu kaaduraa!
Navayugaala baata naarla maata

For just being seated in legislative house
One can’t become a respectable person
One who mounts a bull can’t be the Lord Shiva
Modern times’ way, Narla’s sway

(3)
Mantrula kedurEgi, mallepoolanu jalli
Pooja sEyanEla, pogadanEla?
Mantrulanaga yevaru? Manaku bhrutulu kaare?
Navayugaala baata naarla maata

Running fast to meet a minister, showering jasmines on him
Why to worship him and praise him?
Who are ministers? Are not they our servants?
Modern times’ way, Narla’s sway

(4)
Chetavaata kaani chimbOtukainanu
Chanduvu sandhya lEni chavatakaina,
Mantri padavi yanna manasentO putteraa
Navayugaala baata naarala maata

Even for an otiose he-goat, or
For an ignorant and unlettered stupid
The chance of minister’s posting so coveted
Modern times’ way, Narla’s sway
(From Naarla Satakam)