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Erroneous

Sir, — Reference to the article "Rajaji's unknown collaborator" by Gopal Gandhi (Sunday Magazine, Dec. 22) on Rajaji's Tamil poem "Kurai Onrum Illai": The Tamil word "kurai" could mean "sin" or "guilt" only remotely. The nearest and direct meaning could only be "imperfection". If Rajaji had meant "sin", he would have used an apt word. Moreover, the line was born of exultation of a soul (Rajaji) at finding the perfection of God and His creation (even amid its seeming imperfections).

It is also erroneous to translate the Tamil word "maraiyore" (Vedantis or realised souls) as "the learned". Only learning combined with deep piety and devotion can reveal God. "Marai" is "hide". The Vedas are called "Marai-nool" in Tamil as they carry the "hidden" truth of God.

V. Jeyapaul,
Rajapalayam, T.N.

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