What is the caste of the wafting breeze?

What is the caste of the wafting breeze?

What is the caste of the earth that we stand on?

What is the hideout of the sky?

What is the base of the sky?

What is the residing place of the light?

White is the only colour for milk.

Do words “ours” and “theirs” are proper even for merit?

Why are heroes discriminated by their caste?

Does not that difference of religion cuts open their hearts?

It is fame that finally remains in the world.

It does not fall to pieces even after ages.

The Devine certainly resides in you.

Your righteousness certainly walks in step with you.

 Karna is undoubtedly one of the greatest heroes of the epic Mahabharatha. When he is discriminated for his sootha caste, his wife Subhangi reflects on the issue of social groups. This piece of writing is based on the Telugu film song “Gaaliki Kulamedi …” from Karna (1963) featuring Sivaji Ganeshan, Devika and Savithri. This song was written by Dr. C. Narayana Reddy and set to music on raag pahaad by M.S.Viswananthan-Rama Muthy duo. The song was rendered by P.Suseela. This movie was directed by B. Ramakrishnaiah Panthulu.

Readers of other languages who enjoy the melody in this Telugu film song can also have a glimpse into its meaning.