Thiruvalluvar’s Day – Jan 16th

We celebrate this day to honour the contribution of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar to Tamil & Indian literature. Thiruvalluvar wrote Thirukkural.

Some facts about the book and the author that mesmerises me.

Thirukkural, is the only book in the world that has the highest number of translations after the King James Bible.

It is an ancient book of wisdom, world master piece, the greatest classic of the Tamil language.

Consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals or 133 different topics/ chapters.

Each chapter consists of 10 couplets.

Each couplet is of 7 words.

Thiruvalluvar is compared on par with the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato’s philosophical works by the Western world. Thirukkural transcends age, nationality, race, gender, status, etc.

What astonishes me is the fact that Thiruvalluvar address a wide range of issues and subjects impacting one’s life including governance, politics, war, ethics, economical matters, charity, education, friendship, labour, truth, learning, love, sex, martial life and so on. Every virtue of human life is touched upon by this genius.

All this 2000 years ago. Each and every 1330 couplets are valid and applies even till date. Such was the wisdom and clarity of this man.

Neither has the poet taken the sides of any king, religion, any specific language, location, river nor mountain range. Such neutrality maintained across.

Some say he was a king, some say he was a weaver.

His true name too is not known nor his religion nor place of birth.

And he leaves behind such gems of wisdom on ways to lead life. His wisdom will serve humanity for centuries to come.

Here goes one couplet. Written 2000 years ago, it talks about equality which we are yet to attain in reality.

பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் சிறப்பொவ்வா

செய்தொழில் வேற்றுமை யான்.

Couplet – 972; Chapter – Greatness

Meaning:

All human beings are regarded as Equals by birth, but differ in their characteristics, only because of the diverse qualities of their actions.