Following is the translation of Thirukkural, a discourse on ethics, its author is Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar who lived around 3rd Century. It’s translation is done by Mr. NV Subbaraman, he lives in Chennai.
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படைகுடி கூழ்அமைச்சு நட்புஅரண் ஆறும்
உடையான் அரசருள் ஏறு.
Pronunciation:
Padaikudi koozh amaichchu natpuaraN aarum
Udaiyaan arasaruL aeru.
Translation:
Lion among the kings
Blessed with good people, troops
Wealth, forts, council, friends!
Comments:
Among the kings, he is the lion blessed with six aspects viz strong forces, noble subjects, plenty of food grains, good Ministers, good friendship and high security. This is a chapter dealing with kings of those days and their governance; equally applicable to the present democracies as well.
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அஞ்சாமை ஈகை அறிவு ஊக்கம் இந்நான்கும்
எஞ்சாமை வேந்தற்கு இயல்பு.
Pronunciation:
Anjaamai eekai arivu ookkam innaangum
Enjaamai vaendharkku iyalbu.
Translation:
Courage, charity,
Knowledge and zeal are traits great
Add king’s dignity!
Comments:
Fearlessness, charity, deep knowledge and wisdom and great enthusiasm – the one who is blessed with plenty indeed becomes a good king and Governor.
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தூங்காமை கல்வி துணிவுடைமை இம்மூன்றும்
நீங்கா நிலன்ஆள் பவர்க்கு.
Pronunciation:
Thoongaamai kalvi thuNivudaimai immoondrum
Neengaa nilanaazh pavarkku,
Translation:
Alertness, learning,
Bravery sure provide strength
To the king yearning!
Comments:
Taking action without delay, complete knowledge born out of education, boldness- these three virtues must always be the strength of a king.
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அறன்இழுக்காது அல்லவை நீக்கி மறன்இழுக்கா
மானம் உடையது அரசு.
Pronunciation:
Aran izhukkaadhu allavai neekki maranizhkkaa
Maanam udaiyadhu arasu.
Translation:
King he is who sure
Holds justice, courage, morals
High and noble pure!
Comments:
Maintaining justice while ruling, good valor and skill to be constantly aware of his name- the king who is blessed with these indeed prove to be a great king/ruler.n
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இயற்றலும் ஈட்டலும் காத்தலும் காத்த
வகுத்தலும் வல்லது அரசு.
Pronunciation:
Iyatralum eettalum kaaththalum kaaththa
Vaguththalum valladhu arasu.
Translation:
He is king noble
Who makes, stores, guards, puts to use
The wealth for all stable!
Comments:
Creating wealth, storing his wealth, guarding the saved, proper distribution among the subjects – important functions of the king/ the ruler.
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காட்சிக்கு எளியன் கடுஞ்சொல்லன் அல்லனேல்
மீக்கூறும் மன்னன் நிலம்.
Pronunciation:
Katchikku eLiyan kadunjchollan allanael
MeekkooRum mannan wilam.
Translation:
The world will applaud
The king easy to access
Sweet and kind gives nod!
Comments:
The king who is easily accessible to his subjects, who speaks sweet words shunning the harsh ones and who is kind to the people will be admired by the society.
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இன்சொலால் ஈத்துஅளிக்க வல்லார்க்குத் தன்சொலால்
தான்கண் டனைத்துஇவ் வுலகு.
Pronunciation:
Insolaal eeththu aLikka vallaarkkuth thansolaal
Thaan kaNdanaiththuiv vulagu.
Translation:
By words of wisdom
Compassion, guards the people
King’s divine kingdom!
Comments:
Fame name and popularity visit the king automatically who has compassion and kind words towards his subjects.
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முறைசெய்து காப்பாற்றும் மன்னவன் மக்கட்கு
இறைஎன்று வைக்கப் படும்.
Pronunciation:
Murai seydhu kaappaatrum mannavan makkatku
Irai endru vaikklappadum.
Translation:
Punish the guilty
Guard the innocent and all
Deemed Divine plenty!
Comments:
The king who fails not to punish the guilty and protects the good and innocent will be deemed to be God by his people.
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செவிகைப்பச் சொற்பொறுக்கும் பண்புடை வேந்தன்
கவிகைக்கீழ்த் தங்கும் உலகு.
Pronunciation:
Sevikaippach chorporukkum paNpudai vaenthan
Kavikaik keezth thaangkum ulagu.
Translation:
The world rests on him
Where noble king minds not insult
Keeps his subjects trim!
Comments:
The kingdom will be under his care where the king minds not the insults and keeps his subjects well and contented.
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கொடைஅளி செங்கோல் குடிஓம்பல் நான்கும்
உடையான்ஆம் வேந்தர்க்கு ஒளி.
Pronunciation:
KodaiaLi sengkoal kudioambal naangum
Udaiyaan aam vaendharkku oLi.
Translation:
Nice tenets four gross
Bounty, justice, care and grace
Strength your life draws!
Comments:
The king who is great in giving, speaking with smiling face, keeping the people safe and secured, providing good justice will be a role model for other kings/the rulers.