Following is the translation of Thirukkural, a discourse on ethics, its author is Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, who lived around 3rd Century. Its translation is done by Mr. NV Subbaraman, he lives in Chennai.
Chapter 55
Just Government
அதிகாரம் 55
செங்கோன்மை
(ஆட்சியின் சிறப்புத் தன்மை)
~*~
Original
ஓர்ந்துகண் ணோடாது இறைபுரிந்து யார்மாட்டும்
தேர்ந்துசெய் வஃதே முறை.
Pronunciation
OarndhukaN Noadaathu iraipurindhu yaarmaattum
Thaerndhusey vahdhae murai.
Translation
Test and attest impartially
Consult and act the laws justly.
Comment
Just method of governance is to analyze the mistakes and wrongs done in a fair and impartial manner whoever it is and award due punishment without any prejudice whatsoever.
~*~
Original
வான்நோக்கி வாழும் உலகெல்லாம்; மன்னவன்
கோல்நோக்கி வாழும் குடி.
Pronunciation
Vaan noakki vaazhum ulagellaam mannavan
Koal noakki vaazhum kudi.
Translation
The earth looks up to sky and thrives
And mankind to king’s nod of justice.
Comment
The world thrives on the basis of rains from the skies; similarly the citizens on the just governance of the King/rulers.
~*~
Original
அந்தணர் நூற்கும் அறத்திற்கும் ஆதியாய்
நின்றது மன்னவன் கோல்.
Pronunciation
AndhaNar noorkkum araththirkkum aadhiyaay
Ninradhu mannavan koal.
Translation
The Sage’s scripture and virtue spring
From the scepter of a stately king.
Comment
What that sustains and supports the scholarly scriptural learning and following, is the scepter of the just king/ruler.
~*~
Original
குடிதழீஇக் கோலோச்சும் மாநில மன்னன்
அடிதழீஇ நிற்கும் உலகு.
Pronunciation
Kudithazheek koaloachchum manila mannan
Adithazhee nirkum ulaku..
Translation
The world clings to the ruler’s feet
Whose scepter clasps the people’s heart.
Comment
The world will follow the footsteps of the king/ruler who governs according to the laws of justice, taking care of the welfare of his citizens.
~*~
Original
இயல்புளிக் கோல்ஓச்சும் மன்னவன் நாட்ட
பெயலும் விளையுளும் தொக்கு.
Pronunciation
IyalpaLik koaloachchum mannavan naatta
Peyalum viLaiyuLum thokku.
Translation
Full rains and yields enrich the land
Which is ruled by a righteous hand.
Comment
In the land of the king/ruler who rules according to justice and fairness will be filled with good rains and yields.
~*~
Original
வேல்அன்று வென்றி தருவது; மன்னவன்
கோலதூஉம் கோடாது எனின்.
Pronunciation
Vaelanru venri tharuvadhu mannavan
Koalafdhoom koadaadhu enin.
Translation
Not the spear but scepter straight
That brings success to the monarch’s might.
Comment
The weapons do not bring success to a good king / ruler, but the manner in which he rules as per the laws and justice.
~*~
Original
இறைகாக்கும் வையகம் எல்லாம் அவனை
முறைகாக்கும் முட்டாச் செயின்.
Pronunciation
Iraikaakkum vaiyagam ellaam avanai
Muraikaakkum muttaachcheyin.
Translation
The king protects the entire earth
And justice protects his royal worth.
Comment
The king / ruler protect all his subjects; and the way he governs with justice and nobility will protect him and his worth.
~*~
Original
எண்பதத்தான் ஓரா முறைசெய்யா மன்னவன்
தண்பதத்தான் தானே கெடும்.
Pronunciation
ENpadhaththaan oaraa muraiseyyaa mannavan
ThaNpadhaththaan thaanae kedum.
Translation
Hard of access, the unjust king
He shall himself his ruin bring.
Comment
The ruler / king who does not give access to his subjects for making their submission and rule with justice and fair play will bring all woes on himself.
~*~
Original
குடிபுறங் காத்துஓம்பிக் குற்றம் கடிதல்
வடுஅன்று வேந்தன் தொழில்.
Pronunciation
Kudipurang kaaththuoambik kutram kadidhal
Vaduanru vaendhan thozhil.
Translation
Save his subjects and chide the wrong
Is flawless duty of a king..
Comment
Protecting his subjects from woes brought to them by him and others, and punishing those who commit wrongs is indeed duty and responsibility of the king / ruler. It is never a slur on him.
~*~
Original
கொலையிற் கொடியாரை வேந்துஒறுத்தல்; பைங்கூழ்
களைகட் டதனொடு நேர்.
Pronunciation
Kolaiyir kodhyaarai vaendhuoruththal pangkoozh
KaLaikat tadhanodu near. .
Translation
Killing killers, the king, behold
Weeds removes from cropful fiel;d.
Comment
Giving capital punishment to the hardcore criminals and protecting the good and virtuous, is like weeding out the from the crop filled field in order save the crop.
What are the special attributes of a Government just and right?
Shri. NVS steps in with Thiruvalluvar’s Voice!
All-time concern for people’s welfare ;
Crowning justice that ensures prosperity through timely rains;
Powerful wisdom of the learned, not the sparkling spears, is the real power ;
Accessibility to people at all times;
Courage to weed out wrongdoers and murderers the way the weeds are removed from the crops ; and
Impartial adherence to the law of the land!
Thanks OKRS.