Tirukkural-On Virtue-On The Blessing Of Children-Kural-61

Cicero's emphatic query about children is almost another translation of this couplet of Valluvar's. 'What gift has Providence bestowed on man that is so dear to him as his children'?

The term 'Arivarindha' is interpreted by Parimelalagar as 'who have known what must be known', (i.e.,) have innate understanding, which is appropriate and adequate. The same idea has been recorded by Rajaji slightly differently as 'Who have grown up to true enlightenment'. The reference here is to all children and not merely to sons as restricted by Parimelalagar, and certainly not so in the India of today.