For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Tirukkural-On Virtue-Good Reputation-Kural 231

By Staff

Thirukkural, Kural 231
Eedhal isaipada vaazthal adhuvalladhu
Oodhiyam illai uyirku

In life, nothing is as worthwhile as The public esteem arising out of charity.

Charity and the public recognition of it are about the most worthwhile things in life. The term charity of Valluvar's conception would cove, I am sure, not only the giving of alms but also all of the modern concept of discriminatory social service, amounting to social justice. It is only the man, who gives of his wealth and efforts abundantly and unreservedly to his fellowmen, who will qualify to be described by Valluvar's term 'Anbudaiyar'. Refer Kural 72. only such a Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), whose love and generosity extends beyond the narrow confines of his family, kith and kin, to the poor and the needy of his neighbourhood, whatever and wherever they are, will, according to Valluvar, gain lasting renown.

There is reference in Sangam literature to this idea in the following line of Maduraikanchi.
Eethal ullamodisai vaetkuvaiyae

( Maduraikanchi....205)

Story first published: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 11:43 [IST]
Read more about: good reputation thirukural