Kural #105
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
உதவி வரைத்தன்று உதவி
உதவி செயப்பட்டார் சால்பின் வரைத்து
Utavi varaittaṉṟu utavi
Utavi ceyappaṭṭār cālpiṉ varaittu
English translation
The value of help is not measured by the help itself, but by the worth of the person who receives it.
Listen
Explanation
The same favor given to different people has different values. A grateful person elevates any help received, while an ungrateful person diminishes even great assistance. The receiver's character determines how help is valued and remembered.
விளக்கம்
உதவியின் மதிப்பு, உதவியின் அளவைப் பொறுத்ததல்ல. உதவி பெற்றவரின் குணத்தைப் பொறுத்தே அதன் மதிப்பு உயரும். நன்றியுள்ளவர் சிறிய உதவியையும் பெரிதாக மதிப்பர். இது செய்ந்நன்றி அறிதல் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- உதவிutavihelp/favor
- வரைத்துvaraittuis measured by
- அன்றுaṉṟuis not
- செயப்பட்டார்ceyappaṭṭārthose who received
- சால்பின்cālpiṉby the worth/character
Story behind this kural
The old farmer, Elan, found two lost ducklings shivering in the cold. He brought them home, shared his meager food, and built a warm nest. One duckling, Duli, was always restless, squawking for more, never acknowledging Elan's kindness. The other, Priya, chirped happily, nuzzling Elan's hand, and offering him the best of what she found. When the rains came, flooding the village, Elan's hut was threatened. Duli, grown strong, flew away, ignoring Elan’s cries. Priya, however, stayed. She pecked at the mud, diverting the water, and squawked loudly, alerting the villagers to the danger. They came and helped save Elan and his home. Later, the villagers praised Priya's loyalty. They spoke of her kindness and the debt they owed her. Duli, returning months later, was met with indifference. His strength had been a fleeting advantage; Priya’s gratitude, a lasting treasure.