Kural #1053
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Tamil text
இரப்பன் இரப்பவர்க்கு ஈவதே
யேனை யிரப்பவர்க் கிரந்த வரின்
Irappan irappavarkku īvatē
Yēṉai yirappavark kiranta variṉ
English translation
I would beg and give to beggars rather than beg from those who have begged.
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Explanation
This kural presents a paradox: it is more honorable to beg and then give to others than to ask from someone who themselves has begged. This emphasizes maintaining dignity even in poverty.
விளக்கம்
இரப்பவர்க்கே இரந்து கொடுப்பது மேல். ஏற்கனவே இரந்தவரிடம் யாசிப்பது இழிவானது. வறுமையிலும் மானம் காக்க வேண்டும். இரவு அதிகாரத்தில், யாசிப்பதை விட கொடுப்பது சிறந்தது என்கிறது.
Word meanings
- இரப்பன்irappanI will beg
- இரப்பவர்க்குirappavarkkuto beggars
- ஈவதுīvatugiving
- ஏēindeed
- ஏனைēṉaiother/those
- இரந்தirantawho begged
- வரின்variṉthan/from
Story behind this kural
In a humble village, lived two beggars, Elara and Rohan. Elara was known for her kindness, even in her poverty. Every morning, she would gather what little alms she received and, if she found another beggar even more destitute, she’d share. Rohan, however, was always focused on hoarding, seeking the most generous patrons and keeping all for himself. One harsh winter, both faced starvation. Rohan, desperate, approached Elara, begging for a share of her meager provisions. Elara, though her own stomach growled, emptied her small bag, offering Rohan the few grains she had. "I have nothing left," she confessed, "but I can share what I have." Rohan, surprised, grumbled and left. That evening, another beggar, shivering and weak, approached Elara. Without hesitation, she offered the little warmth of her fire and shared her last grain. Rohan, watching from afar, felt a pang of shame. He understood then, that true wealth lay not in the coins one possessed, but in the generosity one offered.