Kural #394
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Tamil text
உவப்பத் தலைக்கூடி உள்ளப் பிரிதல்
அனைத்தே புலவர் தொழில்
Uvappat talaikūṭi uḷḷap pirital
Aṉaittē pulavar toḻil
English translation
The work of scholars is to meet with joy and part with fond remembrance.
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar describes the beautiful fellowship of the learned: they meet with உவப்பு (joy), and when they part, they remain in each other's உள்ளம் (heart/memory). True scholarship creates lasting bonds.
விளக்கம்
கல்வியின் சிறப்பை இக்குறள் கூறுகிறது. அறிஞர்கள் கூடும்போது மகிழ்ச்சியுடனும், பிரியும்போது நினைவுகளுடனும் செல்வர். நல்ல கல்வி நட்பை வளர்க்கும். இதுவே புலவரின் கடமை.
Word meanings
- உவப்பuvappajoyfully
- தலைக்கூடிtalaikūṭimeeting/gathering
- உள்ளuḷḷain the heart
- பிரிதல்piritalparting
- அனைத்தேaṉaittēthat is all
- புலவர்pulavarscholars
- தொழில்toḻilwork/nature
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two potters, Kumar and Ravi. Kumar, known for his stern demeanor, crafted sturdy, practical pots. Ravi, with a cheerful heart, shaped vessels of delicate beauty. They rarely spoke, each consumed by their craft. One day, a traveling merchant, impressed by Ravi's artistry, commissioned a grand water urn, inlaid with shimmering stones. Ravi toiled for weeks, pouring his heart into the creation. Kumar, observing the process, found himself unexpectedly captivated. He offered suggestions, sharing his knowledge of firing techniques. When the merchant departed, his cart laden with the urn, both potters felt a pang of loss. Yet, in its place bloomed a newfound respect and appreciation for each other's skills. They began to collaborate, Kumar's strength complementing Ravi's finesse. Their shared craft, once solitary, became a source of joy and lasting connection.