Kural #528
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Tamil text
பொதுநோக்கான் வேந்தன் வரிசையா
நோக்கின் அதுநோக்கி வாழ்வார் பலர்
Potunōkkāṉ vēntaṉ varicaiyā
Nōkkiṉ atunōkki vāḻvār palar
English translation
If a king regards people not equally but according to their merit, many will look to him and flourish.
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Explanation
A leader should not treat everyone identically (பொதுநோக்கான்) but according to their worth (வரிசை). Meritocracy attracts talent. When excellence is recognized and rewarded, many capable people will seek to serve.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 528: அரசன் எல்லோரையும் சமமாக நினைக்காமல், திறமைக்கு ஏற்ப மதித்தால், பலர் அவனை நம்பி வாழ்வார்கள். சுற்றந்தழால் அதிகாரத்தில், உறவுகளை மதிப்பதோடு, திறமையை மதிப்பதும் முக்கியம் என்கிறது. திறமைக்கு மரியாதை கொடுத்தால், நாடு செழிக்கும்.
Word meanings
- பொதுpotucommon/equal
- நோக்கான்nōkkāṉnot regarding
- வேந்தன்vēntaṉking
- வரிசையாvaricaiyāaccording to rank/merit
- நோக்கின்nōkkiṉif regards
- அதுatuthat
- நோக்கிnōkkilooking to
- வாழ்வார்vāḻvārwill live/flourish
- பலர்palarmany
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a shimmering lake, lived a king known for his fairness. Yet, his generosity was often spread evenly, regardless of effort. One year, a devastating drought struck. The king, following his usual custom, distributed grain equally. The diligent farmer, who had worked tirelessly to improve his land, received the same as the lazy one who had done nothing. Disheartened, the diligent farmer barely survived. Seeing this, the king realized his error. The following year, he announced a new system. He would reward those who showed skill and perseverance in cultivating their fields. The farmer who had worked hard received more seeds, tools, and assistance. The lazy farmer, seeing the rewards, finally began to put in effort. Soon, the village flourished. The lake reflected not only the sun but also a community where effort brought prosperity.