Kural #726
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Tamil text
பல்லா ரளிக்கும் பகையகத்து
நல்லார் சொல்லிற்கண் சோர்வு படும்
Pallār aḷikkum pakaiyakattu
Nallār colliṟkaṇ cōrvu paṭum
English translation
In an assembly that favors many speakers, even noble speakers will falter in their speech if they fear.
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Explanation
When an assembly is filled with many voices competing for attention, even those with good knowledge and noble intentions will stumble in their words if they lack confidence and courage to speak boldly.
விளக்கம்
பலர் பேசும் சபையில், நல்லவர் பயந்தால் தடுமாறுவர். அவை அஞ்சாமை அதிகாரத்தில், தைரியமாகப் பேச வேண்டும் என்கிறது குறள். பயம் அறிவை மறைக்கும், தன்னம்பிக்கை அவசியம்.
Word meanings
- பல்லார்pallārmany people
- அளிக்கும்aḷikkumgiving/allowing
- பகைpakaidivision/opposition
- அகத்துakattuin the midst/assembly
- நல்லார்nallārgood/noble people
- சொல்colword/speech
- இற்கண்iṟkaṇin regard to
- சோர்வுcōrvuweakness/faltering
- படும்paṭumwill suffer/undergo
Story behind this kural
In the village of Eldoria, a grand market day was underway. Merchants and townspeople gathered, eager to hear the annual wisdom-speaker. This year, two were chosen: Anya, known for her sharp intellect, and Borin, admired for his courageous spirit. Anya began. Her words were like polished gems, each sentence perfectly crafted. But as the crowd's chatter and the merchants' calls grew louder, her voice trembled. She glanced at the boisterous crowd, and her carefully prepared speech dissolved. She stumbled over words, her confidence crumbling. Then, Borin stepped forward. He paused, looked at the crowd, and smiled. Though his words were simple, they rang with truth and conviction. He spoke clearly, ignoring the distractions. He finished to resounding applause. The villagers dispersed, discussing the day. Anya, dejected, watched Borin receive congratulations. Her knowledge was vast, but fear had silenced her. Borin, though not as learned, possessed a different kind of strength that allowed his message to be heard.