Kural #735
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Tamil text
பொறையொருங்கு மேல்வரினும் பொன்னுழிப் படையாதாம்
மற்றைப் பிறவும் நாடு
Poṟaiyoruṅku mēlvarinum poṉṉuḻip paṭaiyātām
Maṟṟaip piṟavum nāṭu
English translation
A country should not suffer scarcity even when enemies attack together; it must have other resources beyond what is immediately visible.
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Explanation
A well-governed nation maintains hidden reserves and resources. Even when facing united enemy forces, it should not fall into poverty or scarcity, possessing strategic reserves beyond what is apparent.
விளக்கம்
நாடானது எதிரிகள் சேர்ந்து தாக்கினாலும், வளம் குறையாமல் இருக்கணும். மறைவான செல்வமும், திறமையும் இருந்தா நாடு தப்பிக்கும். இது நாட்டின் வலிமையை அதிகப்படுத்தும்.
Word meanings
- பொறைpoṟaiburden/attack
- ஒருங்குoruṅkutogether
- மேல்வரினும்mēlvarinumeven if coming/attacking
- பொன்poṉgold/wealth
- உழிuḻiscarcity/lack
- படையாதாம்paṭaiyātāmwill not suffer
- மற்றைmaṟṟaiother/additional
- பிறpiṟaother things
- ஆம்āmbeing/having
- நாடுnāṭucountry
Story behind this kural
In the valley of Eldoria, nestled between towering peaks, lay two villages, Oakhaven and Riverbend. Oakhaven, known for its fertile fields, focused solely on its abundant harvests, displaying its wealth openly. Riverbend, though less visibly prosperous, carefully stored grains and other provisions in hidden cellars, far from the prying eyes of their neighbors. One harsh winter, a blizzard swept through Eldoria, destroying crops and isolating the villages. Oakhaven, with its exposed wealth, quickly ran out of food, its people facing starvation. They looked with envy at Riverbend. The villagers of Riverbend, however, remained safe and secure. They opened their hidden stores, sharing with Oakhaven even while they faced the same storm. The villagers of Oakhaven learned that true security came not from what was readily seen, but from what was wisely kept.