Kural #754
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Tamil text
இன்றும் வருவது அழுக்கல்ல வம்பல்
இல்லார் பொருள்மேல் வளர்வது
Iṉdrum varuvatu aḻukkalla vampal
Illār poruḷmēl vaḷarvatu
English translation
The hatred that daily grows against the poor is not mere dirt but a loathsome affliction.
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Explanation
Social contempt toward the impoverished is not superficial dust that can be washed away but a deeply ingrained disease that spreads and intensifies with each passing day.
விளக்கம்
வறுமையில் வாடுவோரை வெறுப்பது அழுக்கல்ல; அது கொடிய நோய். செல்வம் பெருகப் பெருக, ஏழைகள் மீது வெறுப்பு வளர்வது தவறானது. பொருட்செல்வம் சேர்க்கும் வழியில், இரக்கமும் வேண்டும்.
Word meanings
- இன்றும்iṉdrumdaily/today also
- வருவதுvaruvatuthat which comes
- அழுக்குaḻukkudirt/filth
- அல்லallanot
- வம்பல்vampaldisease/affliction
- இல்லார்illārthose without
- பொருள்poruḷwealth
- மேல்mēlupon
- வளர்வதுvaḷarvatugrows/increases
Story behind this kural
In a bustling village, lived two men: Arun, the wealthy merchant, and Kumar, a humble potter. Arun, adorned in fine silks, often scoffed at Kumar's simple clothes and dwelling. "Look at him," he'd sneer, "always covered in dirt, a life of endless toil." The villagers, influenced by Arun's disdain, began to treat Kumar with similar contempt. They avoided his stall, whispered behind his back, and offered him less for his pottery. This treatment stung Kumar, but he continued his work. One day, a terrible storm ravaged the village. Arun's grand house crumbled, while Kumar's modest home, though damaged, remained standing. The villagers, now in need, turned to Kumar for shelter and aid. They saw the value in his steadfastness, his simple life, and the strength he possessed. Arun, humbled and alone, learned a harsh lesson about the true measure of a man.