Kural #921
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Tamil text
உட்கப் படாஅர் ஒளியிழப்பர்
எஞ்ஞான்றும் கட்காதலர் என்னும் சொல்
Uṭkap paṭāar oḷiyiḻappar
Eññāṉṟum kaṭkātalar eṉṉum col
English translation
Those called "liquor lovers" will never be feared and will forever lose their brightness.
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar opens this chapter by stating that those who love alcohol (கட்காதலர்) will never command respect (உட்கப்படார்) and will lose their honor (ஒளி இழப்பர்). The stigma is permanent.
விளக்கம்
கள் உண்பவர்களை யாரும் மதிக்க மாட்டார்கள். அவர்கள் புகழையும் இழப்பார்கள். கள்ளுண்ணாமை அதிகாரத்தில், மதுவின் தீமையை வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார். மது அருந்துதல் மரியாதை குறைக்கும்.
Word meanings
- உட்கuṭkato fear/respect
- படார்paṭārwill not be
- ஒளிoḷibrightness/honor
- இழப்பர்iḻapparwill lose
- எஞ்ஞான்றும்eññāṉṟumalways/forever
- கள்kaḷliquor/toddy
- காதலர்kātalarlovers
- என்னும்eṉṉumcalled
- சொல்colword/name
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his steady hand and clear mind, his fields always yielding the richest crops. Bala, however, was fond of the fermented fruit. He would often be found at the tavern, laughing loudly with his friends. One year, a terrible drought struck. The villagers gathered, seeking solutions. Arun, sober and clear-headed, suggested a plan to divert water from the river. His proposal was detailed and practical, and the villagers, recognizing his wisdom, followed his guidance. Their fields were saved. Bala, still under the influence of the drink, stumbled forward with a vague idea. His words slurred, and his plan made little sense. The villagers, though fond of him, dismissed his suggestion. They knew his judgment was clouded. The drought ravaged his fields, and his reputation withered along with his crops. He was no longer seen as a man of honor.