Kural #981
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Tamil text
கடனென்ப நல்லவை எல்லாம்
கடனறிந்து சான்றாண்மை மேற்கொள் பவர்க்கு
Kaṭaṉeṉpa nallavai ellām
Kaṭaṉaṟintu cāṉṟāṇmai mēṟkoḷ pavarkku
English translation
All good deeds are considered duties for those who, knowing their obligations, embrace nobility of character.
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Explanation
For the truly noble, good deeds are not optional acts of kindness but mandatory duties. Nobility means recognizing one's obligations (கடன்) and fulfilling them. சான்றாண்மை encompasses all virtues - it is complete moral excellence.
விளக்கம்
நல்ல செயல்கள் எல்லாம் கடமை என்று சான்றோர்கள் சொல்வார்கள். சான்றாண்மை உடையவர்கள், தங்களின் கடமைகளை உணர்ந்து அவற்றைச் செய்வார்கள். இந்த அதிகாரம் சான்றாண்மையின் சிறப்பை கூறுகிறது. கடமையைச் செய்வதே உயர்ந்த குணம்.
Word meanings
- கடன்kaṭaṉduty/obligation
- என்பeṉpathey say/are considered
- நல்லவைnallavaigood things
- எல்லாம்ellāmall
- அறிந்துaṟintuknowing
- சான்றாண்மைcāṉṟāṇmainobility of character
- மேற்கொள்பவர்க்குmēṟkoḷpavarkkufor those who embrace
Story behind this kural
The village of Eldoria thrived because of its clear river, but the river was prone to flooding. Each year, the waters would rise, threatening the homes and fields. The villagers, however, were accustomed to the cycle, rebuilding each time. One year, a young man named Theron noticed the eroding banks. He understood the floods’ destructive power. Instead of rebuilding his own home, he rallied the villagers. He led them to gather stones and reinforce the river's edge, working tirelessly. Some villagers grumbled, preferring to focus on their own shelters. Others joined Theron, inspired by his dedication. When the floodwaters finally surged, they were contained, the village spared. While others had to rebuild, Theron’s home was safe, but he had already moved on, helping others repair their homes. The following year, Theron started a project to build a dam. He worked tirelessly, driven by a deep sense of responsibility for his community.