545. The King's 'Night Outs'

"I hear that our king has been going out during the nights!"

"I also heard about it. He goes out, even without the knowledge of the king's personal security guards. It seems that the security guards come to know about the king's leaving the palace, only after he returns to the palace. The guards have been having a tough time, unable to make out when the king would leave the palace and when he would return. They couldn't ask the king, either!"

"Well, it is not appropriate for us to talk about this topic. If someone happens to hear us, we will be in trouble. Let us carry on with our work."

The two palace employees who had the above exchange, when they met each other on the street, went their ways.

"I have convened this advisory council, for an important reason. I am going to pose some questions. You should answer the questions truthfully. Even if I am at fault, you shouldn't hesitate to say so" said the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" said the minister. "But, before you ask your questions, will you permit me to ask you one question?"

"I know what your question is going to be. The questions I intend to ask you are related to the question you have in your mind. When you finish answering my questions, you will find that your question is answered too! Now, tell me what people say about my rule?"

"Your Majesty! It is well known that under your rule, people are happy and cheerful" said the minister.

"This is not an answer to my question" said the king, with a smile. He then turned to the Secret Service Chief and asked him, "I want you to answer this question." 

Having not expected the king to pose this question to him directly, the Secret Service Chief, stood up from his seat with a jolt and said, "Your Majesty! Except for a few, people have generally been talking in praise of your rule."

''I want to know what those few have been talking." 

"Your Majesty! There will always be a section of people, complaining and finding fault. After all, even Rama* was not spared!" said the minister.

"But Rama did not ignore the criticism. He acted on the criticism by taking an action which he considered appropriate" said the king. 

He then turned the Secret Service Chief and asked him, "Tell me what grievances were mentioned by people in their conversations."

"Nothing particular, Your Majesty. In general, people don't have any grievances. But as per the inputs I got from my men, some people feel that those who commit crimes are not brought to book, that even when they are caught, they are not punished appropriately and that consequently, some bad elements have been committing crimes, without fear. But, as the minister said, there will always be some people, trying to find some fault or other."

"You don't have to hesitate to tell me what your men told you. As your men told you, I myself have heard people airing such views" said the king.

"You have heard such talks!" exclaimed the minister.

"Yes, minister. I heard such talks, when I went out during some nights, in disguise. The question you had wanted to ask me was about my going out alone in the nights, wasn't it? And, you got the answer to your question, didn't you?" asked the king, looking at the minister with a chuckle.

"Pardon me for saying this, Your Majesty. This kind of criticism is voiced by people, who have no understanding of the justice delivery system in our kingdom. Let us not give any importance to this kind of thoughtless remarks" said the minister

"No, minister. I don't want to view this criticism lightly. As you know, there is a widespread belief among the people that if a king provides good rule, the country will have a regular monsoon and that the crops will grow well. Last year, we didn't have a good monsoon. As a result, the crops have withered and the output of foodgrains has fallen steeply. So, thinking that this might have resulted from some deficiency in my rule, I decided to visit some parts of the country, in disguise and listen to what people feel and say about my rule."

"Your Majesty! As you know, these kinds of beliefs are not rational. Viswamitra was a great king. But during his tenure as the king, his country faced a severe amine."

"What you say is true. But, when we come to know that people have some grievances, is it not our duty to redress them? Issue an order to all officials that wherever there is a wrongdoing, they should take strict action on those who commit such wrongdoings. The Secret Service Chief should bring all the grievances being expressed by people in their conversations, to the notice of the minister, whether the grievances are trivial or grave. And the minister should take action to redress them. This is my strict order." said the king.

The minister and the Secret Service Chief nodded their heads quietly.

Suddenly, there was a gust of heavy wind. Many doors of the windows in the palace were shut with a bang, by the force of wind.

"Your Majesty! I think there is going to be a heavy downpour!" said the minister, with excitement.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 55

The Right Sceptre

Verse 545 (in Tamil):

iyalbuLik kOlOchchum mannavan nAtta

peyalum viLaiyuLum thokku..

Meaning:

In the state of the king who rules justly, as befits a king,

even monsoons and harvests will happen unfailingly.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'nagarvalam' by the same author.)

Verse 546 (Soon)

Verse 544

544. The Gesture By the Sages

"I feel honoured and delighted that so many sages and scholars from various countries have come here to greet me, on my completing ten years of my incarnation as the king. At the same time, this is also a bit embarrassing to me.

"This may be an important day for me. But, it is surprising to me that wise men, sages and even the Rajagurus* of some kings have come here, to felicitate me. My minister Amaruvi has arranged for this event, keeping it a surprise for me. I may be sacking him, after this event is over!" said King Trilokachandran and looked at Amaruvi, with a smile.

Pungava, one of the most respected sages present there, told the king, "Oh, king! The entire world commends you, for nurturing your citizens like a mother and protecting them like a father. Even monarchs of other countries admire your rule and have sent their Rajagurus to felicitate you. Your minister organized this function, only in deference to the wishes of all of us."

"Oh, noble souls! I am grateful to you for your kindness and goodwill and for coming here to bless me. I want to prostrate at the feet of all of you. I request all of you to stand together, so that I can fall at your feet, by way of showing my respect to you, and expressing my gratitude to you for your love and affection towards me and for your goodwill and wishes."

Trilokachandran walby way of showing myked towards the gathering.

"Wait, king. Before you pay obeisance to us, there is something we need to do. Twelve of us, the oldest among us, want to make an offering to you, on behalf of all of us assembled here. After accepting our offering, you may pay obeisance to us, as desired by you" said Pungava.

Twelve elderly sages stepped forward and stood before the king. They then fell at his feet.

Startled by what the sages had done, the king stepped back, exclaiming, "Oh, my God! What is this? You are erudite ascetics, who deserve to be worshipped by the entire world. How can you prostrate before me!"

"Oh, king! A king who rules in such a way that his sceptre always remains straight, deserves to be worshipped by the entire world. We worshipped you on behalf of the entire world" said Pungava.

"Your Majesty! The ancient epic Tholkappiyam says, 'The wise men represent the world.' These noble men paying their obeisance to you amounts to the whole world paying its obeisance to you" said Amaruvi, the Minister.

* Rajaguru is a an erudite person whom the king considers his mentor and guide.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 55

The Right Sceptre

Verse 544 (in Tamil):

kudi tazhIk kOlOchchum mAnila mannan
adi thazhI niRkum ulagu.

Meaning:

The world will embrace the feet of the ruler,

who embraces his people and renders justice.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'munivargaLin seyal' by the same author.)

Verse 545

Verse 543

543. The Guru's Mission

"Guruji! Why do we migrate to a different country, every two or three years?" asked Vinayan.

"As you know, my mission is to spread the philosophy of my Guru to the entire world. That is why I visit country after country, propagate my Guru's philosophy, establish centres there for continuing this work and hand over the centres to scholars who have learned our philosophy thoroughly, entrusting with them the responsibility of running the centres and continuing to spread our philosophy. After completing my mission in one country, I move to another country. Wherever I go, I take you along with me, since, after my time, I want you take over my role and continue my mission" said the Guru.

"I think there is a lot of time for it" said Vinayan.

"We have just entered the Malava country. I will be sitting under this tree. Go into this town and explore how many schools of scriptures are there. Find out whether we can stay in one of them. Also find out how many educational institutions and charitable institutions offering free food are there. And, get some food or us".

"Are we going to propagate our philosophy in educational and charitable institutions also?"

"I will tell you, after you gather the details" said the Guru.

Vinayan returned after a while and told the Guru, "Guruji! There are only a few schools of scriptures in this place, but, all of them present a deserted look. Only a small number of students are attending the classes. When I talked to the people there, they said that not many people were interested in learning the scriptures and that nor were there many people interested in teaching scriptures, either. There is only one educational institution. But, it is not functioning now. The building is in dilapidated condition. This place has no charitable institutions, offering free food to the poor. People told me that there is just one person, who has been providing free food to pilgrims and other people visiting this place. I brought some food from that person." 

"Well. Let us eat, rest for a while in the shadow of this tree and then move to some other place and see how things are there" said the Guru.

After three days, the Guru told Vinaya, "This country is not suitable to us. Citizens of this country are not in a state of mind to receive spiritual knowledge. Let us go to some other country and pursue our mission" said the Guru.

"You have the practice of meeting the king of the country we visit. But, we are leaving this country, without visiting the king!" pointed out Vinayan.

"The sceptre of the king of this country is not straight. So, there will be no point in meeting the king."

"But no one complained to us about the king!"

"What is it that we saw, during three days we have been in this country? The scriptures are not being taught. They are not being recited, either. Activities like giving education to the people, feeding the poor and the pilgrims etc. are not being carried out. Only if the king's rule is just and fair, activities like imparting education to people through teaching them books of knowledge and wisdom and charitable activities will take place. It is not surprising that people have not complained to us about the king's rule. It is only natural that people will be afraid to complain, when they are under tyrannical rule" said the Guru.

"That is why we have to leave this country after three days, against our practice of staying in a country for three years!" said Vinayan.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 55

The Right Sceptre

Verse 543 (in Tamil):

andhaNar nURkum aRaththiRkum AdhiyAy
ninRadhu mannavan kOl.

Meaning:

The scriptures that scholars write and the virtues they extol,

have their roots in the sceptre of the ruler.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'nAdu vittu nAdu enRu' by the same author.)

Verse 544

Verse 542

542. Straight and Crooked!

"Welcome, Bard Sevvandhi! You are visiting my court after a long gap. I have seen you frequenting the court during my father's time. But after I ascended the throne, you are visiting me only now, after about a year" said King Magizhmaran. 

"Yes, Your Majesty. on the occasion of your carnation, I came to the palace, to felicitate you, After that, I didn't get an opportunity to visit your court" said Sevvandhi.

"Very well. You have the distinction of being one of the most renowned poets of our country and you have been making women pride. You may read out the poem you have composed. I am eager to listen to your poem."

After Sevvandhi recited her poem, every one in the court gave her an ovation.

"Excellent poem, Sevvandhi. But, as you know, I am not proficient in literary appreciation, as my father was. So, you may explain the meaning of the verse to me" said Magizhmaran, smiling.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty. I think it will be better if the minister explains the meaning of this poem to you, rather than I do it" said Sevvandhi, looking at the minister with a smile. "And, I think it will be better if the minister explains it to you leisurely, when you are alone, relaxing. I seek Your Majesty's permission to leave."

"Wait! I have not yet given you the reward for this poem."

"It is alright, Your Majesty. I will take the reward, when I meet you next time."

Sevvandhi paid obeisance to the king by putting her palms together and left.

Magizhmaran began to reflect.

"Tell me, minister! What is the meaning of the poem read out by Sevvandhi?" Magizhmaran asked the minister, when the two were alone.

"The crops, withering due to the failure of the rain to arrive, are looking at the sky, craving for the rain drops to fall. But, there are only white clouds on the sky, not the dark clouds that would deliver rain. The citizens are looking at the king's sceptre. The sceptre is straight, but its shadow is crooked and looks like a dark cloud crawling on the ground. This is the meaning of the poem" said the minister.

"I understand the meaning of the verse, alright. But, I think the verse has a hidden meaning too. There have been no rains in our country. Not only the crops, but also the people are looking at the sky, hoping for the appearance of dark clouds that would deliver rain. I am aware of this. But, why does the poet bring in the sceptre here? What does she mean by saying that the sceptre is straight, but that its shadow is crooked? Does she refer to the the oppression of the heat generated due to the hot weather? Does the description of the shadow of the sceptre as resembling a dark cloud signify that the sceptre is compassionate? Or, is there any sarcasm in the verse? Why did the poet suggest that I get the meaning of the verse from you, when I would be alone?"

"Your Majesty! You may not like the explanation for the poem given by me. That is why the poet suggested that you hear it from me, when you are alone. The poet says that as crops are looking up to the sky and that citizens are looking up to the king's spectre, believing that it would protect them, but implies that this has not happened. That's why she says that though the spectre is straight, its shadow is crooked!"

The minister paused.

"What do you mean, minister" asked the king, shocked by the minister's explanation.

"Your Majesty! I have tried to being the situation to your notice, a few times. But since I adopted a cautious approach and only hinted at the issues, lest you shouldn't get upset, I have perhaps not conveyed the message to you, effectively."

"Whatever the issues are, tell me about them directly. I will hear you with an open mind."

"Your Majesty, you are a person with a heart of gold. But, some people close to you - people belonging to the royal family - have been indulging in certain wrongdoings, with the connivance of a few officials. When there is a severe famine in the country, officials have been adopting high-handed methods to force people to pay taxes. Some members of the royal family have been misusing the funds in the palace treasury and spending money lavishly on luxuries."

"Why didn't you stop such things from happening?" asked the king, angrily.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty! When things are done in Your Majesty's name, how can I stop them. The Treasurer told me that he was collecting taxes and authorizing expenses, as directed by Your Majesty. I know that Your Majesty wouldn't have authorized such things. But I was not sure, if I told Your Majesty that some members of the royal family have been indulging in such practices how would Your Majesty take it!"

"Oh! That's why the poet said 'the spectre is straight, but its shadow is crooked!' Does his comparing the shadow to a dark cloud convey that I am a person with compassion?"

"That is how I have understood it, Your Majesty!"

"Fine. I will reprimand my family members and ask them to be restrained. I will advise the Treasurer to stop collecting the taxes and distribute the grains in the palace granary to the poor. I will issue an order that government officials should not do anything, without getting the approval from me or you. Arrange for an early meeting of the king's court. Let us discuss how we can help people during this grim situation and ensure that their suffering is mitigated to the maximum possible extent."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. You have once again proved that your spectre would never bend. Like your father, you will also be held in high esteem and loved by the people" said the minister, feeling overwhelmed by the king's response.

"But, minister! I have a question?"

"What is it, Your Majesty?"

"Was the poem written by the poet on her own, or did someone suggested the theme of the poem to her?" asked the king, with a mischievous smile.

"Your Majesty! I have to carry out the tasks given to me by you. May I take your live?"

The minister bowed to the king and slipped away.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 55

The Right Sceptre

Verse 542 (in Tamil):

vAn nOkki vAzhum ulagelAm mannavan
kOl nOkki vAzhum kudi.

Meaning:

The world survives, looking up to the skies for rain;

the people live, looking up to their ruler’s sceptre for justice.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'vaLaindha nizhal' by the same author.)

Verse 543

Verse 541

1128. Your Coffee Is Getting Cold!

"Our daughter drinks coffee several times a day, the way men do" said Sabhapathy.

"Why? Shouldn't women drink coffee often?" asked his wife Sivakami.

"You find fault with me for asking you to get me coffee quite often. That's why I mentioned it as a habit of men."

"If a person like you, who is sitting at home idle, needs coffee quite often, shouldn't a person like me, spending a lot of time in the kitchen need coffee? I too would take coffee now and then, when I am working in the kitchen!"

"So that's the way it is! It seems only I should face flak from you, for drinking coffee several times a day!" said Sabhapathy.

Seeing their daughter Selvi coming from the kitchen with a coffee tumbler in her hand, Sabhapathy asked her, "How many cups of coffee you had today so far?"

Selvi just smiled and sipped the coffee relishing its taste and flavour.

"Selvi! Drinking coffee is ok. But why do you drink it so hot? The coffee is so hot that you have to hold the tumbler with a cloth. If the coffee passes through your throat so hot, will your throat withstand the heat?" asked Sivakami.

"It is so soothing. Haven't you heard the saying, 'heat will add to the taste.'"

"Oh! It is a saying everyone should know!" said Sabhapathy, laughing.

"What Selvi? You have stopped taking coffee often. Moreover, you take it lukewarm or even cold like water. Why is this change?" asked Sivakami.

"Did you not say that drinking it very hot may hurt the throat?"

"But, you countered me with the saying that heat adds to taste!"

"Well. I find that lukewarm coffee has also a taste of its own. Moreover, I want to cut down my intake of coffee. If I drink the coffee lukewarm, I don't feel like drinking it often."

"I don't understand. You young girls keep changing your whims every day!" said Sivakami.

When Selvi was drinking coffee sitting in a restaurant with Murugan, Murugan asked her, "You used to take coffee very hot. I have seen you retuning the coffee to the server, saying that it was not hot enough and asking him to bring it steaming hot. But, nowadays, you let the coffee get cold and then drink it? Why is this change?"

"It is just for a change. There can't be a reason for every thing" said Selvi.

"I am sure there is a reason. But you won't tell me. I have been observing you from the time we started being close. You keep several things to yourself. You should be called 'Secretive Selvi!'"

"I hold YOU in your heart, not secrets!' quipped Selvi. 

'Since I hold you in my heart, I am worried that if I drink something hot, the heat will affect you. That's why I have contained my desire to drink coffee hot and been getting accustomed to drink it lukewarm or cold. But If say this is the reason for the change in my habit, will anyone including Murugan believe me?' thought Selvi.

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 113
In Praise of Love

Verse 1128 (in Tamil):
nenjaththAr kAdhal avarAga veythuNdal
anjudhum vEbakku aRindhu.

Meaning:

My lover dwells inside my heart. If I take anything hot, he will feel the heat. So, I am apprehensive of taking foods that are hot.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'ARiya kAppi' by the same author.)

Verse 1129 (Soon)
Verse 1127

541. Caught Red-Handed!

"Your majesty! This is a simple case. The thief has been caught red-handed. The judge has heard the case and delivered his judgement. The stolen article has also been recovered. Should you have to hear the case again?" asked the minister.

"You are aware how the hasty judgement of Pandya king Nedunchezhiyan resulted in sentencing the innocent Kovalan to death and the consequent tragedy of Madurai city going into flames, ignited by the righteous indignation of Kovalan's wife Kannagi, who demanded justice for her wronged husband. I have created the system of appeal, only to ensure that such an event should never happen in our country. In most of the cases, the people concerned accept the verdict of the judge. Only a few people, who feel that they have not got a fair verdict, choose to appeal. There is nothing wrong in giving another chance to the appellants" said the king. "Has the judge who heard the case come?" he continued.

When the judge arrived at his court, the king asked him to sit down and told him, "You are a wise and learned man with considerable experience in hearing cases. I have no doubt that you gave the verdict, only after ascertaining the facts through a thorough enquiry and weighing the evidence presented to you. However, since the person convicted by you has appealed against his conviction, the three of us - yourself, the Minister and me - are together going to review the facts of the case."

"Yes, Your Majesty" said the judge.

"Ok. Tell me the facts of the case."

"When a woman named Kanthamani was walking on the street, a man who was hiding somewhere in the street, suddenly came near her, snatched the necklace worn by her and ran away. People in the neighbourhood, on hearing the woman's cries, chased the thief. One of them caught the thief and took away the chain from him. Presently, other people also arrived at the place. They handed over the thief to the guards" said the judge.

"Oh, such a simple case!" remarked the king. "What did the accused say?"

"The name of the accused is Neelavan. He lives on the street, where the crime took place. He said that he was sleeping at his usual place on the street and that on hearing the noise, ran to the place to find out what was happening. He claims that people had mistaken him to be thief and caught him." 

"In that case, how did the necklace come into his possession?" asked the minister, in a tone of derision.

"He didn't admit that the necklace was in his possession, or that it was taken away from him." 

"Did anyone witness the person who caught Neelavan, grabbing the necklace from him?" asked the king.

"No, Your Majesty. People only saw a man catching Neelavan. I think it was not possible for people who were running towards the spot from behind to have seen the man grabbing the necklace from Neelavan." said the judge, somewhat reluctantly.

"Who was the person who caught Neelavan?"

"His name is Soman. He is a small merchant. He is a dignified person, respected in the society."

"Let me ask you one question. If the accused had been a dignified person and the person who caught him a man living on the street and if the accused had claimed that he didn't steal the necklace, what would you have done?" asked the king.

The judge hesitated for a moment and then said, "I would have considered whether his claim could have been true."

"When the person caught is one who lives on the street, we readily conclude that he should be the culprit! Ask the guards to check the background of Soman. Come and meet me after this enquiry is over" said the King.

The judge met the king after two days. 

He told the king, "Please  pardon me, Your Majesty! My finding was wrong. When I checked the background of Soman as per your advice, I learnt that he has huge debts. When the guards interrogated him, he confessed that it was he who snatched the necklace from the woman. Driven by an urge to raise money to meet the demand of some of his pressing debtors, he had, on an impulse, snatched the necklace of Kanthamani, thinking that since it was a lonely street, he would be able to escape, after snatching the necklace. But, when he saw that people were chasing him, he caught hold of a man running across the street and pretended to have grabbed the necklace from him. If you permit me, I will reverse my verdict, by releasing Neelavan and convicting Soman."

"You may do accordingly. To err is human. So, there is no need for you to feel bad about your coming to a wrong conclusion. Bear it in mind that you should focus on finding the truth, without having the background of any person in your mind" said the king.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 55

The Right Sceptre

Verse 541 (in Tamil):

Orndhu kaNOOdAdhu iRai purindhu yAr mAttum
thErndhu seyvahdhE muRai.

Meaning:

Investigating intensely, leading fairly without unduly favoring anyone, analysing and acting, constitute justice.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'mARiya thIrppu' by the same author.)

Verse 542

Verse 540

127. The Star Speaker

The television channel had arranged for a debate program to be telecast on the festival day of Deepavali.

Deviating from the channel's practice of conducting debates on light-hearted or inane topics, it had chosen the literary topic, 'Who was more responsible for wrecking Kannagi's marital life - Kovalan or Madhavi?'  

The recording of the debate was held in the presence of audience, as the channel always did.

Each side was represented by three popular speakers, two men and a woman. The hall was filled with audience who relished the jibes usually made in such debates, by speakers on each side on those of the other side. 

Parimala Selvakumar, who was the last speaker on the side holding Kovalan more responsible, said, "Madhavi didn't love anyone except Kovalan. In spite of having been born in the family of dasis, who by tradition, were required to provide company to many men, she remained chaste. But, Kovalan, who was married to Kannagi, abandoned her and went after Madhavi. Both Kannagi and Madhavi were abandoned by Kovalan, at different times. In a way, Madhavi was also a victim. So, it is not fair to hold her responsible for Kannagi's suffering."

Her speech was received with a loud applause, by the audience.

Subbiah, the judge, in keeping with his practice of adding pep to the debate, remarked, "Ms Parimala, through her strong arguments, has sought to establish that Kovalan was more responsible for Kannagi's sufferings. It is difficult to counter her arguments. Let us see how Mr. Ilankumaran is going to do it!" and invited Ilankumaran to speak for the other side.

As soon as Ilankumaran got up to speak, there was a big ovation. 

Ilankumaran was considered a star speaker in TV debates. He would always find a place in the debates organized by that channel. His record of customarily coming as the last speaker in all the debates and countering the points made by the speakers from the other side, through his clever and humorous remarks, had earned him a lot of popularity.

The popularity earned by him through his participation in the debates of that channel opened up opportunities for him to speak in several literary and spiritual platforms. 

Buoyed by the flood of offers received by him various forms, he quit his job and took up speaking as his full-time profession. He was getting invites from various places in the country, as well as from foreign countries, keeping him busy throughout the year.

Ilamkumaran began his speech:

"My sister Parmala painted Madhavi as an innocent lady. I am surprised that three people have chosen to defend Madhavi, who was a prostitute. Only people without character can speak in support of Madhavi."

For a moment, complete silence pervaded the hall. Ilankumaran, who expected an ovation for his "clever" remarks, looked around, perplexed.

Subbiah threw a reproachful look at him. Parimala was keeping her chin down and looking at the floor. The other two members of her side looked at him with an expression of shock. The head speaker of Ilankumaran's side nodded his head sideways in disapproval, while the woman speaker of his side looked at him sharply, as if trying to scorch him through the heat of her gaze.

Even as Ilankumaran was wondering whether a thoughtless word could have escaped his mouth, the judge pressed the bell, signaling him to end his speech.  Ilankumaran looked at the judge, felling confused why the judge was asking him to end the speech, when he had only just begun his speech.

The judge, by waving his hand frantically, signaled him to sit down. 

Even before Ilankumaran went back to his seat, the judge began to speak. "It is time for me to deliver my judgement. Some years back, there used to be debates on 'who was more chaste, Kannagi or Madhavi.'  After some time, they realized that talking about who was chaste was a waste of time and abandoned this topic."

The judge's attempt at humour, by using rhyming words 'chaste' and 'waste,' had only a mild effect, by creating gentle waves of laughter in the audience. 

Usually, even a mildly humorous remark made in this kind of debates will evoke a big laughter in the audience. But the disquiet created by Ilankumaran's remarks made the audience response subdued. Further attempts at humour made by the judge to dispel the unease didn't meet with much success. 

An official from the television channel approached Ilankumaran and took him behind the stage. The television cameras were focused on some other direction, so that this incident was not captured on video.

Ilankumaran was taken home in a car belonging to the television channel.

That night, Subbiah rang him up and said, "What have you done Kumaran? How could you have talked like that? Shouldn't you have been careful with your tongue?" in a tone of reprimand.

"No, sir. I said that in a lighter vein..." Ilankumaran struggled to explain. 

"It was not funny. Parimala spoke defending Madhavi. Then you said only people without character could defend Madhavi. What did it mean? Won't your remark have been construed as portraying Parimala as a person without character? The CEO of the television channel is furious. When the program will be telecast on the day of Deepavali, your remark will be cut. But, more than one thousand people watched the program today. Won't they talk about it and spread the details to others? Some media persons might also have been present. I don't know what they will do."

Ilankumaran realized the severity of the impact created by his thoughtless remark, only after Subbiah pointed it out to him. He decided to call up Parimala and apologize to her. He got her phone through one of his friends and called her. But, the moment he said, "This is Ilankumaran," she disconnected the call.

That evening, some television channels carried the news of his remark. They telecast the interviews of a few people, who had attended the program and heard Ilankumaan's remarks.

A person, who had surreptitiously recorded the event, shared the clipping of Ilankumaran's speech in social media. The post went viral and within a few hours, Ilankumaran's speech became a topic of discussion over the entire social media. 

lankumaran expressed his apology for his remark, explaining that it was inadvertent, unintended and thoughtless. But no one seemed to have taken notice of his apology. 

Ilankumaran's controversial remark remained a topic of discussion in the print, electronic and social media for the next few days. The suggestion by a few people that the issue should be put to rest, since Ilankumaran had tendered an apology, went unheeded.

Some people demanded that Ilankumaran should be arrested and prosecuted. Complaints were filed against him in courts and police stations at various places. Feminist forums conveyed their protest through statements and demonstrations.

In the telecast of the program made on Deepavali day, Ilankumaran was blacked out, for most part. Careful editing ensured that Ilankumaran was not shown as a participant in the program, except for his appearance on the stage in a few shots, which could not have been avoided,

By the time the controversy subsided after a few weeks, Ilankumran's engagements in India and abroad booked earlier had been cancelled. 

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 13
Restraint

Verse 127 (In Tamil)

yA kAvAr Ayinum nA kAkka kAvAkkAl
sOkAppar sol izhukkup pattu.

Meaning:

Even if nothing else can be restrained, one must control his tongue; if not, he will suffer because of the harm inflicted by his words.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'pattimanRap pEchchALan' by the same author)

Verse 128 (Soon)
Verse 126

540. Wanted: A Personal Assistant!

"Sir! At 11 o' clock, you speak in Chamber of Commerce meeting. At 6 o' clock in the evening, you preside over the Literary Association meeting and address the members" said Sabhapathy, personal assistant of Govindarajan, reminding him of his engagements for the day.

"Ok" said Govindarajan and took out a small sheet of paper from his desk drawer.

"Sir! If you don't mind, can I ask you a question?"

"By all means" said Govindarajan, smiling.

"You are an excellent orartor. You have delivered long speeches in many events, without any preparation. But, for certain meetings, you prepare the speech and go thorough it several times. May I know the reason for this?"

"My approach depends on the topic or subject of my speech. There are some general topics, on which I can talk impromptu and I can speak at length too. On such topics, I will speak whatever that comes to my mind. There will be no risk of saying something incorrect or inappropriate. In the background of my experience of having spoken on many occasions, some of my speeches might have come out well and earned me a good name. But for speaking on certain topics, requiring knowledge or detailed information, I need to prepare my speech in advance." 

"But you are well versed in the topic on which you will be speaking at the Chamber of Commerce today!"

"That may be the case. But I have to ensure that I don't leave out any point, I intend to cover in my speech. That is why, I have planned my speech and jotted down the points I want to cover. I make it a point to number the points serially and cover them in that order. If I am unable to recall a particular point, I will refer to the notes I have made and kept with me. But, usually, there will be no need for me to refer to my notes" said Govindarajan. 

"Have you prepared the speech you have to make in the literary association too?"

"Yes, of course. Literature is a subject in which I don't have much knowledge. They have invited me out of the goodwill they have for me. So, I should say something worthwhile in my speech, shouldn't I?" said Govindarajan, laughing.

"Sir! When you prepare so meticulously even for speaking on these kinds of events, I wonder how much planning you would have made for your life!" 

Immediately sensing that he might have taken too much liberty with his superior, Sabhapathy hastened to add, "Sorry, sir! I asked this out of curiosity."

"Nothing wrong in your asking this" said Gvindarajan. "I will answer your question. But, before that, I want to ask you something. Has it happened to you that you thought of doing a certain thing, but failed to do it, due to lethargy or forgetfulness?"

"Many times!"

"Even in my younger days, I realized how much I have lost, by not doing things that I intended to. So, I cultivated a routine."

Govindarajan pulled out another notebook from his drawer and showed it to Sabhapathy.

In that note book, a large number of entries had been made under the heading 'To do.' Many of the entries had been struck off.

"As soon as I think of doing something, I will note it down in a small sheet of paper, I always carry with me. Many ideas occur to us, but most of them will evaporate, if we don't capture them by recording them. While some of the thoughts may surface in our mind again after some time, some will never. We will  permanently lose such thoughts. That is why it is essential that we record our ideas., as soon as we think of them.

"Every night, before I go to bed, I will transfer the ideas noted by me in the piece of paper to this notebook. I will look at this notebook every morning, select the things I could do on that day and include them in my 'to do' list for that day. I may be able to do some of them and I may not be able to do some others. I will strike off the things I have done. 

"When I look at this notebook every day, I feel excited and exhilarated that I have been able to do so many things that I intended to. This feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment acts as a stimulus to do many more things. If I have been able to accomplish quite a few things in my life, this system I have been following is an important factor behind it. You may also try this approach" said Govindarajan.

"Yes, sir. Definitely" said Sabhapathy, enthusiastically.

"In that case, I will have to look for a new personal assistant!"

"Why, sir?" asked Sabhapathy, taken aback.

"If you start following this system, you will accomplish a lot, come up fast in your life and reach a high position soon. So, I will have to find a new person to take your place!" said Govindarajan, smiling.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 54

Avoiding Forgetfulness and Complacency

Verse 540 (in Tamil):

uLLiyadhu eydhal eLidhu man maRRum thAn
uLLiyadhu uLLap peRin.

Meaning:

If a person keeps focusing on his ideas, he will be able to accomplish all he intends to.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thEvai pudhiya udhaviyALar' by the same author.)

Verse 541
Verse 539

539. The Folly That Caused The Fall

"I think you know about Murad country" asked the Election Strategist Bhushan.

"Yes, I do. It is a small country that has a democratic system, like us. But, unlike our country which has a Parliamentary system, Murad has a Presidential form of government. But, why did you bring up Murad?" asked Prime Minister Kalicharan.

"A few years back, Gadse was the President of the country."

"Yes, I have heard the name, though I was not much interested in international politics at that time."

"Gadese was elected with a massive mandate from the people. The main reason for his resounding victory was the election promises made by him. He had vowed to bring back the black money, stashed by some of his countrymen in foreign nations and use that money for the development of the country. He also promised to root out corruption at all levels, create twenty million jobs a yea  and provide a transparent government. His promises created a lot of expectations in the minds of people and made them vote for him in a big way. But, after coming to power, he showed interest only in enjoying the fruits of his office. He didn't pay any attention to the problems faced by the country, but kept himself busy, by going around the world, visiting various countries, in the guise of developing trade and friendship with other nations."

"I remember his visit to our country."

"His globe-trotting created an impression that he had an obsession to visit as many places in the world as he could, during the tenure of his office. He bought two luxurious aircrafts for his personal travel, spent lavishly for building a mansion for him, bought expensive clothes and exhibited them, by changing his costumes several times a day." 

"Ok. But, did he fulfill the election promises he had made?" asked Kalicharan, interrupting Bhushan.

"I was coming to that. Not only he didn't fulfill his promises, but he also did things contravening his promises."

"In what way?"

"His economic misadventures, carried out without consulting the Economists or other professionals, resulted in the country's economy taking a nosedive. Millions of people lost their jobs. Thousands of small and medium businesses were forced to close shop, while a handful of large industrial groups close to Gadse flourished. Contrary to his promise of a transparent government, his government acted in surreptitious ways, doing things to benefit its favourite industrial groups. People who had asked questions were imprisoned under draconian laws, making it impossible for them to be released on bail, resulting in their suffering prolonged incarceration. Intimidated by this highhandedness, the media and the political commentators chose to remain silent. The few who dared to criticize, oppose or fight the government suffered loss of their freedom, properties and some even tof heir lives."

"Won't these actions have not created resentment among the people?" asked Kalicharan. 

"Gadse would often boastfully claim 'I don't see any enemies before me. And people are behind me.' With the opposition parties being weak, a perception about his claim being true. was created. The media, which was derisively referred to as the 'lapdog media,' proclaimed that in the next election, Gadse would secure even a bigger win than he did in the previous election. Even his opponents felt that his reelection was inevitable and resigned themselves to the prospect of continuing doom. But, contrary to the general expectation, Gadse was defeated in the next election."

"How did it happen?" asked. 

While most of the people believed that there was no leader who had the strength to contest against Gadse and defeat him, a young man chose to contest against him. All the opposition parties, who didn't have enough strengthen on their own, rallied behind the young man, and supported his candidature. But, no one expected that young man to win. When the votes our counted and the results announced, every one was stunned in disbelief. The young contender had won, defeating Gadse with a big margin.

"Yes. I remember his name now. He was Karun. I have read that he provided a good government. But how did he manage to defeat the mighty Gadse?"

"It was an expression of people's resentment, dissatisfaction and anger at Gadse, who, intoxicated by power, had a nonchalant attitude about fulfilling the election promises made by him. The leaders of the opposition parties, who were submerged in the illusion created by Gadese, failed to read the people's minds. But the reality was that people were ready to vote for anyone, who contested against Gadse" said Bhushan.

Kalicharan, who was silent for a few seconds ,told Bhushan, "I can understand why you are talking to me about Gadse," with a smile on his face.

"I am your political strategist. It is my duty to guide you in the right path and help you win. But, people around you have been praising you high and misleading you into believing that your opponents have become so weak and that you have become invincible. But, I want to be honest with you. It has been a year, since you came to power. You have not yet taken any steps to fulfill the promises you made during the election. It is my humble suggestion that you should, without wasting further time, take steps to implement the promises made by you to the people. Only if you fulfill your obligations towards the people, you will be able to remain successful in politics" said Bhushan and looked at Kalichran, not being sure of how the Prime Minister would take his exhortation.

Kalicharan quietly nodded his head 

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 54

Avoiding Forgetfulness and Complacency

Verse 539 (in Tamil):

igazhchchiyin kettArai uLLuga thAm tham
magizhchchiyin maindhuRum pOzhdhu.

Meaning:

Think of those who were doomed due to derision and negligence,

when you bask smugly in the glory of your might.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kadhaiyum kAraNamum' by the same author.)

Verse 540
Verse 538

1131. Times Are Changing , But...

Year: 1721

Respected lover!

Salutations from the one, who is blessed to be the object of your love.

I am writing this message to you on a palm leaf, after setting my feminine quality of restraint aside, for a while.

I am sending this letter through my close friend Mekala, who is visiting Thanjavur, where you are stationed, considering this an opportunity bestowed on me by God to communicate with you.

Mekala has a relative in Thanjavur, who is a merchant. Mekala has assured me that she would be able to locate you through him and hand over this letter to you.

How interested she is in helping me communicate with my lover!

You are a handsome lad, bestowed with intelligence and wisdom. I have often wondered why you chose to shower your love on this poor girl.

After conveying your love to me, which I was only too glad to accept, you met me alone several times and enthralled me with your sweet words. I often recall, how, when we two were alone in a secluded place, you hugged me and... (I feel shy to describe how you made me experience your love!)

Even as I am writing this letter, my mind is getting overwhelmed with both the pleasant memories of your company and the agony of  my separation from you.

After making me submerge in the soothing waters of love, you suddenly left this place, saying that you were leaving for Thanjavur for doing trade. Since that time, I find myself having been pushed into an ocean of grief.

Neither being able to swim, nor having the mind to to get drowned, I am struggling in this ocean of grief. The purpose of writing this letter is to apprise you of my situation.

After receiving this letter, rush here, pull me out from this ocean of grief and take me ashore.

I am waiting for you desperately like the Sataka* bird waiting for the rain drops to fall in its mouth and quench its thirst.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Your  Cherishing Lover

                                                               the desperate Mathivadhani 

* Sataka is a bird mentioned in Hindu mythology. This bird would drink only the rain water. It would remain thirsty till the rain drops fall.                                                                                          

Year: 1921

Dear lover!

This is Parvathy, the poor girl, in whose heart you have ever been dwelling. I am submitting this letter to you, after prostrating at your feet a thousand times.

If you think that my writing a letter to you is inappropriate, please pardon this ignoramus.

I am sending this letter by registered post so that it will be delivered to you in person. To pay for the postal charges, I got money from my mother, by lying to her that I needed money to buy face powder  If she asks me about the face powder tin bought by me, I will have to show her the old face powder tin and manage!

You met me in a temple, took a liking for me, followed me, conveyed your love to me and won over me.

After that, we met several times in secluded places and became intimate.

One day, you suddenly left this place, saying that your father was not feeling well. It has been a month, since you left me. There has been no communication from you. I pray to God that your father recover from his illness and regain his normal health.

I can understand that you didn't write to me, fearing that your letter might be seen by my parents 

I am writing to you, being unable to suffer my separation from you. I hope that you will return to this place soon and reunite with me.

My pining will be over, only when you look at my face with love and hold my hand with affection.

Please write to me at the address of my friend I have given below. Her parents cannot read or write. If they ask her about the letter, she will say something and manage them. She will hand over the letter to me.

Please reply immediately.                                                                                                                                                      Yours lovingly                                                                    Parvathy  

Year: 2021

 WhatsApp message sent by Shailu to Viswas 

Hey!

You met me in a restaurant and said you loved me. We both spent time together, visiting malls, watching movies and having fun. You suddenly left for Mumbai on office work, telling me that you'd be back in four days. 

There has been no call or message from you even after one week. I didn't call you or text you, thinking that you'd be busy with your office work. But your silence is making me mad.

You may not have feelings, but I do. That's why I'm texting you, without standing on prestige. 

I want you to make a video call to me this evening. If you don't, then you'll see the ugly side of me!

Your Love

Shailu                                                                                

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 114
Shedding Shyness

Verse 1131 (in Tamil):
kAmam uzhandhu varundhinArkku Emam
madal alladhu illai vali.

Meaning:

For those suffering from the pangs of love, there is no other source of strength than writing a letter. 

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kAlangaL mARinAlum' by the same author.)

Verse 1132 (Soon)
Verse 1130

538. The Saint's Questions

"Swamiji! I can't say I don't have faith in spirituality, but in my busy life, I have not allocated time for it" said Pachaiyappan.

"Why did you have me stay in your house, then?" asked Saint Arutchelvam.

"It was my friend Manickam who made this arrangement. My house is the biggest in this village. I have earmarked the entire first floor for you. You have this room with all facilities. The space outside can be used for your devotees to sit and listen to your talk. There is no other place in this village that has such large space and facilities for your comfortable stay for three days and for your devotees to come here to see you, listen to you and interact with you" said Pachaiyappan, proudly.

"Tell me something about your background."

"I started my business in a small way, by buying old goods from households and selling them to dealers. Today, I have a steel roll mill and a factory making cooking vessels" began Pachaiyappan. He then narrated his struggles, the challenges faced by him and his achievements.

"Oh, very good! I hope you are taking good care of your family."

"Of course, I am. I am giving a large sum as monthly allowance to my wife and my two sons. They can use that money to buy things, go to places and otherwise spend it the way want."

"Do you go on tours with your family members?"

"I don't have time for such things. After all, I give them a liberal allowance. They can travel to the places they like."

"What about going to films or other programs with them?"

"I have told them that they they could go wherever they want, but that they should not ask me to come along. I am always occupied with my business. I don't even watch TV with them, sitting at home!"

"Do you visit temples?"

"Swamini! As I had  told you already, I have not turned my mind to topics like religion, God, spirituality etc. I have not even pondered over the question whether there is a God."

"Are your parents alive?"

"No. They passed away several years back."

"Do you perform annual ceremonies for them?"

"After performing the funeral rites for them, I have not performed any other rite. I don't even consciously think of their death anniversaries. Sometimes, I may remember the anniversary on the particular date. I will think, 'Oh, today is 17th August. My father passed away this day.' But I would stop with that thought and pursue my normal activities."

"Do you contribute to charities, or help the poor in some way?"

"Swamiji! I believe that everyone has to take care of himself. I find the very idea of helping others repulsive."

Arutchelvam closed his eyes for a few seconds. He then told Pachaiyappan. "Ask Manickam to come here."

"Why, Swamiji? If you need something, I will get it done" said Pachaiyappan.

"Pachaiyappan! You have not been following any of the duties prescribed by noble men. You are not even being affectionate towards your family members. I don't feel right about staying in your house. I will ask Manickam to find some other place for me to stay. Siting under a tree will also be fine" said the Saint.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 54

Avoiding Forgetfulness and Complacency

Verse 538 (in Tamil):

pugazhndhavai pORRIch cheyal vENdum seyyAdhu
igazhndhArkku ezhumaiyum il.

Meaning:

Deeds that have been extolled by the wise and noble men should be done diligently. Those who belittle these deeds and neglect to perform them will not find happiness in any of their seven births.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thuRaviyudan oru uraiyAdal' by the same author.)

Verse 539
Verse 537