44. The 'Wealthy' Selvam

'Thirty five years have flown away. It looks as if it was only yesterday that I got the appointment order for a government job. But I will be retiring next week!' reflected Sevam, rolling on his bed, not getting sleep.

When Selvam got a coveted government job after completing his college education, people close to him said, "Your parents named you Selvam, meaning wealth. Hereafter you will become a man of wealth."

Some people in his neighbourhood began to develop jealousy towards him even before he reported for his job. This jealousy was born out of the 'luck' that was bestowed on Selvam at a time when he was struggling to support a large family comprising his mother, two younger brothers and a younger sister. Even before the life others envisaged for him on becoming a government employee could become a reality, jealousy had set in.

But Selvam's life didn't have much to make people jealous. Selvam followed a code of integrity. He performed his job as a service, not as a business. People who tried to bribe him for getting things done in their favour were disappointed. He was an obstacle in the way of his superiors and colleagues who had no qualms about bending the rules in return for getting their palms greased. 

As a result, Selvam was frequently transferred from one office to another. He had to work in different places and constantly face the threat of getting shunted out to another place within a short period.

But Selvam was not perturbed. He was satisfied that he was getting his salary for performing his duties conscientiously.

His siblings, who at the beginning, carried away by the talks of people around them, dreamed of a life of riches and luxuries, were soon forced to reconcile to the reality after witnessing Selvam's outlook. His mother sometimes grumbled that her son was not smart enough to reap the benefits of his office. But eventually she came to appreciate Selvam's integrity and became proud of his righteousness. 

Selvam carried out his duty towards his siblings by providing financial support for their education. He performed the marriage of his sister. His brothers secured well-paying jobs after completing their education, became financially independent and then got married. 

Till the time his sister was married and his brothers became independent, Selvam did not encourage his mother's efforts at finding a suitable bride for him. 

Selvam married Valli when he was thirty six. Valli, who came from a poor family had expectations of a luxurious life after marrying Selvam, a government employee. 

Initially, she was disappointed that her dream of a wealthy life would never be realized, given Selvam's commitment to morality and scruples. However, like Selvam's mother, Valli also quickly learnt to appreciate Selvam's good qualities and feel good that she was blessed to have a good person like Selvam as her husband.

When Selvam looked back at his life, he was amazed at what he had accomplished using his modest means - educating his siblings, performing their marriages, giving appropriate gifts to his siblings' children on various occasions in his capacity as the elder brother of his siblings, as required by custom, taking care of the medical expenses of his mother, educating his only daughter and getting her married, rendering financial help to his relatives and friends, the ones who demanded help of him as if he was obliged to help them and others who approached him reluctantly, feeling embarrassed to seek his help!

'I have worked for thirty years But I don't own a house. I have not saved much money. So, what? Can I not rent a small house for me to live with my wife and my ninety year old mother and manage to live the rest of my life?'

When he was having his dinner, his wife Valli remarked, "You are going to retire from your job in about a week's time!"

Is she going to ask 'How are you going to manage the expenses? Are you taking up any job after retirement? Have you applied for any job?'

"Yes. What about it?'' asked Selvam, his voice showing his irritation that arose from anticipating what she was going to ask.

"All these years, you have been exerting yourself  for carrying out your responsibilities at the office on the one side and domestic responsibilities on the other. You had no mind to relish your meal. At least hereafter, feel relaxed, relish your meal and enjoy your leisure!" said Valli.

Selvam was overwhelmed with a feeling of joy and gratefulness. 

'What more happiness do I need in my life?'

Thirukkural
Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 5
Family Life

Verse 43 (In Tamil)

pazhiyanjip pAththUN udaiththAyin vAzhkkai
vazhiyenjal ejnjnAnRum ila.

Meaning:

If a person fears (and avoids) getting a bad name (by indulging in wrongdoings) while earning his livelihood, and follows the path of sharing his food (wealth) with others, the orderliness of such a life will never get disrupted.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'selvam sErththa selvam' by the same author)

Verse 45

Verse 43