453. Latha's Concern

Sekar, who had lost his parents during his childhood, was brought up by his father's brother Muthusamy.

After the demise of Sekar's father, his properties had devolved to Sekar. However, the properties were held by Muthusamy, in his capacity as Sekar's guardian, till Sekar attained the age of 18.

Muthusamy brought up Sekar, without trying to exercise too much control on him. 

Sekar enjoyed the freedom granted to him by his uncle. He pursued his interests and engaged himself in activities that interested him. However, he acted responsibly, without going astray, and focused on his studies.

After completing his education, Sekar took up a job. After a few years, he quit his job and started his own business.

In course of time, Muthusamy passed away.

Annamalai, who was Sekar's classmate and friend in the school, joined a political party after completing his school education and became a popular leader within a short period. Sekar's friendship with Annamalai continued, even after Annamalai had become a political leader.

Sekar got married to Latha.

A girl was born to Sekar and Latha, ten years after their marriage.

Sekar decided to celebrate his daughter Sumathy's first birthday, in a grand manner.

"Why do you want to celebrate our daughter's birthday in a big way? Can't we celebrate it in a simple way?" asked Latha.

"We had to wait for ten years for a child to be born to us. My business has grown well. We are quite well off. Why should we celebrate Sumathy's birthday in a simple way?"

After hesitating for a minute, Latha asked Sekar, "You will invite your friend Minister Annamalai to the function, won't you?"

"Definitely. Though he is a Minister now, he will attend the function, even if has to skip a cabinet meeting, to attend our function!"

"People don't have a good opinion about him. They say he is corrupt."

"How are we concerned about it?"

"You don't understand. You are a good person. You have come up in life, using your abilities, through your own efforts. But, since you are close to Annamalai, many people think that you have developed your business, taking advantage of your closeness to Annamalai, a politically influential person. I have heard even people close to us saying this. However straightforward you may be, your being close to Annamalai has cast a shadow on you. I think it will be good for you, if you keep away from him" said Latha.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 46
Shunning the Company of Mean People

Verse 453 (in Tamil):

manaththAnAm mAndharkku uNarchchi inaththAnAm
innAn enappadum sol.

Meaning:

It is the mind that helps a man to gain knowledge; but it is one’s association that makes people say what sort of man he is. 

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

Verse 454 (Soon)
Verse 452