651. The Farewell Party

Murugan went to Ravi's office to pick him up for a marriage reception, after Ravi's office time was over.

When Murugan arrived at Ravi's office, a farewell party for Sabhapathy, a person who was retiring from his job, was going on at the office.

Seeing Murugan enter the office, Ravi who was sitting in the adjoining hall, where the farewell party was being held, signaled Murugan to wait for sometime. Murugan stood outside the door of the office. 

While speaking about Sabhapathy, the retiring employee, Arumugam, the proprietor of the firm, became overwhelmed with emotion. 

"This firm has grown due to the hard work and dedication of employees like you. I have been very fortunate to have employees like you. Every time, one of my employees retire, I feel as if a pillar supporting this firm is being removed. But since the new employees joining the firm have also been supporting the firm like pillars, the firm continues to remain strong" said Arumugam, in an emotional tone.

Ravi came out of the office after the function was over and the two friends left for the reception together.

"When I heard your proprietor speaking so emotionally, initially I doubted whether he was sincere or being pretentious. But after a while, I realized that he was only expressing his true feelings.

"Our proprietor is sincere and truthful not only in his words, but also in his deeds. Based on the false complaints given against our proprietor by our competitors, the income tax officials had conducted raids in our office and our proprietor's house on a few occasions. But since our proprietor has not committed any wrong, the raids didn't yield anything. Our proprietor runs his business in an upright manner. He won't allow even a small violation to occur. I believe that it is his honest way of living that is responsible for his business success and happy personal life" said Ravi.

"Your proprietor says that his dedicated employees are the reason for the success of his firm. You say that it is your proprietor's integrity that has propelled his success. You two seem to be made for each other!" said Murugan.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 66
Purity in Action

Verse 651 (in Tamil):
thuNai nalam Akkam tharum vinai nalam
vENdiya ellAm tharum.

Meaning:  

Having good companions will help one gain wealth.

Good deeds will give one every thing he needs.

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

Verse 652 (Soon)
Verse 650