The Thirukkural is a concise yet comprehensive manual for living a virtuous and balanced life. It is divided into three sections:Virtue (Aram): This section lays the ethical foundation, emphasizing moral virtues such as truthfulness, non-violence (ahimsa), humility, gratitude, self-control, and compassion. It addresses the duties of individuals in their personal and social lives, advocating righteousness as the cornerstone of human conduct.Wealth (Porul): This part focuses on governance, statecraft, and social responsibilities. It discusses the qualities of an ideal ruler, justice, administration, warfare, and the ethical acquisition and use of wealth. Thiruvalluvar stresses that leadership must be rooted in wisdom, fairness, and service to the people.Love (Inbam): The final section explores human relationships, particularly love and domestic life, highlighting fidelity, mutual respect, and emotional harmony within the family and society.Sundaram’s translation captures the poetic elegance and philosophical depth of the original Tamil, while his commentary elucidates the cultural and historical context, making the Kural’s teachings relevant to contemporary readers.

The Thirukkural is considered one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and a masterpiece of ethical philosophy. It is often called the "Tamil Veda" or "Divine Book" for its comprehensive treatment of dharma (righteousness). Sundaram’s translation has played a crucial role in introducing this ancient wisdom to English-speaking readers, preserving the text’s universal message of morality and practical wisdom.The Kural is unique in its secular and inclusive approach, avoiding sectarianism and focusing on virtues that unite humanity. It has been continuously in print since its first publication in 1812 and remains a vital source of ethical guidance.

Ethical Living and Virtue: The Kural advocates a life grounded in moral integrity and non-violence, emphasizing that the highest virtue is to avoid harm to any living being. Truthfulness, humility, and gratitude are repeatedly extolled as essential personal qualities.Justice and Good Governance: Thiruvalluvar presents an ideal ruler as a paragon of virtue, wisdom, and compassion. Governance is seen as a sacred duty to uphold justice, protect the innocent, and maintain social order. Corruption and partiality are condemned.Pragmatism in Wealth and Social Life: Wealth should be earned righteously and used for the welfare of society. The Kural balances material prosperity with ethical considerations, advocating prudence, perseverance, and responsible management.Human Relationships and Love: The text offers practical guidance on fostering harmonious relationships, emphasizing fidelity, respect, and emotional balance in love and family life.Universal Humanism: The Kural transcends caste, creed, and religion, addressing universal human values and duties applicable to all individuals, regardless of social status.

The Kural has profoundly influenced Tamil culture and beyond. It redefined cultural values during the Sangam era by promoting non-violence, condemning meat-eating, gambling, alcohol, and other social ills, which were prevalent at the time. The text’s emphasis on universal virtues has made it a moral compass for generations.Its influence extends to various fields—literature, philosophy, politics, and spirituality. Eminent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Leo Tolstoy, and Albert Schweitzer have acknowledged its ethical profundity. The Tamil people and government honor the Kural as a cultural treasure, celebrating Thiruvalluvar’s legacy annually.

The Thirukkural has shaped social norms and ethical standards in Tamil Nadu and India at large. Its advocacy for non-violence and righteousness influenced social reform movements and leaders, notably Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa.Politically, the Kural’s principles of justice, good governance, and welfare-oriented leadership have inspired administrative and legal frameworks. Socially, it fostered values of equality, compassion, and respect across caste and community lines, contributing to social harmony.The text’s condemnation of social evils and promotion of virtues helped reform societal attitudes towards issues like meat-eating, alcohol, and gambling. Its teachings continue to be relevant in contemporary ethical debates and education.

P.S. Sundaram’s Triuvalluvar The Kural is a masterful translation that brings the ancient wisdom of Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural to a wider audience. The book’s enduring relevance lies in its universal message of virtue, justice, and love, offering a blueprint for ethical living and governance that transcends time and culture.The Kural remains a beacon of moral guidance, emphasizing that true wealth and happiness arise from righteousness and compassion. Its cultural and societal impact is profound, having shaped Tamil identity and influenced global thinkers. Sundaram’s work ensures that this timeless treasure continues to enlighten and inspire readers worldwide.References:The Thirukkural is a comprehensive ethical text emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness, justice, and love, structured into three books: Virtue, Wealth, and Love.It has influenced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and is celebrated as the "Tamil Veda," with a lasting cultural and social impact in Tamil Nadu and beyond.Sundaram’s translation highlights the text’s universal humanism and practical wisdom for personal and societal well-being.