Cherishing Kinsmen
Alavalaa Villaadhaan Vaazhkkai Kulavalaak / Kotindri Neernirain Thatru
Classical English couplet — “His joy of life who mingles not with kinsmen gathered round,Is lake where streams pour in, with no encircling bound”
What it says in plain words
“Life without warm ties to relatives is like a pond without banks. Water cannot stay there, just as wealth alone cannot make life full.”
The classical Tamil reading
சுற்றத்தாரோடு மனம் கலந்து பழகும் தன்மை இல்லாதவனுடைய வாழ்க்கை, குளப்பரப்பானது கரையில்லாமல் நீர் நிறைந்தாற் போன்றது.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
உற்றார் உறவினர் எனச் சூழ இருப்போருடன் அன்பு கலந்து மகிழ்ந்து பழகாதவனுடைய வாழ்க்கையானது; கரையில்லாத குளத்தில் நீர் நிறைந்ததைப் போலப் பயனற்றதாகி விடும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
A pond needs banks to hold its water in place. In the same way, warm ties help give life meaning. Money and comfort cannot replace sharing life with relatives. Making time to talk and enjoy their company keeps those ties strong.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Call a relative to chat, not only when you need help.
- Workplace
- Make room in your schedule to spend time with relatives.
- Family
- Share a meal and listen to what each person has been doing.
- Society
- A community gathering gives relatives a chance to meet and enjoy time together.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Consider time with relatives when choosing how to spend your weekend.
- Integrity
- Follow through when you promise to visit a relative.
- Communication
- Talk openly with relatives and listen with care.
- Leadership
- Respect people's need to spend time with their families.
- Governance
- Consider family time when setting public workers' schedules.
For leaders and teams
Remember that success needs room for relationships. Make time for your family, and help others do the same.
Something to sit with
“What small step could help you feel closer to a relative today?”