Thamizhthadam
ARAKATtALAI
Aadharavaai Naam...
Tholkappiyam, the earliest extant text of Thamizh literature, specially mentions three monosyllabic words: ’ ஈ’, ‘தா’, and ‘கொடு’. All three mean the same: ‘to give / to ask’, however, on different occasions
ஈ – A word used when a person of a lower economic status requests help from a person of a higher economic status.
தா – A word used between two individuals hailing from similar economic statures.
கொடு – A word used when a person belonging to a higher economic footing forcefully demands things from a person belonging to a lower economic footing.
In our day-to-day life, we come across many needy souls, who fettered by their adverse fates endure the trials and tribulations of life. Offering a helping hand and aiding them to reclaim their dignity and life is our fundamental responsibility as fellow human beings.
Valluvar expounds in one of his epigrammatic couplets,( ஈத்துவக்கும் இன்பம் அறியார் கொல்! – Ignorant are those who have not experienced the delight of gladdening of human hearts with gifts ). The happiness that one gets from helping those in need is unfortunately unknown to many.
In one of the five great epics of Tamizh literature, Manimegalai, the eponymous protagonist asserts through her actions that the one who gives food gives life!
In yet another didactic couplet, Valluvar elucidates, ( செய்யாமல் செய்த உதவிக்கு வையகமும் வானகமும் ஆற்றல் அரிது — Assistance given by those who ne’er received our aid, Is debt by the gift of heaven and earth but poorly paid..) A deed done sans reciprocation is an unparalleled deed. Even if the earth and heaven are granted as a token of appreciation for such a deed, it will not suffice its glory.
Literature mirrors life. These works of art illustrate to us how our forefathers, the ancient Tamizhs regarded altruism as the highest form of human aspiration.
Let us, too, vow to try and give our best in alleviating the sorrows of our fellow human beings.
Let us give what we can and stand together. We may not be able to do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that we can do!
