64.3 Minister

 64.3 Minister

Question:

              What should a minister do if the king is ignorant?

 

Answer:

Although the king is ignorant, it is the duty of the

minister to give him sound advice.        (Couplet – 638)

அறிகொன்று அறியான் எனினும் உறுதி

உழையிருந்தான் கூறல் கடன்.                (குறள் – 638)

 

Explanation:

              According to Valluvar, if a king is ignorant, the minister must provide the right advice to him. These days when the monarchy is no longer the form of government, the advice is still valid for the senior executives who are in a position to advise their bosses. In a democratic government, a person is often appointed as a minister because of his loyalty to his party and not necessarily because of his expertise. In such situations, the minister may be ignorant of hat he should do in certain circumstances. At that time, it is the responsibility of the senior executive who reports to him to provide the right advice.