103.2 Duty to Community

 103.2 Duty to Community

(103.2 குடிசெயல்வகை)

 

Question:

                Should those who work to uplift their community wait for a suitable time?

 

Answer:

There is no specific season for those working to uplift their

community as laziness and false prestige will bring disgrace.       (Couplet – 1028)

 

குடிசெய்வார்க் கில்லை பருவம் மடிசெய்து

மானங் கருதக் கெடும்.                                                                  (குறள் - 1028)

 

Explanation:

                Those who work towards uplifting their community cannot afford to wait for the right time, be lazy, or be concerned with false prestige. If they want to succeed in their efforts, they should work despite all odds. History tells us that people like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and Thandhai Periyar never slacked in their efforts to serve their community.

 

                Throughout his life, Periyar fought for employment and educational opportunities for the oppressed section of the Tamil Community. He fought for equal rights for women in Tamil Nadu. He was a strong proponent of self-respect and rationalism. He was in favor of the abolition of caste, caste-based discrimination, and untouchability in the Tamil community. He has lectured in every nook and corner of Tamil Nadu to promote his ideas. He was imprisoned several times during his fight to uplift the Tamil community. Stones, sandals, and eggs were thrown at him on many occasions. He was often insulted by his opponents. All these attacks did not deter Periyar from his focus on his goals. He was greatly impressed by Couplet 1028. He has openly admitted that this Couplet of Valluvar motivated him to fight with great determination. He has advised his followers to follow Valluvar’s advice in Couplet 1028.

 

                Valluvar’s advice in Couplet 1028 applies to those working to uplift their community, those who work to uplift their families, and the people fighting for the welfare of their fellow countrymen.