From the Founder’s Desk

The ‘Thirukural’ or simply ‘Kural’ is an infinite and ever-flowing fountain of knowledge. It belongs to the Tamil literature treasure in India and is considered one of the greatest literary works in Tamil literature. Thiruvalluvar, also called ‘Valluvar’, is the author of the 2000-year-old Thirukkural that preaches moral values with couplets each having 7 words or 140 characters – making him the ‘world’s first Tweeter!’ Spread over 133 chapters, the Kural comprises 1300 couplets which are broadly classified into three distinct categories: Virtue, Wealth, and Pleasure.  The first chapter deals with an individual’s character or self-management, the second with the management of affairs of the state, and the last chapter talks about the relationship between Man and Woman. This post attempts to establish the relevance of the wisdom of Thirukkural in modern management and entrepreneurial practices.

• Chapter 68, Couplet 5:
  Transliteration (of Tamil couplet):
  “Porulkaruvi Kaalam Vinaiyitanotu Aindhum
  Iruldheera Ennich Cheyal”

Explanation of this verse:

“Area/Place, Money in hand, Resources, Proper timing and sufficient exercise [on mission of the organization and product (features) or implementation process] – Wise men always evaluate these six factors before they go about initiating a task/job systematically.”

• Chapter 49, Couplet 4:
  Transliteration:
  “Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam
  Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin”

Explanation of this verse:
“Whoever picks a suitable place and sound strategy surely vanquishes all the rivals. And after deciding the goals, whoever makes an effort at a suitable place in the right direction, he/shewill surely win all his/her rivals.”

• Chapter 76, Couplet 9:
  Transliteration:
  “Seyka Porulaich Cherunar Serukkarukkum
  Eqkadhanir Kooriya Thil”

Explanation of this verse:
“An entrepreneur must accumulate wealth; it will destroy the arrogance of (his) foes, and there is no weapon sharper than this.”

• Chapter 68, Couplet 3:
  Transliteration:
  “Ollumvaa Yellaam Vinainandre Ollaakkaal
  Sellumvaai Nokkich Cheyal”

Explanation of this verse:

“When the environment around is conducive, then stick to the direct route to your goal. In case of adverse conditions, follow the route where the fewest hurdles bother you.”

• Chapter 49, Couplet 5:
  Transliteration:
  “Kaalam Karudhi Iruppar Kalangaadhu
  Gnaalam Karudhu Pavar”

Explanation of this verse:
“Winners (successful entrepreneurs) keep looking for the right opportunity and seize it when it comes their way. They are not deterred by the problems in the way.”

• Chapter 49, Couplet 3:
  Transliteration:
  “Aruvinai Yenpa Ulavo Karuviyaan
  Kaalam Arindhu Seyin”
  
• Chapter 49, Couplet 9
  Transliteration:

“Eydhar Kariyadhu Iyaindhakkaal Annilaiye
Seydhar Kariya Seyal”

Explanation of Couplet 3 & 9 of Chapter 49:
“The one who utilizes all resources and opportunities at hand is an efficient entrepreneur, and nothing is impossible to achieve for him.”

These Kurals are readily compatible with contemporary techniques for entrepreneurial decision-making in startups. We can not only present a more accountable and ethical management system but also steer the world economy towards a more modern era with the age-old wisdom of Thirukkural. Therefore, we can fill the gap in the existing paradigm of management theory and actual practice.

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