21 Comments

A business leader elucidating on the types of Tamil poetry and translating Tirukkural in simple English is remarkable and quite a surprise and revelation.

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Vijay continues to surprise - and educate the rest of us. :) Thank you for writing in.

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I have heard of Thiruvalluvar and read and enjoyed translations of some of his kurals, but I wasn't aware about the beauty of the intricate rules that govern his work. Thanks, Santy, for describing this so well.

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The entire article was a revelation to me. I can't thank Vijay enough for this, I have learnt so much. Thank you, Padma, for writing in.

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Wow! I have no words to express my thoughts, this is way beyond awesome. Vijay Santhanam brings Valluvan within reach of everyone, whether familiar with Tamil literature or not. Very close to where I live in Bangalore, there is a Thiruvalluvar statue that I’ve never gotten a close look at. Am planning to do that this weekend.

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Thank you for writing in. Vijay's article is truly enlighetening. I hope you got to visit the Thiruvalluvar statue. Did you get any pictures, perhaps, that you could share?

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I did, just a day after I wrote in. Would’ve shared a pic too, except the memorial is in the middle of a facelift and not currently in photo worthy state. Will share soon as it is done up

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Thank you! Shall look forward to the picture when possible.

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I visited the Tiruvalluvar statue that weekend itself but the entire site was getting a facelift. The podium work got done last week and I was able to click a picture!

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Thank you! It’s too bad that Substack doesn’t take photos in the comments, but I’ll put it up - perhaps as a separate post - so we can all see the photograph! Watch this space for an update. And thank you again!

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I was thoroughly impressed with Santhanam's masterful connection between Thirukkural and Twitter, showcasing how timeless wisdom can be encapsulated within 140 characters, much like Valluvan did over fifteen hundred years ago. His analogy is not only insightful but also rings true in today's digital age, highlighting the enduring relevance of Valluvan's teachings. This article brilliantly illustrates how profound insights from the past can still resonate with us in the present, bridging the gap between centuries and cultures. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking piece that reminds us of the lasting impact of Valluvan's wisdom and its relevance in our modern world.c Coincidentally, I found myself enjoying Santhanam's favorite Kurals, many of which I could relate to and appreciate the most. As a friend of Santhanam for 37 years, I can confidently say that he embodies the essence of the Kural with deep meaning: "Let a man learn thoroughly, whatever he may learn, and let his conduct be worthy of his learning." This Kural reflects not only his passion for learning but also his commitment to living a life in accordance with the wisdom he has acquired from Valluvan's timeless verses.

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Thank you for writing in. I am glad you enjoyed this article - as did I.

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Really enjoyed Vijay’s article. It is beautifully written in a simple style,everyone can understand and appreciate. Particularly appreciate his comparing the Thirukural couplet format with the venpa… enjoyed it v much🙏👍

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Thank you for writing in. :) Vijay has truly brought the kurals alive. :)

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Superb article! Makes me wish I'd studied Tamil. But to some extent, Vijay makes up for it with his clever, meticulous translations. Very nice eulogy of a great Tamil poet - thank you, Vijay!

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Yes, he brings the original so close to those of us who can't read the original. I am glad you enjoyed Vijay's article. He has done us all proud.

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Lovely Vijay. Wonderful interpretation. Keep it up.

Best of Luck.

Padmaravi

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So well written by Vijay Santhanam - love the opening with the Twitter context. Glad you are able to introduce us to Tamil literature - truly rich - this is one I am sharing with other friends and family

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Yes, Vijay has done a sterling job here. I am grateful to him, as are so many readers here, for bringing Tamil literature to those of us who cannot access it in the original. Thank you for writing in.

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Vijay, I am in awe 😄 Thx for continuing to open my eyes to the world of kurals. Am sending you separately the ones that resonated deeply with me 👍🏻

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Excellent Vijay. Very Proud of you. Bless you.

Hema Santhansm

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