Udukkai Izhanthavan Kaipola

Amutha Ramakrishnan

Kural a day

August 4, 2024

1–2 minutes

KURAL 788

PORUTPAAL

NATPIYAL

ADHIKAARAM 79: NATPU – FRIENDSHIP

உடுக்கை இழந்தவன் கைபோல ஆங்கே
இடுக்கண் களைவதாம் நட்பு.

Udukkai izhanthavan kaipola aangae

Idukkan kalaivathaam natpu

Just as the hand automatically moves to correct a slipping dress, true friendship is that which reaches out immediately to help a friend in distress.

Udukkai : dress; Izhappu: loss; kai: hand; pola: like; aangae: there; Idukkan: trouble; Kalaivathu: remove; Natpu: friendship

Today being friendship day, I thought I will write about my favourite Kural on natpu or friendship. Valluvar so effortlessly and simply explains friendship.

When you feel your dress is slipping, especially when in an assembly or public place, no one has to tell you to correct it; you don’t even have to think over it. Instinctively, as a reflex, your hand moves to put it right. That is how you should react when a friend is in trouble – you should feel that distress yourself and instinctively, immediately move to help him or her.

What an apt and effective analogy. And in seven words at that. The deeper meaning here is that you should not have to be told that your friend is in distress. You should be so attuned to their thoughts and actions that you should be able to sense their trouble and support them unconditionally.

Can you remember an incident where your bestie came to your rescue? Or when you were able to sense that your friend needed help? Do share .

6 responses to “Udukkai Izhanthavan Kaipola”

Pamela Narayan

August 4, 2024 at 8:24 pm

wonderful thoughts- so perfect for release on this special day

❤️

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1. Amutha Ramakrishnan
  
  August 5, 2024 at 1:14 pm
  
  Thanks Pam. To our friendship
  
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Sundar Periannan

August 4, 2024 at 11:51 pm

very simply explained. Superb

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1. Amutha Ramakrishnan
  
  August 5, 2024 at 1:25 pm
  
  Thank you Sundar
  
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Mahesh Devarayan

August 5, 2024 at 7:34 am

Once upon a time in a vibrant village in Tamil Nadu, two friends, Arjun and Ravi, were inseparable. Their bond was as strong as it was intuitive.One scorching afternoon, while working in the fields, Ravi suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed. Without a second thought, Arjun, who was working nearby, sensed something was wrong. He rushed to Ravi’s side, carried him to the shade, and fetched water from the well.As Ravi regained consciousness, he saw Arjun’s worried face. “You didn’t have to do this,” Ravi murmured.Arjun smiled, “Just like you fix your slipping dress without thinking, I don’t need to be told to help you. Your pain is my pain.”This incident, a true testament to Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom on friendship, became a cherished story in the village, highlighting how true friends instinctively come to each other’s aid.Can you remember an incident where your bestie came to your rescue? Or when you were able to sense that your friend needed help?

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1. Amutha Ramakrishnan
  
  August 5, 2024 at 1:19 pm
  
  Thank you sir. Its awesome how Valluvar lives on in the villages.
  
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