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Thiruvalluvar Discourses On the Duties of the King's Ministers: Amaichchu - K633 and K635

THIRU-VALLUVAR discourses on the duties of the King's Ministers* in the THIRUK-KURAL: AMAICCHU - K633 and K635 [* In presentday context, read as Minister(s) of State, Secretary of State, Special Counselors in the government, etc.] K633: piriththalum peenik* kolallum pirinththaarp poruththalum vallathu amaichchu [* peeni = to cherish; *amaichchu (manthiri) = minister of state] A minister is he whose power can foes divide, Attack more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide. (Transl. G.U. Pope) The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes),maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him). (Transl. Drew & Lazarus) To set asunder foes and (yet) to cherish (them), to bring together (again) those gone astray are (among the) duties of the minister. (Transl. T. Wignesan) K635: aranarinththu aantruamainththa* chollaanenj ñaantrum thiranarinththaan theerththich* thunai [*aantruamainththa = full, perfect, complete; theerththich = accurate knowledge] The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant words, With plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords. (Transl. G.U. Pope) He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of performing actions). (Transl. Drew & Lazarus) He who deviates not from virtuous conduct and is always eloquently able at imparting apt advice, employing means informed by accurate knowledge, serves as a staunch pillar holding up the realm. (Transl. T. Wignesan) © T. Wignesan - Paris, 2017

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