Gratitude
Maravarka Maasatraar Kenmai Thuravarka / Thunpaththul Thuppaayaar Natpu
Classical English couplet — “Kindness of men of stainless soul remember evermoreForsake thou never friends who were thy stay in sorrow sore”
What it says in plain words
“Remember your friendships with good, honest people. Do not leave behind friends who supported you through hard times.”
The classical Tamil reading
குற்றமற்றவரின் உறவை எப்போதும் மறக்கலாகாது: துன்பம் வந்த காலத்தில் உறுதுணையாய் உதவியவர்களின் நட்பை எப்போதும் விடாலாகாது .
An expanded Tamil interpretation
மாசற்றவர்களின் உறவை மறக்கவும் கூடாது; துன்பத்தில் துணை நின்றவர் நட்பைத் துறக்கவும் கூடாது
The ethical and philosophical heart
Good, honest friends deserve a lasting place in our lives. When trouble passes, we may become busy and lose touch. This couplet asks us to remember those who stood by us. Their friendship matters even after we no longer need help.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Call the friend who kept you company during illness.
- Workplace
- Keep in touch with the coworker who helped during your difficult first month.
- Family
- Make time for the cousin who supported you after a loss.
- Society
- Remember the neighbors who brought food when your home flooded.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Make time for trusted friends, even when life gets busy.
- Integrity
- Keep valuing honest friends, even when they have nothing more to offer.
- Communication
- Tell a friend how much their support during hard times meant.
- Leadership
- Remember the team members who stood beside you when work became difficult.
- Governance
- Keep listening to community groups that helped people through a crisis.
For leaders and teams
As life improves, stay close to those who helped. Do not let success push good, honest people aside.
Something to sit with
“Who stood by you during a hard time, and how could you care for that friendship today?”