Relevant Lessons from Thirukural for Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi Today

Following recent tragic terror attacks, India is confronted with an increasingly complex geopolitical situation as a rising super-power. Geographically positioned between classical Western hegemon which groomed cross-border terrorism for decades and a strong Eastern hegemon that is willing to stop India becoming a partner for the west at its cost. This situation has to be met with shrewd statecraft and envisioned decision-making.

Experts opine that modern terrorism could involve complex chains of support, possibly even state actors, including regional powers that India has diplomatic relations with, such as through mechanisms like BRICS. Such ambiguity, in which possible adversaries may also be considered allies as they serve an as yet not immediately clear agenda, requires a principled and well-balanced national security policy and foreign policy.

In the midst of such modern problems, the ancient Tamil poem, Thirukural by the sage Thiruvalluvar, is timeless in its wisdom. Consisting of 1330 couplets (Kurals), the ancient text contains profound lessons on ethics, administration (Porul), morality (Aram), and relationship (Inbam), which remain as pertinent centuries later and across cultures. Its teaching on leadership, strategy, and ethical behavior is a rich storehouse for addressing the challenges of the time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often shown the significance he attaches to Saint Thiruvalluvar's words for contemporary times. He has referred to the Thirukural as a "timeless creation" and a "beacon of light giving profound insights," highlighting its universal concepts that continue to be relevant even after millennia.

Mr. Modi has frequently quoted particular Kurals in varied situations – quoting verses of valour and honour when speaking to troops, pointing out couplets on water resources, and referring to lessons on justice and service while speaking overseas. In addition to quoting, he has taken an active interest in propagating the classic, publishing translations into languages such as Gujarati and Thai, and declaring the creation of a Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre overseas, emphasizing his conception of the Kural as an inspiration and a guide derived from India's abundant philosophical tradition.

The Imperative of Deliberation

A central tenet applicable to India's current situation is found in Kural 461, within the chapter "On Action after Due Deliberation" (Therindu Śeyal Vakai): 

 

அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும் ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல். 

After much deliberation over profit and loss and the final gains, launch on a task. - Kural 461 

This Kural emphasizes the paramount need for thorough evaluation prior to taking meaningful action. When dealing with suspected state-sponsored terrorism and complex alignments, it counsels careful consideration of likely consequences ("aḻivatūum āvatūum" - loss and gain) and long-term effects ("vaḻipayakkum ūtiyamum" - consequent benefits) before deciding on a response or strategic change. Taking action without such foresight is strongly warned against.

Strategic Evaluation of Strength (Valiyaṟital):

வினைவலியும் தன்வலியும் மாற்றான் வலியும் துணைவலியும் தூக்கிச் செயல். 

Act after evaluating the strength of the action, one's own strength, the enemy's strength, and the strength of the allies. - Kural 471

Kural 471 requires waiting to act only after carefully measuring of one's own resources, the power of the  one's own plan, the resources of the adversary, and the trustworthiness of diplomatic allies . This requires a thorough knowledge not only of terrorist organizations but also their prospective state sponsoring them and the complex set of international relationships. 

Wisdom in Action (Terindu Śeyal Vakai): 

எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம் துணிந்தபின் எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு. 

Reflect and dare to undertake an action; it is a mistake to think after having begun. - Kural 467

Kural 467 warns, "Take up your duty after careful reflection. To consider after initiating effort is to invite a serious misstep." This underscores the merit of cautious consideration and calculated waiting, especially where the entire tale is not clear and premature actions could lead tensions to spiral out of control in unpredictable directions. 

Need for Intelligence (Oṟṟāṭal):

ஒற்றும் உரைசான்ற நூலும் இவையிரண்டும் தெற்றென்க மன்னவன் கண். 

Let a king consider as his eyes these two: the spy and the esteemed book (of laws/wisdom) - Kural 581

 

ஒற்றெற் றுணராமை ஆள்க உடன்மூவர் சொற்றொக்க தேறப் படும். 

Employ spies so that one spy does not know the other; accept (information) when the reports of three (such independent spies) concur. - Kural 589

Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the need for intelligence (information-gathering) in order to aid good governance (Kural 581). Kural 588 also emphasizes checking through various channels information procured through one intelligence source. In dealing with situations involving proxy players and concealed agendas, corroborative and trustable intelligence is required in order to ascertain real enemies and agendas. 

Discrimination in Selecting Alliances (Kūṭā Naṭpu):

நட்டார்போல் நல்லவை சொல்லினும் ஒட்டார்சொல் ஒல்லை உணரப் படும். 

Though (enemies/those not truly allied) speak good things like friends, their words' (insincerity/hostility) will quickly be understood/perceived. - Kural 826

The "Wrong Alliance" chapter is a powerful call to beyond superficial relationships not just for individual also for countries. Kural 826 warns against people who present agreeable words but no good intentions behind those words. It counsels foresight in judging true intentions of all alliances, even those with common platforms, given that appearances are misleading.

Conclusion

Thirukural contains practical and invaluable advice directly relevant to complex issues faced by the world today. Its focus on refinement of deliberation, careful evaluation of all the actors, dependence on corroborated intelligence, and prudential discrimination in coalition making provides a sound ethical and strategic model. To India's leadership steering the intricacies of international power politics and the ever-present threat of extremism and terror networks behind, the wisdom contained within this ancient Tamil text continues to be the best guide to successful statecraft.