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
அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும் ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல்.After much deliberation over profit and loss and the final gains, launch on a task. - Kural 461
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
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
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
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.