Thirukkural with the Times explores real-world lessons from the classic Tamil text ‘Thirukkural’. Written by Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Kural consists of 1,330 short couplets of seven words each. This text is divided into three books with teachings on virtue, wealth, and love and is considered one of the great works ever on ethics and morality. The Kural has influenced scholars and leaders across social, political, and philosophical spheres.
Motivational speaker, author and diversity champion Bharathi Bhaskar explores the masterpiece.
After Abdul Kalam, it was probably Ratan Tata ’s passing that stirred the nation to this extent. Two days after his demise, I was journeying through a small city, where I was struck by the sight of giant hoardings displaying Tata's ever-smiling face. The people mourned not just the loss of a business tycoon, but of a man whose humility and benevolence touched lives.
Much has been written and spoken about Ratan Tata’s humility, courtesy, and gentle nature. I was a witness myself. During the mid-90s, I often travelled to my bank’s branch in Mumbai. On one such occasion, I noticed Ratan Tata standing in the long queue before a teller. I went to the branch manager to report the visit of the VIP, but was told Tata would deny any special treatment. I was left speechless, having witnessed many customers preferring special treatment at all times.
Amidst such people, Tata stood out. He progressed through the queue, exchanged pleasantries with other customers and the teller, and left after his transaction was completed.
Tata’s life was filled with moments where he prioritised what truly mattered. In February 2018, Prince Charles wished to honour the tycoon with a lifetime achievement award for philanthropy at Buckingham Palace. Tata accepted the invitation but later informed the prince that he would not be attending. One of his beloved dogs, either Tango or Tito, was gravely ill. His priorities were clear, and he was unapologetic about them.
But there is more to his story than humility—he also knew how to rise above challenges, even in the face of humiliation.
It was the year 1999, and Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle division was performing poorly, leading the company to consider selling it to Ford Motors. Ratan Tata, along with his senior leadership team, travelled to Detroit to negotiate the deal. However, the meeting took a sour turn when Ford executives reportedly scorned Tata's foray into the car business. The team returned without the deal.
And yet, from that moment, Tata Motors rose like a phoenix. A decade later, in a stunning turn of events, Tata acquired Ford’s Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for $2.3 billion, and Bill Ford, chairman, acknowledged it as a significant deal for JLR.
Humiliations, like demons, often burrow into our soul, gnawing at our confidence. The only true way to banish them is through growth—rising above the circumstances and the people who caused the hurt. But in doing so, one must rise with grace, so that even those who wronged us may benefit from our success.
I have always imagined Valluvar ’s best lines came through a dialogue between him and his disciples. I pictured a scene at his gurukulam. A disciple asked, “Master, how should we conduct ourselves when we stand tall before others? And when we feel small before them?” Valluvar replied, “When life graces you with wealth, power, and fame, remain humble and simple. Avoid pomp and vanity. But when life humbles you with failure, stand tall with dignity .”
Perukaththu Vendum Panidhal Siriya Surukaththu Vendum Uyarvu.
Cultivate modesty in the days of prosperity, but in the day of decline hold fast to thy dignity.
I observed that nature too gives us the same lesson. Trees laden with fruits have their branches bent towards the ground, while the ones without them have branches pointing to the sky. Tata’s life exemplified this.
Motivational speaker, author and diversity champion Bharathi Bhaskar explores the masterpiece.
After Abdul Kalam, it was probably Ratan Tata ’s passing that stirred the nation to this extent. Two days after his demise, I was journeying through a small city, where I was struck by the sight of giant hoardings displaying Tata's ever-smiling face. The people mourned not just the loss of a business tycoon, but of a man whose humility and benevolence touched lives.
Much has been written and spoken about Ratan Tata’s humility, courtesy, and gentle nature. I was a witness myself. During the mid-90s, I often travelled to my bank’s branch in Mumbai. On one such occasion, I noticed Ratan Tata standing in the long queue before a teller. I went to the branch manager to report the visit of the VIP, but was told Tata would deny any special treatment. I was left speechless, having witnessed many customers preferring special treatment at all times.
Amidst such people, Tata stood out. He progressed through the queue, exchanged pleasantries with other customers and the teller, and left after his transaction was completed.
Tata’s life was filled with moments where he prioritised what truly mattered. In February 2018, Prince Charles wished to honour the tycoon with a lifetime achievement award for philanthropy at Buckingham Palace. Tata accepted the invitation but later informed the prince that he would not be attending. One of his beloved dogs, either Tango or Tito, was gravely ill. His priorities were clear, and he was unapologetic about them.
But there is more to his story than humility—he also knew how to rise above challenges, even in the face of humiliation.
It was the year 1999, and Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle division was performing poorly, leading the company to consider selling it to Ford Motors. Ratan Tata, along with his senior leadership team, travelled to Detroit to negotiate the deal. However, the meeting took a sour turn when Ford executives reportedly scorned Tata's foray into the car business. The team returned without the deal.
And yet, from that moment, Tata Motors rose like a phoenix. A decade later, in a stunning turn of events, Tata acquired Ford’s Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for $2.3 billion, and Bill Ford, chairman, acknowledged it as a significant deal for JLR.
Humiliations, like demons, often burrow into our soul, gnawing at our confidence. The only true way to banish them is through growth—rising above the circumstances and the people who caused the hurt. But in doing so, one must rise with grace, so that even those who wronged us may benefit from our success.
I have always imagined Valluvar ’s best lines came through a dialogue between him and his disciples. I pictured a scene at his gurukulam. A disciple asked, “Master, how should we conduct ourselves when we stand tall before others? And when we feel small before them?” Valluvar replied, “When life graces you with wealth, power, and fame, remain humble and simple. Avoid pomp and vanity. But when life humbles you with failure, stand tall with dignity .”
Perukaththu Vendum Panidhal Siriya Surukaththu Vendum Uyarvu.
Cultivate modesty in the days of prosperity, but in the day of decline hold fast to thy dignity.
I observed that nature too gives us the same lesson. Trees laden with fruits have their branches bent towards the ground, while the ones without them have branches pointing to the sky. Tata’s life exemplified this.
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