Kural 689 | The Art of Diplomacy



#### Verse in Tamil and Transliteration


**தூது (Porrutpāl)**


விடுமாற்றம் வேந்தர்க் குரைப்பான் வடுமாற்றம்  

வாய்சோரா வன்க ணவன் (689)


**Viḍumāṟṟam vēntark kuṟaippāṉ vaṭumāṟṟam  

vāy sōrā vaṉkaṇ avaṉ (689)**


#### Word by Word Meaning


- **விடுமாற்றம்** (viḍumāṟṟam) – important communication

- **வேந்தர்க்கு** (vēntarkku) – to the king

- **உரைப்பான்** (uraippāṉ) – one who conveys

- **வடுமாற்றம்** (vaṭumāṟṟam) – grave errors

- **வாய் சோரா** (vāy sōrā) – without faltering in speech

- **வன்கண்** (vaṉkaṇ) – steady gaze

- **அவன்** (avaṉ) – he


#### Translation and Detailed Explanation


"Commission him to deliver the monarch’s mandates, who has a steady gaze and never blurts out flawed words."


This verse emphasizes the qualities required in a diplomat or messenger who is tasked with conveying the commands of a king. The ideal envoy is someone who can deliver messages without making errors, maintaining a composed and steady demeanor. Such a person should be reliable, articulate, and capable of representing the king’s intentions accurately and clearly.


#### Example/Analogy


Imagine a seasoned diplomat like an ambassador. When an ambassador is sent to a foreign country, it is imperative that they convey the precise intentions and policies of their home country. Any mistake or miscommunication can lead to diplomatic tensions or misunderstandings. Just like this, Thiruvalluvar highlights the importance of selecting a capable and composed individual to convey critical messages.


#### Highlights


- 📜 Importance of precise communication

- 🎯 Qualities of a reliable envoy: steady gaze, articulate speech

- 👑 Representing a leader's intent accurately


#### Inference for Modern Times


In today's world, effective communication remains paramount, especially in professional settings such as business negotiations, diplomatic relations, and leadership roles. Selecting individuals who can articulate thoughts clearly, without errors, and who remain composed under pressure, is crucial. The Thirukkural's wisdom in emphasizing these qualities is timeless, reminding us that the ability to communicate effectively and without error is as vital now as it was in ancient times. This Kural teaches us the value of clarity, composure, and precision in all forms of communication.

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