Sunday 29 September 2013

Character (ஒழுக்கம் / நன் நடத்தை)



Meaning of the Word “Ozhukkam “ in Tamil encompasses all good qualities like Integrity,Good Character, Ethics, Honesty, Truthfulness, Straight forwardness, Virtue, Discipline and Empathy. A person bestowed with these qualities, will always be consistent in his good thoughts and deeds and never sway from the chosen ideals, whatever distractions they are subjected to. This assumes great significance for a person who occupies the exalted position of power, with authority to make vital decision that can have far reaching impact on large sections of society. He also encounter enormous opportunities to fall a prey for temptations, to get corrupt and amass wealth by illegal means, there by, bringing himself and the concern he heads to disrepute to the extent of destruction. There are so many instance, we come across about top executives with enormous wealth and power getting caught for corruption,nepotism and other scandals. Person concerned falling from grace, driven either to commit suicide or ends up as good as dead in the society. On the other hand, CEO with above good qualities will be able to focus all his energy and becomes effective in discharging his duties dispassionately,like the sun’s ray focused through a lens becomes very powerful.

Tiruvalluvar elevated the “ Good Character above One’s own Life as good reputation once lost can never be reprieved. Further, while death turns out to be  the end of the journey, after falling from Grace one has to live with the humiliation and put up with the agony every minute of his life time that would be much  more agonizing than the death by itself. People who are very brilliant and knowledgeable come up in life, with hard work and attain top position. However, due to lack of wisdom, fall a prey to momentary indiscretion like indulgence in sex or succumb to other corrupt deeds to amass wealth through illegal means, landing in deep trouble when the scandal is brought out in public loosing everything in a moment.

Honesty falls in to following three categories

  1. Pure Honesty  unwavering to any temptation what so ever
  2. Due to lack of opportunity
  3. Fear of being caught

Even for an individual who had been very honest, a single act of misdemeanor can land him in destruction of his long hard earned reputation. Greater the height, heavier the fall. That is why, the Great poet had placed Honesty above one’s own Life itself. Mr. Ratan Tata ex chairman of Tata group in Indian Subcontinent, a multi billion dollar, multi product, Multi national conglomerate is a towering personality and is a true icon of Indian Industry. He is the embodiment of all  virtues highlighted in the couplets given below. 

  ஒழுக்கம் விழுப்பம் தரலான் ஒழுக்கம்
  உயிரினும் ஓம்பப் படும் (131)

   Ozhukkam Vizhuppam Tharalan Ozhukkam
   Oyirinum Ombap padum

      
  நன்நடத்தை  எல்லாவித நன்மையும் கொடுப்பதால்
  ஒழுக்கம்  உயிரினும் மேலாக கருதப் படும்

   As good conduct ensures all good things, it is valued more  
   than one’s life itself. 

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