Chapter 1

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:1

What is a Thirukkural? It is a 1.5 line poem about life, philosophy, and everything in between.

Listen to the conversations between a philosopher wannabe Rajamani, anime-obsessed daughter Lata and fountain of knowledge grandfather Sahasranamam together talk about the 1330 poems that Poet Thiruvalluvar wrote thousands of years ago.

“Enna, di? You are always watching this boy elongate his arms or his legs. Why don’t you do something worthwhile with your time?” Rajamani thundered from across the room.

Without looking at her dad, Lata bit her nails. Her right hand was up in the air signalling something.

“Two minutes, pa.”

“How many more episodes will you watch of this anima?”

Lata lifted her gaze from the screen and looked at Rajamani.

“Appa, that’s anime not anima. This is the latest episode. It is so cool!”

“Niruthu, di. I have had my fair share of cartoons in my life. But, this one’s nonsensical.”

“How do I get her off these cartoons and how do I get her to read Tamil literature?” Rajamani thought to himself. “I don’t know enough Tamil literature myself. How am I ever going to tell her about Tamil literature?”

He called up his father, Sahasranamam. He explained the problem to him.

“You could talk about Kamba Ramayanam,” Sahasranamam suggested.

“Appa, she knows that already.”

“Ponniyin Selvan?”

“She has seen the movies several times. I can’t read 2400 pages anyway.”

“What about Silappadigaram?” Sahasranamam’s 3rd suggestion.

“I won’t be able to understand it myself. I need something short and sweet and I can find it easy to understand.”

Loud music from the next room. Some old Tamil movie was about to start. His wife was probably starting to watch a movie.

“Can’t she keep the volume down?” asked Sahasranamam. “Your mother does the same thing to me.”

“Agara mudala ezhuthellaam aathi bhagavan mudatre ulagu” blared the TV.

“Appa, this Vijaya is blaring the TV all the time.”

“Is that Thirukkural? Why don’t you try Thirukkural, it is. One and a half line poetry. You can ask me and I’ll explain them to you. You can then explain it to Lata Kutty.”

Rajamani put the phone down.

“Thirukkural, it seems. My teeth hurts everyone I try to recite one kural at one go. Reminds me of all my teachers who tortured me to learn up all those kurals. Appappa!”

Rajamani took his iPad out and browsed for a website with all of the Thirukkurals, all 1330 of them.

This is perfect. It has English translations too.

“Lata, Episode over, no? Come here. I’ll read out a poem. Tell me what you think.”

“No, two minutes.”

“Aiyo, not another episode. Stop it immediately. Come here.”

Lata stomped from her corner of the room and sprang onto Rajamani’s lap as if she were a cat. She curled up ready to go to sleep.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Rajamani tickled her with one hand and Lata burst out laughing.

“I am going to tell you a poem.”

“No, no, no, no, no, no…”

“Stop! take a breath atleast.”

Rajamani made Lata to sit up.

“Listen, I’ll start with one and see if you like it.”

“But you have to watch One Piece with me, then.”

“Ok, deal.”

Rajamani took out his ipad from his table and browsed to a website and started with the first Kural.

“அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு.”

“How much more of this poem?” asked Lata.

“It’s done.”

“What? That’s it?”

“Yes.”

“What does it mean?”

“The letter A is the first of the alphabet, the same way, God is the first in this entire world. Hmm… What do you think, Kanna?”

“Just like how Luffy had to learn Gum-Gum pistol before he took out the bad guys.”

“What?” Rajamani tried making sense of what Lata had just said.

“In One Piece, Luffy, the hero, has to learn so many new tricks every time a new bad guy shows up. The same way, if we have to survive in this world, we have to keep learning new tricks.”

“Exactly. Everytime, I learn a new language…”

“But, you don’t know any languages. You are a makku, as Amma calls you.”

“Huh? Your mother called me a makku? I am no makku. What does she know about me?”

“Amma….” Lata yelled.

“Ssshhh… Keep it down…” Rajamani hoped that his wife couldn’t hear him in the next room.

“When I start… If I start learning a new language, I will start with the alphabet.”

“Just like Luffy…”

“You and your Luffy…”

“Lata, repeat after me.

அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு.

Let’s see if you remember what the meaning is?

“The letter A is the first of the alphabet, the same way, God is the first in this entire world. Correct?”

“Correct, my chellam. When you want to learn something new, you have to start from the basics.”

Rajamani carefully put away his iPad.

Lata sprung out of her dad’s lap with renewed energy.

“Let’s watch this One Piece from the first episode… Together.”

[Breaking the fourth wall]

What are some of the skills have you learnt recently?

What do you do when you try to learn a new skill?

Go to the basics, correct?

Ok, let me know what skills are you learning and how are you starting to learn those? Let me know in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:2

Rajamani leafed through the second Kural and he wondered what it meant.

He called his dad, Sahasranamam.

“Appa, what does this really mean?

கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்”

Sahasranamam started laughing.

“Appa, I am going to put the phone down, if you are going to just keep laughing.”

“Your phone call is the meaning of the Kural.”

“Sutham. I don’t get it at all. How can a phone call be the meaning of a Kural? I am trying to get Lata interested in Thirukkural and if I go tell her that my calling my father when I don’t understand a Kural, she’s going to quit listening to me.”

“Asathu” said Sahasranamam. “What does one do when one does not know the answer? You ask someone who knows more than you. That’s what the Kural is.”

“You could have told me so without laughing. Seri…”

Before Rajamani could finish his sentence, Sahasranamam had already put down the phone.

“Lata… Inge vaa maa…”

“Shall we discuss the next Kural?”

“Did you ask Thatha for the meaning?” asked Lata.

“How did you…? Stop eavesdropping.

கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்”

“Ok, what does that mean?”

“What profit have those derived from learning, who worship not the good feet of Him who is possessed of pure knowledge?”

Reference - https://thirukkural.io/1/kadavul-vaazlthu/

“What did Luppy from Gum Piece do when he faced enemies who are much stronger than him, like that scarf guy?”

“Aiyo, Appa. That is Luffy and One Piece. He recalled what Rayleigh told him.”

“Who is Rayleigh?”

“His teacher.”

“Exactly. You should not think that you know everything, there is always someone who knows more than you. Seek their help.”

“Yes, that is how Luffy defeats Katakuri.”

“Super! The Kural again is

கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்

There is no use of learning if you don’t submit yourself to someone of a higher learning. Got it?”

“As always, now let’s watch that Katakuri episode again.”

“Again? Seri, just this once.”

[Breaking the fourth wall]

If you don’t know something, what do you do?

Phone a friend? Consult the internet? Read books? Ask chatGPT?

Ok, let me know what you do when you do not know something. Let me know in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:3

Rajamani thought long and hard about the third Kural.

மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார் நிலமிசை நீடுவாழ் வார்

“What did the website say the meaning was?

They who are united to the glorious feet of Him who passes swiftly over the flower of the mind, shall flourish long above all worlds”

Source - https://thirukkural.io/1/kadavul-vaazlthu/

He picked up the phone and called Sahasranamam.

“Rajamani, think of the time you wanted to get married to our neighbour.”

“Yes, and you gave me a thrashing and asked me to finish my 8th standard first before thinking of such things.”

“Kadavule! Not your 8th standard fling. When you were working for your first company…”

“Appa, don’t bring that up now. Vijaya is not too far off.”

“No, all I wanted to tell you was that you tried to get everybody convinced that you were doing the right thing. You got Vishnu Periappa, Anantu Athimber, Saama mami…”

“Yes, I know what I did. What’s your point?”

“If you want a mission fulfilled, you have to orient people to your mission and everything else falls in line. That is the meaning of the Kural.”

“Everyone except you. Hello.. Hello… Che, this man doesn’t listen to anything that I want to say.”

Putting the phone down, he called out to his 8-year old.

“Lata Kutti…”

“Two minutes”

“Are you like that noodles ad?”

“What?”

“Oh never mind, that was an ad from way before your time.”

“I have the next Kural. Do you want to listen to it?”

“Yes, as long as you explain to me with examples from One Piece.”

“Yes, yes, I know.”

“மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார் நிலமிசை நீடுவாழ் வார்

and its meaning - They who are united to the glorious feet of Him who passes swiftly over the flower of the mind, shall flourish long above all worlds.”

“And? Luffy?”

“What did Luffy want to become?”

“King of the pirates.”

“How did he get all his teammates including that long nosed fellow?”

“Usopp.” She started giggling holding her nose straight. “He also believed that Luffy would eventually become the King of the Pirates.”

“What about Zoro?”

“Yes, him too. All of them believed that Luffy would become the King of the Pirates.”

“So, this Kural says that if you are all united under one mission, one goal, one entity like God, you will be able to achieve anything you want, anything not just in this world, but the other worlds as well.”

“Even the New World?”

“Yes, yes. The Kural again -

மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார் நிலமிசை நீடுவாழ் வார்.”

“Let’s watch the episode where Luffy meets Usopp for the first time and how Usopp keeps lying about his own army… Hehe…”

“Ok, let’s do that, Kutty.”

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

What mission gets you excited? Whom do you talk to and why? How do you tell them about your mission?

Ok, let me know about your mission, approach and people that you talk to. Let me know in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:4

“This is the Kural for today.

வேண்டுதல்வேண்டாமை இலானடி சேர்ந்தார்க்கு யாண்டும் இடும்பை இல

The english translation from the website is To those who meditate the feet of Him who is void of desire or aversion, evil shall never come.”

Source - https://thirukkural.io/1/kadavul-vaazlthu/

Rajamani said out loud reclining on his sofa.

“Oh, I can’t make head or tail of this,” he said while keeping his iPad on the table.

“I can’t keep calling him. Appa might think I am an idiot. The kural asks me to meditate and I will meditate now.”

Rajamani sat up and closed his eyes.

Two seconds later opened his eyes and called his father, Sahasranamam.

“Appa, do you think I am an idiot?”

“No, you are not an idiot. You are the CEO of your company. Yes, there are only 10 people in your company, but you are the CEO all the same. You do the job not for the monetary gain, but for the love of the job. You will do very well as long as you have this spirit.”

“That is the meaning of the 4th kural? Hello.. Hello…”

“Why does he keep doing this? Pickup the phone and talk without a hello. End without a bye-bye.”

“Lata Kutty, this time, you tell me what the meaning might be.” Rajamani said while walking into Lata’s room.

Lata was nowhere to be found. “Lata.. Lata…”

He saw Lata in the balcony of her room, sitting upright and eyes closed.

“Lata…” his voice down to a whisper.

He softly spoke the Kural into her ears.

“Can… you… guess… what… it… means?”

“Why are you whispering?

I know the meaning of this. When Luffy sees ferocious animals, rather than conquer them by force or beating them up, he tames them by looking into their eyes and making them his friends,” said Lata.

“Adi sakkai. This One Piece is making you smart. Exactly. When does this happen in One Piece?”

“That bull in Dressrosa, remember? It is a ferocious one and everyone is scared of it. Luffy takes one look at it in a very calm manner and the evil in the Bull’s eye turns into friendliness. He also carries the bull later when the bull is hurt.”

“Beautiful. So, one has to be calm and think about the good of others and no evil can touch you.”

“Ok, let’s read the Kural again, Appa.”

“Why are you hurrying me?”

“I want to watch that episode again. Quick.”

“வேண்டுதல்வேண் டாமை இலானடி சேர்ந்தார்க்கு யாண்டும் இடும்பை இல”

“To those who meditate the feet of Him who is void of desire or aversion, evil shall never come.”

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

What is something that you are passionate about that you do for the sake of doing that thing without expecting any benefits for yourself or anyone you know?

Writing, painting, community work?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:5

இருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன் பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு

“The two-fold deeds that spring from darkness shall not adhere to those who delight in the true praise of God.”

“Rajamani, this kural you’ve been studying is quite complex. Let me explain it to you through an example.”

“Aiyo, is it one of your long stories?”

“Hmm.. No.. My stories are never long.”

“Last time you started with the name of your street and ended with how Jahangir become the emperor.”

“Ok, I’ll talk about our neighbours then. One of them is a thief who only steals from the rich and gives to the poor, while the other is a philanthropist who donates everything he has to charity.”

“Did you just call Manish a thief? He’s an honest person.”

“My examples are imaginary. Now, let’s say both of these individuals are confronted by their neighbors about their actions. The thief might try to justify his crimes by saying he’s doing it for the greater good, but the philanthropist would not be able to make a similar claim. Why? Because the philanthropist is using his wealth to help others, whereas the thief is using it to harm others.

“I see what you mean, Appa. The two-fold deeds don’t stick to someone who genuinely does good in the world.”

“Exactly. Let me see how you explain this to your daughter Lata. But do you know why your street is called Annammacharya road?”

“Aiyo…”

(Later)

“Inge vaadi. I am going to ask you a question.

“Is it about Thirukkural or One Piece?”

“One piece. We saw that episode where Sanji steals food and feeds to a pirate Gin. Do you think it was right or wrong on Sanji’s part to do that?”

“That is tough. I would say that Sanji can’t claim he’s doing good just because he steals food for others. He’d have to admit that stealing is wrong too, even if his intentions are pure,” said Lata.

“Appaadi, you are wise for a 8 year old. So the kural is saying that we can’t hide behind our good intention and pretend it is all fine even though the deed is wrong.”

“So, Robin Hood is not right and does deserve to be imprisoned.”

“You could say that, Kutty.”

இருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன் பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

Can you think of some examples of someone doing the wrong thing even with the right intentions? Please stick to examples from fiction.

Ok, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:6

“Appa, I’ve been thinking of quitting my job and becoming a monk,” said Rajamani.

Sahasranamam laughed. “Rajamani, are you looking for a shortcut to enlightenment? Or is Vijaya not detaching herself from the mega serials?”

Rajamani chuckled and said, “Okay, okay. Maybe not the monk thing. But seriously, I’ve been reading this thirukkural about living a life without desires from the senses. The 6th one.”

“பொறிவாயில் ஐந்தவித்தான் பொய்தீர் ஒழுக்க நெறிநின்றார் நீடுவாழ் வார்

Sounds like someone’s trying to break up with their Netflix subscription.”

“Right? But what if it means living a life without distractions?

“Well, that might mean giving up your phone, social media, and all the other things you’re addicted to. It sounds like a detox program for adults,” said Sahasranamam.

“Exactly! And it’s not just about cutting out physical desires, but also avoiding false promises and lies.”

“That’s what I call living by God’s truthful path. You know, no more ‘I’ll pay you back next week’ or ‘I’ll do that later’.”

“If we live with honesty and integrity, our lives will be prosperous. Hello…”

“There he goes again, cutting off everything from me.”

“I might even find true happiness – the kind that doesn’t come with a side of chocolate cake, " said Rajamani out loud to himself.

“Lata Kutty, here is the 6th kural.

பொறிவாயில் ஐந்தவித்தான் பொய்தீர் ஒழுக்க நெறிநின்றார் நீடுவாழ் வார்

Those who stand on the path of honesty, devoid of desires stemming from the five senses, will live a prosperous life devoid of falsehood, according to God’s truthful path.

This is our today’s Kural.

What do you think?”

“That sounds cool. But I can’t think of anything from One Piece.”

“Hmm.. That’s a first. I will try to do this - Even though they were pirates, legendary pirates like Gol D. Rogers or Whitebeard led a life of righteousness and helped their own people and villages in the time of need. They stuck to their own truths and that led them to commanding more respect from their teammates. Remember how Whitebeard’s team still trying to protect even though he himself commanded the teammates to abandon him.

That is the essence of following the right path of truthfulness.”

“This time, I’ll reread the Kural, Appa.”

பொறிவாயில் ஐந்தவித்தான் பொய்தீர் ஒழுக்க நெறிநின்றார் நீடுவாழ் வார்

Those who stand on the path of honesty, devoid of desires stemming from the five senses, will live a prosperous life devoid of falsehood, according to God’s truthful path.”

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

What do you think gets in your way of leading a truthful path? Your OTT subscription, your commitments, promises to others.

Ok, let me know in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:7

தனக்குவமை இல்லாதான் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால் மனக்கவலை மாற்றல் அரிது

Anxiety of mind cannot be removed, except from those who are united to the feet of Him who is incomparable.

Rajamani sat with a thoughtful expression, running his fingers over his peppered beard as he pondered. He asked his father, Sahasranamam, “What does it truly mean?”

“It means that as long as our minds are clouded by anxiety and worry, we can’t find inner peace. But when we turn to God, or a higher power, we start to feel grounded and at ease.”

“Okay, got it. So like how I need my phone charger to charge my phone?”

Sahasranamam laughed and said, “Not exactly! In the case of your phone, you use it to connect to the outside world and keeps you calm in cases when you are troubled, turning to God or a higher power helps us connect to something bigger than ourselves and fills our hearts with peace.”

“Right now, I’m feeling anxious about my One Piece marathon with Lata. Hello… hello…”

“Remember the marathon, Appa?” asked Lata, with a twinkle in her eyes.

Rajamani gave Lata the example that his father had given him.

“Explain to me with your One Piece example.”

“Let’s see. Imagine Luffy and his crew are on a mission to find the legendary One Piece treasure. They’re getting anxious about not finding it soon, and their nerves are getting all frayed.”

“Okay.”

“But then they remember that it’s not just about finding the treasure - it’s about the journey, their friendships, and the adventures they have along the way. So instead of worrying about the outcome, they focus on enjoying the ride.”

“This is why he keeps yelling ‘I am going to be the King of the Pirates at the end of every episode?”

Lata laughed and continued, “Just like how Luffy doesn’t need to worry about the Devil Fruit power-ups, we don’t need to stress about our goals if we remember what’s truly important - our relationships and our own inner strength.”

Rajamani laughed and said, " Yeah, Kutty! You’re a One Piece master of the kural!”

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

What makes you anxious? How do you make the anxiety go away? Do you journal? Do you tell others?

Ok, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:8

அறவாழி அந்தணன் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால் பிறவாழி நீந்தல் அரிது

None can swim the sea of vice, but those who are united to the feet of that gracious Being who is a sea of virtue.

“Appa, as always give me an example to explain this kural to me,” said Rajamani.

“Imagine we’re standing at the edge of a lake, and on the other side is a big boat filled with all sorts of tempting goodies - chocolates, video games, etc.”

“Yeah? That sounds like Gundodaran Mama’s house!”

Sahasranamam chuckled and said, “Exactly! Who do you think he gave his name, the fat one, Gundodaran?”

“I didn’t know you gave people nicknames, Appa,” said Rajamani sarcastically.

“Can we focus on the kural? If we take refuge in the feet of a virtuous Being, it’s like finding a lifeline that keeps us safe from all those temptations. We can focus on our goals and not get distracted by all the ‘goodies’ around us.”

“Okay, got it. Stay away from Gundodaran Mama.”

“Lata kutty, I got the example myself this time. This is that episode where Nami is offered the chance to keep all the money she’s stolen if she betrays Luffy and the crew. Instead, she chooses to fight for her friends, even though it risks everything she’s worked for.”

“That’s from the Arlong Park arc, right, Appa?” said Lata.

“Yes, absolutely. Nami stabs her own arm to remove Arlong’s tattoo, rejecting the life she had under his rule. It’s about choosing loyalty and freedom over the temptation of security and wealth.”

“I cried when I saw that episode. I felt sorry for Nami.”

“But Luffy, her loyal friend helped her out, correct?”

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

What are some temptations that take you off your goals? Chocolates? Gaming? Binge watching?

Ok, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:9

கோளில் பொறியின் குணமிலவே எண்குணத்தான் தாளை வணங்காத் தலை

The head that worships not the feet of Him who is possessed of eight attributes, is as useless as a sense without the power of sensation.

Sahasranamam, Rajamani and Lata were on the dinner table with Lata playing with a toy ship. Sahasranamam was reading his book on Thirukkural, while Rajamani was fiddling with his smartphone.

Sahasranamam looked up and realized that Lata was getting bored and had stopped eating.

“Lata, do you still learn about the Thirukkural from your Appa?” asked Sahasranamam.

“Ahem, yes, she does. I keep telling…” replied Rajamani.

“I was asking her. She needs someone whom she can bank on, a someone who is without any judgement, someone who keeps reading the book, " said Sahasranamam, while pointing at his book.

“கோளில் பொறியின் குணமிலவே எண்குணத்தான் தாளை வணங்காத் தலை

The head that worships not the feet of Him who is possessed of eight attributes, is as useless as a sense without the power of sensation.” Rajamani thundered away.

“Just like Luffy would not have taken being a pirate and that too the legendary Straw Hat Pirate without Shanks. It will be like someone telling you about Thirukkural who doesn’t know anything about the knowledge of One Piece.”

Sahasranamam fell silent.

“Appa, let’s keep this cycle going. You are my master and I’ll get what I want from you and I will tell Lata what I know.”

“Wait.. Wait.. So, is this the meaning of the Kural as well?”

“Yes, da, Kutty. One should surrender oneself to another person, an entity,” said Rajamani.

கோளில் பொறியின் குணமிலவே எண்குணத்தான் தாளை வணங்காத் தலை

The head that worships not the feet of Him who is possessed of eight attributes, is as useless as a sense without the power of sensation.

[ Breaking the fourth wall ]

When you feel lost, whom do you reach out to? Who is it that you want to reach out to when you want to be directed?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:10

பிறவிப் பெருங்கடல் நீந்துவர் நீந்தார் இறைவன் அடிசேரா தார்

They swim the sea of births, the ‘Monarch’s’ foot who gain; None others reach the shore of being’s mighty main.

இறைவனுடைய திருவடிகளைப்‌ பொருந்தி நினைக்கின்றவர்‌ பிறவியாகிய பெரிய கடலைக்‌ கடக்க முடியும்‌: மற்றவர்‌ கடக்க முடியாது.

None can swim the great sea of births but those who are united to the feet of God.

[Scene opens in a serene village home, decades ago. A young Rajamani sits by the riverbank, watching his father, Sahasranamam, wash his feet after prayer.]

Sahasranamam: “Rajamani, today’s lesson is about a powerful truth from Thiruvalluvar. Listen closely: ‘பிறவிப் பெருங்கடல் நீந்துவர் நீந்தார் இறைவன் அடிசேரா தார்.’

It means, ‘Those who hold on to the feet of the Divine can cross the vast ocean of birth and life, while those who don’t, remain stranded.’ What do you think this ocean is?”

Young Rajamani: (thinking) “Is it… this river, Appa?”

Sahasranamam: (smiling) “No No… It’s bigger than the river. Imagine it’s the vast ocean of life, filled with waves of challenges, struggles, and desires. Now tell me, how do you cross an ocean?”

Young Rajamani: “With a boat, Appa!”

Sahasranamam: “Exactly! The boat is the grace and wisdom of the Divine. If you try to swim alone, the currents of anger, greed, and sorrow will pull you under. But if you hold on to the boat—your principles, your faith—you’ll make it safely to the shore.”

[Scene fades to the present day. Rajamani and his daughter, Lata, are sitting on the floor, folding laundry. Lata pauses to ask a question while holding a One Piece T-shirt.]

Lata: “Appa, do you think pirates believe in God? Like, in One Piece, Luffy doesn’t pray or anything, but he’s so fearless.”

Rajamani: “Interesting question, Lata. Do you remember when Luffy and his crew faced Enel on Skypiea?”

Lata: “Of course! Enel thought he was a god, but Luffy defeated him because he had no fear of lightning.”

Rajamani: “Exactly. Now think of Enel as someone who represents the waves of arrogance and greed, the kind that sinks most people. But what saved Luffy?”

Lata: (excitedly) “His unwavering belief in himself and his dream! He didn’t let Enel’s so-called godlike power scare him.”

Rajamani: “And what do you think gave Luffy that strength? His nakama, his principles, and his complete focus on his goal. That’s what Thiruvalluvar means here. The ‘Divine feet’ symbolize holding on to values greater than yourself. They give you the strength to cross the ocean of life.”

Lata: “So, you’re saying Luffy’s faith in his crew is like someone’s faith in God or in good principles?”

Rajamani: “Exactly, ma. Without such a foundation, even the bravest person will falter. Luffy’s crew is his boat. Without them, he wouldn’t get far.”

[Lata nods thoughtfully, folding the T-shirt with care.]

Host: “And now, dear viewers, think about your own life. What is your ‘boat’ in this vast ocean of existence? Is it faith, family, discipline, or perhaps a dream you’re striving toward?

What keeps you afloat when the waves of doubt, fear, or temptation rise high? Reflect on Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom: holding on to something greater than yourself is the key to crossing life’s challenges.

The ocean is vast, but with the right boat, the shore is always within reach. Until next time, may your journey be steady and your values unwavering.”

[The scene fades with soft flute music and an image of a calm ocean under a sunrise.]