Best of Thirikkural: Wisdom to Enrich Yourself and Humanity – By R. Poornalingam (With a Foreword by Gopalkrishna Gandhi) (Published by Rupa Publications India)

Description: Unlock the ancient, non-religious blueprints of ethical living, structural governance, and personal prosperity that have guided humanity for over two millennia. Published by Rupa Publications India, Best of Thirikkural: Wisdom to Enrich Yourself and Humanity is authored by retired IAS officer and international consultant R. Poornalingam, featuring a profound foreword by celebrated diplomat, academic, and former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi. This masterful commentary distills the timeless genius of Thiruvalluvar into a practical, highly modern manual for character building and professional excellence.Composed more than two thousand years ago in classical Tamilakam, the Thirukkural stands globally alongside the world's greatest moral and philosophical texts. Unlike many ancient codes, its brief couplets (kurals) are completely non-religious, focusing instead on universal and unshakeable laws that govern human thoughts, values, and actions. Because its ethical rules cross cultural boundaries, it has been translated into dozens of global languages. In this expertly structured curation, Poornalingam isolates 100 pivotal couplets to address the two most critical pillars of contemporary human existence: Virtue (Aram) and Wealth (Porul)The book features a highly organized layout for each of the selected couplets (37 focusing on moral virtues and 63 on the clean acquisition and management of wealth). By providing the original text alongside clear English transliteration, direct translations, and exact meanings, the authors ensure that readers can effortlessly absorb the core philosophy.What sets Best of Thirikkural apart from traditional academic textbooks is its deep commitment to modern, practical application. Drawing from his extensive decades-long career in public service, state governance, and international administration with organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF, Poornalingam connects each ancient verse to contemporary realities. He pairs the couplets with vivid historical case studies and personal examples, showing how these centuries-old rules can solve modern corporate crises, guide political leadership, improve public administration, and protect mental well-being