ஓங்கும் கல்வி ஓதுக - Onkum kalvi otuka
Aathichudi, composed by the revered Tamil poetess Avvaiyar, is a foundational text in Tamil literature that imparts timeless moral values through simple yet profound one-line verses. Consisting of 109 aphorisms arranged in alphabetical order, it serves as an ethical guide for children and adults alike—instilling virtues such as discipline, kindness, knowledge, and humility that transcend generations and cultural boundaries.
ஓங்கும் கல்வி ஓதுக
Meaning
ஓங்கும் - உயர்வு தரும், கல்வி - கல்வியை, ஓதுக - கற்று அறிந்து கொள்
Paraphrase
உயர்வைத் தரக்கூடிய கல்வியை கற்றுக் கொள்
Moral
உயர்ந்த கல்வியே உயர்ந்த வாழ்க்கையை அளிக்கும்.
ஓங்கி வாழ்ந்தவன்
கர்த்திக் சிறந்த கல்வி கற்றதால், பலரை உதவக்கூடிய வணிகராக ஆனார். கல்வியே அவருக்கு உயர்வு தந்தது.
Onkum kalvi otuka
Translation
Learn the education that elevates
Moral
உயர்ந்த கல்வியே உயர்ந்த வாழ்க்கையை அளிக்கும்.
Karthik’s Growth
Karthik studied hard and became a successful entrepreneur who helped many others. Knowledge lifted him.
Comments (6)
Yakshit Warrior
1 month ago
So much truth in this couplet. The poet captured an eternal value in just two lines.
Madhav Sheth
1 month ago
Such clarity and depth! Every time I read this, I gain a new perspective.
Ela Mand
1 month ago
I find this poem very motivating. It pushes us to be more honest and kind in our actions.
Miraan Deo
1 month ago
I find this poem very motivating. It pushes us to be more honest and kind in our actions.
Rati Sibal
1 month ago
Absolutely love this one. It reminds me of the core values my grandparents taught me.
🌟 Poem of the Day
Explore daily pearls of wisdom from the classic Aathichudi. Each day features a powerful line that instills values, discipline, and moral clarity—nurturing young minds and inspiring all generations with timeless Tamil teachings.
எண்ணிய முடிதல் வேண்டும் - Enniya mutital ventum
எண்ணிய - திட்டமிட்ட, முடிதல் - நிறைவு செய்தல், வேண்டும் - அவசியம்
🧠 About Avvaiyar
Avvaiyar is one of the most respected Tamil poetesses, celebrated for her wisdom-filled works aimed at instilling values in young minds. Among her many contributions, the Aathichudi stands out as a foundational text that teaches moral lessons through simple and powerful one-line verses.
Believed to have lived during the Sangam era, Avvaiyar used poetry as a tool to educate and guide people toward righteousness and discipline. Her teachings continue to resonate across generations, making her a timeless symbol of Tamil knowledge and virtue.
Lakshay Singh
1 month ago
What a beautiful thought! The poet's ability to express deep meaning in few words is just remarkable.