Conservation in a world of extremes | News of India – Times of India

Thirukkural and the Times explores real-world lessons from the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’. Written by the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Kural consists of 1,330 short stanzas of seven words each. This text is divided into three books with teachings on virtue, wealth and love and is considered one of the greatest books on morality and ethics. Kural has influenced scholars and leaders across the social, political and philosophical spectrum.
Motivational speaker, author and diversity champion Bharathi Bhaskar reviews the masterpiece.
Morgan Housel’s ‘The Psychology of Money’ has become a popular topic of conversation after actor Arvind Swamy mentioned it in a recent interview. Unlike many others that glorify risk and get rich quick, Housel offers a refreshing view of financial behavior.
One of my favorite parts of the book is about the virtues of moderation. “There are modest people with hidden wealth, and active people who are on the verge of insolvency.” It reminds me of a lesson I learned years ago.
While cleaning out the attic at my parents’ house, I found a dusty bag of childhood treasures—dolls, a Monopoly set, and comic books. Below was a pink pig pan. My mother had used that piggy bank to teach me my first lesson in financial prudence. I filled it with coins and small religious items given to me by visiting relatives. Once, one of my father’s friends gave me 50 rupees, and I felt like Richie Rich! However, there was a catch—Mom had the key. Whenever I wanted ice cream or a new bangle from the ‘John Fancy Shop’ on Triplicane High Road, Amma would ask a series of questions. If it was not a need, but a need, he would deny the key.
We also had a clay bank, which was unstable and had no lock. It could only be opened for emergencies. Every month, Amma made us deposit ten rupees in it, which reinforces the idea that savings should be used only when necessary.
Looking back, I realize it was the best financial advice I ever received. My parents lived a modest life, no matter how poor they were compared to our neighbors. My father was a school principal, and my mother worked for the central government. We celebrated festivals and birthdays, but there were unspoken rules; only two new clothes a year excluding the school uniform, and one outing a month, either to the cinema or to a restaurant.
When we asked for clothes or other supplies, Amma would point to the street children who did not get three meals a day. He used to say: “Buy only when you need it, not for show.”
His words shaped my financial habits. When I started managing money, I set up two bank accounts—one for spending valuables like a pink bank, and one for real emergencies. .
It’s hard to instill financial discipline today. Our houses are full of stuff—bags, food, tools, clothes, shoes. Frugality, once a guiding principle in families, has been replaced by a culture of excess.
The recently published RBI data shows a massive 7 percent decline in Indian household savings. Yes, frugality is not only a personal policy with money, but also a social obligation for action. Understanding the difference between needs and wants helps prevent unnecessary consumption, which makes our lives less useful.
Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, known for his wisdom on ethics and love, has also given timeless financial advice. He warned people against living beyond their means:
Alavarindhu Vaazhaadhaan Vaazhkkai Ulapola
Illagi Thondraak Kedum.
Look, he is a person who does not live with self-respect when he has his power;
His life will seem good, but soon it will be thin and disappear.
His words remind us that modesty is not just about money; it’s about balance. In a world full of things, there is little power and freedom to choose.
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