The Thirukkural (in English, 'Sacred Verses') is a revered ancient text in Tamil literature, written by the sage Thiruvalluvar and dated variously from 300 BCE to the 5th century CE. Consisting of 1,330 kurals (a poetic form consisting of seven words arranged in a line and a half), this epic has three sections—Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (love or sensual pleasure)—through which ethical and moral principles essential for leading a righteous and meaningful life are explored. The aphorisms cover topics such as justice, governance, relationships, and spirituality, offering a guide for individuals and society alike.
For the first time ever, the entire Thirukkural is being set to music by two immensely talented prodigies in Chennai, India: Lydian Nadhaswaram and Amirthavarshini. Lydian Nadhaswaram came to wider attention in 2019 when he participated in the CBS talent show, The World's Best, which he won.
Amirthavarshini is the composer of 1330 melodies. You read that correctly. Each of the kurals has a unique and distinct melody, making this project a compendium of 1330 singles. The musical variety reflects the Thirukkural's cosmopolitan nature; there is folk music, Indian and Western classical music, and even jazz and rap, to best reflect what those particular kurals convey. Lydian Nadhaswaram has taken on the music arrangement and the overall production of this audiovisual project.
Over 1000 singers from across the world have sung the compositions. They range from well-known singers like P. Suseela, K.S. Chithra, Sonu Nigam, and Sathya Prakash, to unknown singers from all walks of life, from children who are all of 5 years old to nonagenarians.
To make the message of the Thirukkural more accessible to lay people worldwide, Shaktivaasan has written a synopsis in Tamil for each Kural while I'm honored to be entrusted with coming up with a new English rendition, one that matches the tenor of this project. More details about Thirukkural 1330 (including a trailer, Tamil with English subtitles) can be accessed here.
The work's universal appeal lies in its concise yet profound insights, which transcend cultural and religious boundaries, earning it recognition not only in Tamil-speaking regions but across the world. Thiruvalluvar's work sits alongside with that of Shakespeare, Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, Chaucer, Homer, Dante, and the other greats.