Thirukkural – 445
As governance depends on ministers acting as his eyes,
A ruler should surround himself with ministers wise.
சூழ்வார்கண் ணாக வொழுகலான் மன்னவன்
சூழ்வாரைச் சூழ்ந்து கொளல்.
Governance of a country depends on the ministers who act as a Ruler’s eyes. They take information to him and advice him in people’s mood. So a ruler should surround himself with the wisest if ministers.
சூழ் – advice.
சூழ்வார் – advisor / minister.
Old Tamil Poetry 