പാലം കടക്കുവോളം നാരായണ പാലം കടന്നാല്‍ കൂരായണ

कार्यार्थी भजते लोकं यावत्कार्यं न सिद्ध्यति।

उत्तीर्णे च परे पारे नौकायाः किम् प्रयिजनम्।

kāryārthī bhajate lokaṁ yāvatkāryaṁ na siddhyati|

uttīrṇe ca pare pāre naukāyāḥ kim prayijanam|

A very practical statement.. a nugget of realism

As long a a person has something to be gained from the society or the world at large, he would declare his faithfulness and even would wait for the pleasure of others.. But once his purpose is served, he can show his true colours..

When one has to cross a river, he is very much attached to a boat that would ferry him across.. But once the other bank is reached, he will have no use for the boat..

Remembering the path travelled and feeling gratitude are nice qualities.. but they come only when we cultivate . But our natural propensities are not that noble..

In Malayalam there is a popular saying

പാലം കടക്കുവോളം നാരായണ പാലം കടന്നാല്‍ കൂരായണ

Paalam katakkuvolam naaraayanaa paalam katannaal kooraayan

A fellow has to cross a narrow bridge with a spate of water undeneath.. He hesitantly steps on the bridge and takes every step along uttering with great devotion the name of Lord Narayana..

But after he has stepped out of the bridge on the other side, and has placed his feet on firm grounds, he looks back and shouts with scant respect.. " Kooraayana" ( just to indicate that he cares a damn for the protector deity-- now that his purpose is served)

It is not exaggeration.. Basically we are like that..

Philanthropy is more on paper and microphone that in real life..

This lesson should be learned more by those who have served all their lives and are tempted to expect some help from those whom they helped..

regards

k v ananthanarayanan