Thirukkural verse (in Tamil script)
இன்மை எனஒரு பாவி மறுமையும்
இம்மையும் இன்றி கெடும்
Meaning: Poverty, the cruelest of demons, deprives one of both worldly and spiritual joys.
Startup application: This Thirukkural emphasizes the critical importance of financial health in a startup’s journey, highlighting the severe consequences of financial struggle or business failure. Here’s how it can be applied:
- Financial sustainability: Developing a solid financial strategy and maintaining healthy cash flow is crucial for startups to weather potential downturns and ensure long-term success.
- Holistic success: The verse suggests that financial stability is not just about profits or valuations, but about creating a foundation that allows the company to thrive in various aspects, including innovation, customer value, employee well-being, and positive societal impact.
- Risk management: Implementing robust financial monitoring, forecasting systems, and risk mitigation strategies can help startups balance growth with financial prudence and prepare for contingencies.
- Employee well-being: Investing in employee well-being and company culture alongside financial goals can contribute to overall success and create a business model that provides both financial and non-financial rewards.
- Long-term planning: The Kural encourages founders to take a long-term view in their financial planning, pursuing immediate business goals while also considering longer-term, potentially more fulfilling objectives like research and development, employee development, or corporate social responsibility.
