By IANS
New Delhi : Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Friday quoted Tamil saint poet Tiruvalluvar in the Lok Sabha to emphasise the need for compassion and righteous rule.
Speaking during the presentation of the budget for 2008-09, Chidambaram said: “As always, I turned to my muse, Saint Tiruvalluvar, for guidance and reassurance.
“Two thousand years ago he set the benchmark for good governance in the following immortal words:
“‘Kodai Ali Sengol Kudi Ombal Nangum, Udaiyanam Vendharkku Oli’ (Generous grants, compassion, righteous rule and succour to the downtrodden are the hallmarks of good governance.)”
Chidambaram said the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had tried to remain true to the philosophy of Tiruvalluvar since taking office in 2004.
“The four years to 2007-08 have been the best years so far but, may I say with humility, that the best is yet to come.”