A person of strong character, integrity, inner strength, wisdom, and competence—whose true worth is demonstrated through actions, responsibilities fulfilled, and promises kept. These persons are called as Saandror, சான்றோர்.
The defining greatness of a worthy person is excellence of character. Other advantages cannot substitute for it. # 982
A person’s actions are the touchstone that reveals their greatness or smallness. # 505
Sandranmai, is the excellence of character demonstrated through conduct and it has 5 defining pillars:
- Love (அன்பு )
- Shamefulness to do Wrong (நாண்),
- Social Responsibility (ஒப்புரவு),
- Compassion (கண்ணோட்டம்),
- Truthfulness (வாய்மை)
Character excels when a person consistently chooses what is right, even when doing so is difficult, inconvenient, or personally costly.
A person’s character is truly demonstrated when:
- Integrity is tested — They remain honest even when dishonesty offers an advantage.
- Desires are tested — They exercise self-control despite temptation.
- Commitments are tested — They keep their promises even when circumstances become difficult.
- Responsibility is tested — They accept accountability instead of making excuses.
- Power is tested — They treat others with dignity even when they have the authority to do otherwise.
Thirukkural 505
பெருமைக்கும் ஏனைச் சிறுமைக்கும் தத்தம்
கருமமே கட்டளைக் கல்.
Our actions are the touchstone of our greatness or smallness.
In Tamil
ஒருவரின் நற்பண்புகள், சாதகமான சூழ்நிலைகளில் அல்ல; சவால்கள், ஆசைகள், சோதனைகள், நெருக்கடிகள் ஏற்படும்போது அவர் எடுக்கும் முடிவுகளிலும் செயல்களிலும்தான் உண்மையாக வெளிப்படுகின்றன.
For Aalvinai:
“Character is built through daily choices, tested by adversity, and demonstrated through action.”