Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared a Sanskrit verse highlighting the importance of mutual learning and receptive listening among people. Posted on social media, the message emphasises how wisdom traditions teach us about the value of open exchange of knowledge and ideas.
What the Prime Minister said
The Prime Minister quoted a Sanskrit subhashitam, or wise saying, which translates to the idea that those who are learned praise one another for their willingness to listen and learn from each other. According to this teaching, people who have set aside selfish intentions and hidden agendas find prosperity and contentment in all aspects of life.
The verse reads: “ज्ञानवृद्धाः प्रशंसन्ति शुश्रूषन्तः परस्परम्। विनिवृत्ताभिसन्धानाः सुखमेधन्ति सर्वशः॥”
The Prime Minister posted this message on X, pointing to how classical Sanskrit wisdom speaks to the relationship between humility, openness to learning, and human flourishing.
What this means for you
This message from the Prime Minister’s Office draws from India’s classical knowledge traditions to encourage a mindset of mutual respect and collaborative learning. The underlying idea is that communities and societies benefit when individuals approach each other with genuine interest in understanding different perspectives, rather than being driven by personal gain or hidden motives. Whether in workplaces, educational settings, or public discourse, the principle suggests that willingness to both teach and listen creates conditions for shared progress and individual wellbeing.