Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse on social media on 1 September 2026, offering insight into what he considers the hallmarks of a truly wise person. The Prime Minister’s Office released the message, which reflects on qualities of wisdom through classical Indian philosophical thought.
What the verse says
The Prime Minister quoted a Subhashitam, a traditional Sanskrit aphorism. The verse, in Sanskrit, translates to the idea that a genuinely wise person is one whose plans and actions remain concealed from others until those actions are complete. According to the verse, only after work is finished do others come to know what was accomplished. The Prime Minister emphasised that such a person—disciplined, discerning, and thoughtful in approach—is truly deserving of the title “wise.”
The full Sanskrit verse reads: “यस्य कृत्यं न जानन्ति मन्त्रं वा मन्त्रितं परे। कृतमेवास्य जानन्ति स वै पण्डित उच्यते॥”
What this means for you
This statement reflects a philosophical approach to decision-making and execution. The Prime Minister appears to be highlighting the value of working quietly and methodically on plans, keeping deliberations private until completion, rather than making announcements prematurely. For civil servants, policy makers, and citizens engaged in public work, this frames wisdom as linked to discretion, careful thinking, and ensuring that plans mature before being made public. It suggests that true capability lies not in talking about what will be done, but in completing work and letting results speak for themselves.