Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse on social media highlighting how education shapes individual character and contributes to social welfare. The statement, posted on 9 September 2026, reflects the government’s emphasis on the role of learning in personal and collective advancement.
What the Prime Minister said
The Prime Minister quoted a Sanskrit Subhashitam (aphorism) that describes the multiple benefits of knowledge. According to his interpretation, this verse conveys that education teaches people how to live as responsible members of society. Knowledge, he suggested, brings both material prosperity and inner satisfaction, while also elevating a person’s standing and self-respect.
The specific verse shared was: “उपदिशति लोकवृत्तं वितरति वित्तं विनोदयति चित्तम्। उत्तम्भयति महत्त्वं विद्या हृद्या सुराजसेवेव॥”
The Prime Minister drew a parallel between the value of wisdom and the importance of service to just governance. He suggested that education, like righteous public service, is cherished by society and has the potential to transform lives.
What this means for you
This statement underscores the government’s belief that education serves purposes beyond earning income. The message emphasizes that learning should equip citizens with values needed for social harmony and personal fulfilment. For students and individuals pursuing knowledge, the statement reinforces the idea that education is an investment in both individual dignity and community welfare. The government’s reference to Sanskrit texts also reflects its broader approach to drawing on India’s classical intellectual traditions when discussing policy priorities.