NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to share a timeless Sanskrit Subhashitam, emphasizing the profound impact of disciplined, truthful, and thoughtful communication in building a peaceful and harmonious society.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister shared a well-known verse from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting that true self-discipline extends beyond actions to the words we choose to speak every day.
The Verse Shared by the Prime Minister
“अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत्।
स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते॥”
Deconstructing the Wisdom: The Four Pillars of Speech
The shloka outlines the essential criteria for Vangmaya Tapa (austerity of speech), offering a timeless guideline for meaningful public and private discourse:
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Anudvegakaram (Non-Agitating): Speech that does not cause unnecessary distress, anxiety, or provocation in the minds of others.
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Satyam (Truthful): Words grounded in honesty and authenticity.
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Priya-hitam (Pleasant and Beneficial): Communication delivered with kindness that aims for the ultimate well-being of the listener and society.
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Svadhyayabhyasanam (Self-Study and Reflection): The continuous practice of learning, self-reflection, and absorbing sacred wisdom to give depth and purpose to one’s voice.
Highlighting the message, Prime Minister Modi noted that speech guided by foresight, empathy, and intellectual discipline serves as a catalyst for positivity, social harmony, and civic peace across society.
