‘Serving the people and the nation is the fundamental basis of good governance,’ shares Prime Minister Modi

New Delhi, October 28  Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a *subhashita* (a wise aphorism) on social media on Wednesday, conveying a message centered on the service of the people and the nation.

The Sanskrit verse shared by PM Modi—*”Palayan prakritim raja sukhi bhavati nanyatha; prakritishcha hita yasya sa raja sarvakamadhuk”*—carries the essence that serving the people and the nation is the cornerstone of good governance. Leadership that remains selflessly dedicated to public welfare and the common good paves the way for prosperity, peace, and happiness within a nation.

This well-known Sanskrit verse is drawn from an ancient text titled *Kamandakiya Nitisara* (or *Kamandaka Nitisara*), authored by Acharya Kamandaka. The text explores the concepts of the state, the duties of a ruler (*rajadharma*), and the principles of governance.

The verse suggests that a ruler can attain true happiness and prosperity only by properly nurturing and protecting their subjects. A ruler cannot remain happy if they neglect or exploit the people.

Furthermore, the verse implies that a ruler who is loved by their subjects—and whose realm remains balanced and beneficial—attains all forms of success and opulence. Such a ruler becomes *sarvakamadhuk*—capable of fulfilling all the aspirations of their people—and their kingdom becomes as bountiful as the *Kamadhenu* (the mythical wish-fulfilling cow). This verse, composed by Acharya Kamandaka, suggests that the welfare of the people (public good) and the protection of the environment (preservation of nature) are the true keys to the success of any nation or leadership. In other words, when a ruler works selflessly for the benefit of the subjects, the ruler’s own aspirations are naturally fulfilled through the blessings and cooperation of the people, as well as the prosperity of the nation.