Shloka 47
कौन्तेयस्त्वर्जुनो राजन्नेकलव्यमनुस्मरन् । रहो द्रोणं समासाद्य प्रणयादिदमब्रवीत्,जनमेजय! कुन्तीनन्दन अर्जुन बार-बार एकलव्यका स्मरण करते हुए एकान्तमें द्रोणसे मिलकर प्रेमपूर्वक यों बोले
kaunteyas tv arjuno rājann ekalavyam anusmaran | raho droṇaṃ samāsādya praṇayād idam abravīt, janamejaya ||
Vaiśampāyana said: O King Janamejaya, Arjuna, Kuntī’s son, again and again recalling Ekalavya, approached Droṇa in private and, with affectionate regard, spoke these words.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up an ethical dilemma: when excellence arises outside sanctioned circles, those with privilege may feel threatened, and teachers may be pressured toward partiality. It invites reflection on fairness in education, the responsibilities of a guru, and how attachment to status can distort dharma.
Arjuna, troubled after hearing/considering Ekalavya’s extraordinary skill, goes to Droṇa privately and speaks affectionately. This private approach foreshadows Arjuna’s concern about being surpassed and the ensuing actions that shape the Ekalavya episode.