Shloka 23
Gaṇānāṃ Vṛttiḥ — On the Sustenance and Cohesion of Assemblies
Gaṇa-nīti
तस्मान्मानयितव्यास्ते गणमुख्या: प्रधानत: । लोकयात्रा समायत्ता भूयसी तेषु पार्थिव
tasmān mānayitavyās te gaṇamukhyāḥ pradhānataḥ | lokayātrā samāyattā bhūyasī teṣu pārthiva ||
Therefore, O king, those foremost leaders of the guilds and corporate bodies should be honored above all. For the smooth continuance of the world’s affairs and public life depends largely upon them.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler must give special honor and support to the leaders of organized communities (guilds and corporate bodies), because the stability of society—its livelihoods, public order, and everyday functioning—depends greatly on them.
Bhishma is instructing the king on rajadharma (the duties of governance). In this counsel, he emphasizes the political and ethical necessity of respecting influential civic and economic leaders, since they sustain the practical workings of the realm.