Shloka 23
उद्योगपर्व — अध्याय 33: धृतराष्ट्र-विदुर संवादः (विदुरनीतिः)
ऋणजु पश्यति य: सर्व चक्षुषानुपिबन्निव | आसीनमपि तूष्णीकमनुरज्यन्ति तं प्रजा:
ṛṇaju paśyati yaḥ sarva cakṣuṣānupibann iva | āsīnam api tūṣṇīkam anurajyanti taṃ prajāḥ ||
Vidura says: The one who looks upon everyone with a kindly, obliging gaze—as though drinking them in with his eyes—wins the people’s affection; even if he merely sits in silence, the subjects become devoted to him. The verse highlights how inner disposition and benevolent regard, more than loud speech or display, naturally draw public trust and loyalty—an ethical lesson in leadership and social harmony.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler or leader gains genuine loyalty not merely through speeches or force, but through a benevolent, attentive regard for all. When people feel truly seen and cared for, they naturally become devoted—even if the leader is outwardly quiet.
In Vidura’s counsel during the Udyoga Parva, he describes qualities that attract the goodwill of the subjects. Here he emphasizes the magnetic power of compassionate perception and restrained demeanor as marks of effective, dharmic leadership.