Shloka 2.100.35
शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)
कच्चिज्जानपदो विद्वान्दक्षिणः प्रतिभानवान्।यथोक्तवादी दूतस्ते कृतो भरत पण्डितः।।।।
kaccij jānapado vidvān dakṣiṇaḥ pratibhānavān |
yathokta-vādī dūtas te kṛto bharata paṇḍitaḥ ||
O Bharata, have you appointed as your envoy a wise and capable expert—one native to the land, well-informed, favourably disposed, quick-witted, and one who reports exactly as instructed?
O Bharata, I hope you have chosen as your envoy an expert born in your own country, well-informed, skilful and quick to understand one who repeats and reports (exactly) what has been told.
Truthfulness (satya) in communication is dharma: an envoy must convey messages faithfully and intelligently, ensuring diplomacy does not become deceitful distortion.
Rāma reviews practical pillars of governance, turning to diplomacy and asking whether Bharata has selected a qualified messenger.
Satya and competence in public service: accurate reporting, discretion, and quick understanding are praised as essential virtues of a dūta.