Shloka 2.17.9
रामस्य राजमार्गगमनम् (Rama’s Progress along the Royal Highway)
यथास्म पोषिताः पित्रा यथा सर्वैः पितामहैः।।।।ततस्सुखतरं रामे वत्स्यामस्सति राजनि।
yathā sma poṣitāḥ pitrā yathā sarvaiḥ pitāmahaiḥ |
tataḥ sukhataram rāme vatsyāmaḥ sati rājani ||
“Just as we were cared for under your father and under all your forefathers, so too—when Rāma becomes king—we shall live with even greater happiness.”
Once Rama assumes kingship, we shall all live in happiness greater than when we were ruled by his father and grandfather.
Dharma as welfare-oriented kingship: righteous rule is measured by the protection and flourishing of subjects, rooted in truthful continuity of good governance.
The people express confidence that Rāma’s reign will surpass even the prosperity experienced under Daśaratha and earlier kings.
Benevolent leadership—Rāma is trusted as a protector who increases collective well-being.