Shloka 42
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
न विशेषो<स्ति मे पुत्र त्वयि तेषु च पार्थिव । मतमेतत् _पितुस्तुभ्यं गान्धार्या विदुरस्य च,राजन! मेरे लिये तुममें और पाण्डवोंमें कोई अन्तर नहीं है। तुम्हारे पिताका, गान्धारीका और विदुरका भी यही मत है
na viśeṣo 'sti me putra tvayi teṣu ca pārthiva | matam etat pituḥ tubhyaṃ gāndhāryā vidurasya ca ||
Bhishma said: “My son, O king, I make no distinction between you and those Pandavas. This is also the settled view of your father, of Gandhari, and of Vidura.” In the ethical frame of the episode, Bhishma affirms impartial kinship and urges the ruler to recognize that dharma requires equal regard and fairness toward both sides, not favoritism born of attachment.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should not let attachment create partiality; dharma demands equal regard and fairness toward all rightful kin and claimants, even amid conflict.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war counsel, Bhishma addresses Duryodhana and states that he sees no difference between him and the Pandavas, adding that Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Vidura share this view—pressing Duryodhana toward reconciliation and just conduct.