The Sanskrit Verse and Its Meaning
The Subhashitam shared by the Prime Minister reads:
विप्रो वृक्षस्तस्य मूलं च सन्ध्या वेदाः शाखा धर्मकर्माणि पत्रम्।
तस्मान्मूलं यत्नतो रक्षणीयं छिन्ने मूले नैव शाखा न पत्रम्॥
In English, it translates to:
“A wise person is like a tree. The root of that tree of knowledge is daily worship. The Vedas are its branches, and good deeds are its leaves. Therefore, the root must be carefully protected, because if the root is destroyed, neither the branches nor the leaves will survive.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that protecting the “roots” of daily habits, ethical actions, and disciplined living is essential for sustaining knowledge, culture, and personal growth.
Connecting Ancient Wisdom with Modern Life
PM Modi shared the verse on his X handle, highlighting that even in contemporary times, the core principles of discipline, learning, and moral action remain crucial. The analogy of a tree resonates with the idea that a strong foundation is vital for growth and flourishing, whether in personal life, education, or national development.
