Nirmala Sitharaman Quotes Telugu, Tamil Classics In Budget Speech: Meanings Of Thirukkural & Desamunu

Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget for the eighth time, has often incorporated quotes from South Indian classics like the Thirukkural, Purananuru, and Athichudi in her speeches.

Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned a couplet from 'Thirukkural' continuing a tradition she has followed in previous years.

Source : PTI

Budget 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has once again honoured Telugu and Tamil literatures by quoting versus from classics during her Budget speech on Saturday. In her opening remarks, Sitharaman referenced a line from the famous Telugu poet Gurujada Apparao's Desamunu Preminchumanna.

The versus from Desamunu Preminchumanna, as mentioned by Finance Minister, goes by: "Desamante matti kaadoyi, desamante manushuloyi" (Country is not just the mud and soil, Country means people). This poetic line highlights the idea that a nation’s true essence lies in its people, rather than its physical land.

Nirmala Sitharaman also mentioned a couplet from 'Thirukkural' continuing a tradition she has followed in previous years. The chosen Thirukkural verse, number 541, comes from the chapter 'The Right Sceptre' and reads:

"Vaanokki vaazhum ullakellaam mannavan koal nokki vaazhung kudi" (When rain nurtures all living beings, just governance by a king ensures the prosperity of his people.)

This verse emphasises the importance of good governance. Just as rain is essential for the flourishing of all living beings, a just and fair ruler ensures the prosperity and well-being of their people. 

Mentioning the Thirukkural, Sitharaman said, "Our Government is committed to keeping an ear to the ground and a finger on the pulse, and responding while balancing our nation-building efforts. The following measures will detail just how our Government under the guidance of PM Modi has taken steps to understand and address the needs voiced by our citizens. My tax proposals are guided by this spirit." 

Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget for the eighth time, has often incorporated quotes from South Indian classics like the Thirukkural, Purananuru, and Athichudi in her speeches. Last year, however, she did not include a quote from Thirukkural. The inclusion of this verse in 2025 reaffirms her commitment to showcasing the rich literary traditions of India.

In previous years, particularly in 2020 and 2021, Sitharaman had also recited verses from the Thirukkural during her budget addresses.

The Budget session began on January 31, 2025, with Sitharaman presenting the Economic Survey in Parliament, marking the beginning of the annual financial discussion.