రైతే రాజు, బుధుడే మంత్రి

raite raju, budhude mantri

Translation

The farmer is the king, and the intellectual is the minister.

Meaning

This traditional Telugu proverb emphasizes the foundational importance of agriculture and wisdom in society. It suggests that while the farmer provides the essential sustenance (food) making him the 'king' of life, the learned or wise person (intellectual/scientist) provides the guidance and strategy necessary for a prosperous society.

Related Phrases

Is there the same mantra for a lightning bolt and a child?

This expression is used to highlight that different problems require different solutions. It suggests that one cannot apply the same logic, treatment, or punishment to vastly different situations—specifically contrasting something as powerful and destructive as a lightning bolt (pidugu) with something as delicate as a child (bidda).

When there is a prince like Vikramârka, a minister like Bhaṭṭi will at once be found.

This expression highlights the importance of synergy between leaders and their advisors. It means that a great leader's success is complemented by an equally capable and wise assistant or minister. It is used to describe two highly competent individuals working perfectly together.

When the King fell for a beggar woman and was questioned, he told the Minister, 'Look through my eyes'.

This proverb highlights that 'beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.' It is used when someone's choice or preference seems baffling or poor to others, but is perfectly justified to the person involved because of their unique perspective or emotional attachment.

If one says 'straight', the other says 'paddle'.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being intentionally stubborn, contrary, or uncooperative. It refers to a person who gives an irrelevant or opposite response to whatever is said, making it impossible to have a productive conversation or reach an agreement.

Smaller than the king, but bigger than the minister.

This expression is used to describe a middle-ground position or an intermediary status where one is subordinate to the top authority but holds power over others. It is often used as a riddle answer for 'the finger' (the middle finger is next to the forefinger) or in a social context to describe middle management or individuals who are stuck between two different levels of hierarchy.

Kamaraju's granaries and Bhimaraju's garden beds.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an abundance of resources or wealth, typically referring to someone who possesses vast stores of grain (granaries) and extensive agricultural land (garden beds). It characterizes a state of being extremely well-off or having plenty of supplies.

The farmer's well-being is the king's fortune.

This proverb emphasizes that the prosperity of a nation depends entirely on the prosperity of its farmers. It highlights that if the agricultural sector flourishes, the entire kingdom or state will be wealthy and stable. It is used to stress the importance of supporting the agricultural community.

If the seed is good, it will be good for the farmer.

This proverb emphasizes that the quality of the foundation or source determines the quality of the outcome. In life, it suggests that if one's intentions or initial efforts are righteous and strong, the final results will be beneficial and rewarding.

If there is a king like Vikramarka, there will surely be a minister like Bhatti.

This expression highlights the importance of a perfect partnership. It means that a great leader or visionary can only succeed when they have an equally capable, wise, and loyal advisor or assistant. It is used to describe two people who are perfectly matched in intelligence and capability working together.

The farmer's well-being is the king's fortune.

This proverb emphasizes that the prosperity of a nation or its leader depends entirely on the welfare of the farmers. If those who produce food are healthy and successful, the entire kingdom or society thrives. It is used to highlight the foundational importance of agriculture.