Vidura is a significant character from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Born to a serving maid of the royal palace, Vidura is the half-brother of the elder Pandu and blind Dhritarashtra. Despite his humble origins, Vidura did not allow his circumstances to define his path. Armed with wisdom, intelligence, and an innate sense of truth, he became the prime minister to King Dhritarashtra, showing exemplary statesmanship.
While Vidura was highly regarded for his integrity, it was his sound and ethical judgement that set him apart. He played the role of a righteous advisor throughout the weaving narratives of the Mahabharata. However, extending his advice to both Pandavas and Kauravas, his wisdom often fell on deaf ears, especially with the blinded-by-love Dhritarashtra and his wilful son, Duryodhana.
Vidura's impartiality, sense of justice, and political acumen were a beacon of righteousness in the political turmoil that characterized the Mahabharata's royal court. This manifested in his warnings about Duryodhana's malicious intentions and advice for peace, which unfortunately went unheeded, leading to the catastrophic Kurukshetra war. In many ways, Vidura represents the voice of reason, ethical diplomacy, and morality within the epic.