In a marked shift from quoting words of ancient Indian economist Kautilya and Shakespeare by earlier Finance Ministers, P Chidambaram chose to quote from the contemporary economist Joseph Stiglitz in his Union Budget proposals today. Presenting the Union Budget for 2013-14 in Parliament, Finance Minister P Chidambaram also quoted his favourite poet Tiruvalluvar towards the end of his Budget speech after referring to Stiglitz in the beginning.

"There is a compelling moral case for equity; but it is also necessary if there is to be sustained growth. A country's most important resource is its people," Chidambaram quoted Nobel prize-winning economist Stiglitz as saying, while stressing on the need for inclusive economic growth.

Just before ending his speech, Chidambaram said the government's work would be seen in its action and quoted his favourite poet, Saint Tiruvalluvar: "What clearly eye discerns as right, with steadfast will. And mind un-slumbering, that should man fulfill".