satya

Satya is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning truth or reality. In Hindu philosophy and Indian ethical thought, satya denotes truthfulness as a moral virtue and a core aspect of dharma. The concept appears in ancient scriptures and is used in various compounds, such as satyagraha, a term associated with nonviolent resistance motivated by truth. In Hindu cosmology, Satya Yuga is the first of the four yugas, described as an era of harmony and truth.

As a given name, Satya is used in India and among South Asian communities. It is used for both men and women, though it is more commonly seen as a masculine name when used alone, and it is often part of longer names such as Satya Prakash or Satya Narayana. The name reflects cultural value placed on truth and integrity.

Notable uses of the term include Satya Nadella, the Indian-American business executive who has served as the chief executive officer of Microsoft since 2014. The name also appears in popular culture, such as the 1998 Indian crime drama film Satya directed by Ram Gopal Varma, which is regarded as influential in contemporary Indian cinema. Together, the term encompasses linguistic, philosophical, and cultural dimensions across South Asia.