CM Sukhu pays tribute to Maharishi Valmiki on Jayanti

Key Takeaways

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid tribute to Maharishi Valmiki on Valmiki Jayanti, 26 October 2026 .

Sukhu honoured Valmiki as the Adikavi — the first poet of Sanskrit literary tradition.

He highlighted the Ramayana's role in spreading Lord Rama's ideals of dharma and truth to every person.

Valmiki Jayanti is widely observed across India, holding special significance for communities that venerate the sage.

Indian political leaders across parties routinely mark the Jayantis of epic authors as part of cultural outreach.

On Valmiki Jayanti, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu offered reverence to Maharishi Valmiki — the ancient sage revered across India as the Adikavi (the First Poet) — honouring his timeless contribution to Sanskrit literature and moral philosophy.

Posting on Monday, 26 October 2026, CM Sukhu wrote: 'Heartfelt salutations to Adikavi Maharishi Valmiki on his Jayanti. Through the Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki brought the ideal life and great character of Lord Shri Ram to every person, and inspired society to walk the path of dharma and truth.'

The Adikavi and his enduring epic

Maharishi Valmiki is traditionally regarded as the composer of the Ramayana, one of Hinduism's two foundational Sanskrit epics. The title Adikavi — meaning the first or original poet — reflects the belief that Valmiki pioneered the shloka verse form, shaping the very grammar of Indian literary expression. His portrayal of Lord Rama as the embodiment of dharmic kingship, filial duty, and moral courage has resonated across centuries and cultures far beyond the subcontinent.

Valmiki Jayanti across India's political spectrum

Public tributes on the Jayantis of sages and epic authors have become a consistent feature of Indian political life, observed by leaders across party lines. The occasion draws particular resonance among Valmiki community followers who venerate the sage as a presiding figure of their heritage. For CM Sukhu, the tribute also underscores the Indian National Congress leadership's engagement with the cultural and spiritual calendar that shapes public life in Himachal Pradesh.

Point of View

But they carry genuine electoral and cultural weight — particularly with communities that revere the sage. For CM Sukhu, leading a Congress government in a state where cultural identity and community sentiments shape voting patterns, such public gestures signal respect for a shared civilisational inheritance. The framing around dharma and truth also positions the tribute within a broader Congress effort to reclaim spiritual-cultural vocabulary often ceded to rival narratives.

NationPress

26 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did CM Sukhu post about Maharishi Valmiki?

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti — the annual observance celebrating the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered composer of the Ramayana.

Who is Maharishi Valmiki and why is he called Adikavi?

Maharishi Valmiki is the ancient Sanskrit sage traditionally credited with composing the Ramayana. He is called Adikavi — meaning 'first poet' — because he is believed to have pioneered the shloka verse form that defined classical Indian poetry.

What is Valmiki Jayanti?

Valmiki Jayanti is an annual festival observed across India to mark the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki. It is particularly significant for communities that revere him as a cultural and spiritual ancestor.

What did CM Sukhu say about the Ramayana on Valmiki Jayanti?

CM Sukhu said that through the Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki brought the ideal life and great character of Lord Shri Ram to every person, and inspired society to walk the path of dharma and truth.

Is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh?

Yes, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a leader of the Indian National Congress.