Jaishankar pays tribute to Maharishi Valmiki on Jayanti
Synopsis
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid tribute to Maharishi Valmiki on his Jayanti, saluting the ancient sage's timeless teachings of truth, compassion, and righteous conduct.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar offered tribute to Maharishi Valmiki on his Jayanti on 26 October 2026 .
He cited Valmiki's three core teachings: truth ( satya ), compassion ( karuna ), and righteous conduct ( sadachar ).
Maharishi Valmiki is revered as Adi Kavi — the first poet in the Sanskrit literary tradition and author of the Ramayana .
Valmiki Jayanti is observed annually across India with community gatherings, recitations, and cultural events.
On Valmiki Jayanti, Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar offered his respects to the ancient sage revered as the first poet of Sanskrit literature, invoking his enduring teachings of truth, compassion, and righteous conduct.
Posting on Monday, 26 October 2026, Dr. Jaishankar wrote in Hindi: 'आज महर्षि वाल्मीकि जी की जयंती पर उन्हें सादर नमन। सत्य, करुणा और सदाचार की उनकी शाश्वत शिक्षाएँ हमें निरंतर प्रेरित करती रहेंगी।' — 'On the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki's Jayanti today, I offer my respectful salutations. His timeless teachings of truth, compassion and righteous conduct will continue to inspire us always.'
Maharishi Valmiki, honoured across India as Adi Kavi — the first poet — is the sage traditionally credited with composing the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, one of the foundational texts of Indian civilisation. His Jayanti is observed annually with community recitations, processions, and cultural events across the country, drawing particularly large gatherings in states with strong Valmiki community traditions.
Point of View
Reinforcing the state's engagement with classical civilisational heritage. For Dr. Jaishankar, whose public persona straddles sharp geopolitical commentary and cultural pride, such observances align with the broader diplomatic framing of India as a civilisational state. The specific invocation of truth, compassion, and righteous conduct carries soft resonance — values the ministry often links to India's foreign-policy identity. This is routine, yet deliberate.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Maharishi Valmiki?
Maharishi Valmiki was an ancient Indian sage regarded as the Adi Kavi — the first poet — in Sanskrit literary tradition and the author of the epic Ramayana.
Why is Valmiki Jayanti celebrated?
Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki and is observed across India with community gatherings, processions, and recitations from the Ramayana.
What did Jaishankar say on Valmiki Jayanti 2026?
Dr. Jaishankar offered respectful salutations to Maharishi Valmiki and said his timeless teachings of truth, compassion, and righteous conduct will continue to inspire generations.
What is the significance of Adi Kavi?
'Adi Kavi' means the first poet in Sanskrit. The title is traditionally given to Maharishi Valmiki because the Ramayana is considered the first major poem composed in the Sanskrit language.
