PM Modi pays tribute to Maharishi Valmiki, calls Ramayan an eternal guide
Synopsis
In the 139th Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi used Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary to connect ancient Ramayan values — service, compassion, inclusion — to present-day milestones like the Ram Mandir shrines and Ayodhya airport naming, framing India's cultural revival as a living continuation of the epic's ideals.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi paid tribute to Maharishi Valmiki during the 139th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on 25 October 2026 .
He described the Ramayan as a timeless guide emphasising service, compassion, and social harmony.
Modi cited Bhagwan Ram's relationship with Mata Shabari and Nishadraj as examples of inclusiveness.
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya includes shrines dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki , Nishadraj , and Mata Shabari .
Ayodhya's airport has been named after Maharishi Valmiki , a move Modi welcomed.
Modi extended wishes for Diwali and Chhath , urging citizens to celebrate with family safely.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 25 October 2026, paid homage to Maharishi Valmiki during the 139th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', calling the Ramayan an enduring source of wisdom and urging citizens to draw inspiration from the ancient epic ahead of the sage's birth anniversary on 26 October.
Modi's Tribute to Maharishi Valmiki
Acknowledging the immense legacy of the sage, Prime Minister Modi said the Ramayan's relevance had not dimmed despite millennia. "Tomorrow, October 26, marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki. Though thousands of years have passed, the Ramayan of Maharishi Valmiki ji continues to offer us new insights even today," he said.
He further reflected on the epic's moral architecture: "Through the Ramayan, Maharishi Valmiki has imparted profound life lessons to us… on the one hand, he emphasises the value of persistent effort; on the other, he also highlights the importance of service, compassion, and social harmony."
Lessons from Bhagwan Ram's Character
Modi elaborated on how the character of Bhagwan Ram in the Valmiki Ramayan embodies the ideals of inclusiveness and respect. He specifically cited Bhagwan Ram's acceptance of Mata Shabari's love and devotion, and his deep friendship with Nishadraj, as timeless illustrations of social harmony and the spirit of collective belonging.
"In the Valmiki Ramayan, the character of Bhagwan Ram serves as a beautiful embodiment of these values – Bhagwan Ram embraced the love and devotion of Mata Shabari… honoured his friendship with Nishadraj. The spirit of taking everyone along — these ideals continue to guide us even today," he said.
Ram Mandir and Ayodhya Airport Connections
The Prime Minister drew a direct line between the epic's inclusive ethos and recent cultural landmarks. He noted that the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya houses shrines dedicated not only to Bhagwan Ram but also to Maharishi Valmiki, Nishadraj, and Mata Shabari — a deliberate architectural reflection of the Ramayan's values of social integration.
Modi also expressed happiness over Ayodhya's airport being named after Maharishi Valmiki, saying such initiatives enrich India's tradition of placing the highest value on service, social harmony, and compassion.
Festive Season Greetings
Towards the close of the programme, Modi extended warm wishes for the upcoming festive season, which includes Diwali and the Chhath festival. "Do celebrate these festivals with your entire family while staying healthy and safe, and include others in your joy. I extend my best wishes to all of you for the upcoming festivals," he said.
The 139th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' comes at a symbolically significant moment, tying Maharishi Valmiki's teachings to the broader festive calendar and ongoing cultural initiatives in Ayodhya.
Point of View
Weaving the Ramayan's inclusive characters (Mata Shabari, Nishadraj) into the BJP's broader 'sabka saath' narrative. The Ayodhya airport naming and Ram Mandir shrine design are being positioned as institutional continuations of Valmiki's egalitarian ethos, a framing that speaks directly to Dalit and OBC communities. Whether this translates into substantive policy uplift for marginalised groups, or remains largely symbolic ahead of the festive season, is the question mainstream coverage rarely presses.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi say about Maharishi Valmiki in Mann Ki Baat?
PM Modi paid homage to Maharishi Valmiki during the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 25 October 2026, calling the Ramayan a timeless source of wisdom. He highlighted its lessons on persistent effort, service, compassion, and social harmony, and said these ideals continue to guide India today.
When is Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary in 2026?
Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary falls on 26 October 2026. PM Modi made his tribute remarks on Mann Ki Baat on 25 October, a day before the celebration.
Which characters from the Ramayan did PM Modi refer to?
Modi specifically mentioned Bhagwan Ram's acceptance of Mata Shabari's love and devotion, and his friendship with Nishadraj, as examples of inclusiveness and social harmony embedded in the Valmiki Ramayan.
What is the connection between Maharishi Valmiki and the Ayodhya airport?
Ayodhya's international airport has been named after Maharishi Valmiki. PM Modi expressed happiness over the naming, saying it enriches India's cultural tradition of valuing service and social harmony.
What festive wishes did Modi extend on Mann Ki Baat?
At the close of the 139th Mann Ki Baat episode, Modi extended best wishes for Diwali and the Chhath festival, urging citizens to celebrate with family while staying healthy, safe, and inclusive of others.
