Anurag Thakur Greets Nation on Valmiki Jayanti
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti 2026, BJP MP Anurag Thakur paid tribute to Maharshi Valmiki, the ancient sage venerated as the composer of the Ramayana, calling the epic an unparalleled sacred text rooted in the life of Lord Shri Ram.
Thakur opened his message with a verse from the Ramayana — 'Balmiki man aanandu bhaari, mangal moorti nayan nihaari' (Valmiki's heart overflowed with joy, beholding the auspicious form before his eyes) — before extending heartfelt greetings on the occasion. He wrote that Maharshi Valmiki showed humanity the path of truth and duty through his composition, and that 'his values and ideals remain relevant even today.'
The sage who gave the world its first epic
Maharshi Valmiki is traditionally credited with composing the Valmiki Ramayana, the original Sanskrit epic that chronicles the life, exile, and battles of Lord Rama. Revered as the Adi Kavi — the first poet — Valmiki is regarded as having given literary form to one of the foundational narratives of Indian civilisation. His Jayanti, observed on the full moon of the Ashwin or Kartik month, is marked by processions, readings, and cultural programmes across India.
The epic's twin pillars — satya (truth) and kartavya paraayanata (devotion to duty) — are precisely the qualities Thakur highlighted in his message, framing them not as historical curiosities but as living guideposts.
A cross-party tradition in Indian public life
Valmiki Jayanti occupies a prominent place in India's political calendar. Leaders across parties routinely issue greetings on the occasion, reflecting the Ramayana's deep reach across regional, linguistic, and community lines. For Anurag Thakur, a two-term MP from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh and former Union Minister, the tribute also resonates with his party's longstanding emphasis on the cultural and spiritual legacy of Lord Rama.
The Ramayana's themes of righteous governance and selfless service continue to be invoked in contemporary public discourse — from policy speeches to cultural festivals — making Valmiki Jayanti a moment that bridges classical heritage and modern civic values.
On a day when millions across India remember the sage who first put Rama's story into verse, Thakur's message is a reminder that the oldest stories still carry the sharpest edges.