Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 26 October extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Adi Kavi Maharishi Valmiki. In a message issued for the occasion, the Chief Minister underscored Valmiki's enduring contributions to Indian civilisation and called on the youth to draw inspiration from the ideals of Lord Shri Ram and commit to rejecting discrimination in every form.

Valmiki as a Beacon of Social Harmony

Chief Minister Yogi described Maharishi Valmiki as a 'great exponent of social harmony, justice, and humanity,' extending what he called his heartfelt greetings to all on the sacred occasion. He said Valmiki was not merely a revered figure in Indian civilisation but a 'timeless guide and a source of inspiration for all humanity.'

'Through his immortal epic, the Ramayana, he conveyed enduring values of truth, righteousness, dignity, and devotion to duty. These ideals continue to illuminate the path of society across generations,' Yogi said in his message.

Appeal to Youth: Pledge Against Discrimination

Addressing the younger generation directly, CM Yogi made a pointed appeal for a society free from bias and prejudice. 'Let us draw inspiration from the ideals of Lord Shri Ram and pledge never to accept discrimination in any form. A truly harmonious society can be built only when the barriers of inequality and prejudice are removed from our hearts and minds,' he said.

He also recalled the origins of the first Sanskrit verse — born from Maharishi Valmiki's profound compassion on witnessing the killing of a krauncha bird — noting that this moment of empathy ultimately gave rise to the Ramayana itself. He said Valmiki envisioned, through Ram's life and character, an ideal society grounded in love, justice, social harmony, and fraternity.

Ram Rajya and the Ideal of Equality

CM Yogi cited the Ramayana's account of Lord Ram embracing Nishadraj Guha as a close friend as a reminder that 'genuine respect, equality, and human connection transcend social identities.' He described the concept of Ram Rajya as being built upon the principles of dignity, security, and welfare for every individual — ideals he linked to the current government's social agenda.

Government Initiatives Inspired by Valmiki's Legacy

The Chief Minister highlighted several steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government to honour and preserve the sage's legacy. Development work at Maharishi Valmiki's revered meditation site in Chitrakoot has been undertaken to inspire devotees and future generations. Multiple projects have also been implemented for the preservation and tourism development of Maharishi Valmiki Ashram in Bithoor, a site tradition associates with the composition of the Ramayana.

Notably, naming Ayodhya's international airport after Maharishi Valmiki has brought national and global recognition to his legacy, according to the Chief Minister. The state government has also declared a public holiday on Valmiki Jayanti in Uttar Pradesh as a mark of respect for the sage.

Commitment to Marginalised Communities

CM Yogi reaffirmed the government's commitment to the social and economic advancement of marginalised and underprivileged communities. 'The true spirit of Maharishi Valmiki's teachings can be realised only when the person standing at the last mile of society enjoys dignity, security, and equal opportunities,' he said. He also highlighted welfare initiatives for sanitation workers and noted that villages inhabited by the Van Tangiya community had been granted revenue village status. The forward-looking challenge for the government remains translating these symbolic gestures into measurable outcomes for the communities Valmiki's philosophy championed.