New Delhi, 26 October (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders on Monday extended greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, paying tribute to the revered sage’s enduring literary and spiritual legacy.

In a message posted on X, President Murmu said the epic Ramayana, composed by Maharishi Valmiki, offers timeless lessons in duty, righteous conduct, selfless action, benevolence, friendship, sacrifice, righteousness and devotion. She observed that the enduring values enshrined in the great work leave an indelible impression on people's lives.

The President expressed the hope that all citizens would embrace the ideals of the Ramayana and continue to make progress in their personal and social lives.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan described the Ramayana, composed by Adi Kavi Maharishi Valmiki, as an invaluable treasure of Indian culture and civilisational values. He said its ideals of truth, duty, sacrifice, compassion and righteousness continue to guide humanity.

He added that Valmiki’s teachings would always inspire people to uphold moral values and contribute to building a harmonious, compassionate and strong society.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Maharishi Valmiki had conveyed the values of truth, righteousness, respect, duty and sacrifice to people through the Ramayana. He noted that the sage’s life demonstrated how introspection, devotion and knowledge could bring about positive transformation in an individual’s life.

Om Birla said Valmiki’s works and thoughts would continue to guide people for generations to come.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Adi Kavi Maharishi Valmiki conveyed the ideals of Lord Shri Ram, along with the messages of truth, righteousness and public welfare, through his immortal composition, the Ramayana.

Describing Valmiki’s writings as an invaluable repository of Indian culture, moral values and human sensitivity,Rajnath Singh paid his respects to the sage, saying his teachings continue to inspire society to embrace virtuous conduct, harmony and an exemplary way of life.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said Maharishi Valmiki, an embodiment of penance, knowledge and compassion, brought the life and ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram to the masses through the Ramayana. In doing so, he inspired humanity to follow the path of duty and righteousness.

Amit Shah said society would remain indebted to the sage for his exceptional contribution to humanity.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Maharishi Valmiki’s timeless teachings on truth, compassion and ethical conduct would continue to inspire people.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana and revered as the Adi Kavi, introduced humanity to the exemplary character and ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan added that the sage’s sacred teachings encourage people to maintain purity of conduct and observe restraint, truth and duty with unwavering commitment. He said these ideals would continue to serve as a source of inspiration in the years ahead.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar