People across Uttar Pradesh celebrated Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, the Yogi government declared a public holiday, under which organisers held Ramayana recitals, cultural programs, devotional songs, bhajans, and lamp-lighting ceremonies throughout the state. Special excitement filled temples and sites associated with Valmiki. In the state capital, Lucknow, Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahasabha Trust organised the main event at the Jupiter Hall of Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated. He lit the ceremonial lamp, inaugurated the event, and made several key announcements while addressing the Valmiki community.
Leaders and Dignitaries Attend Grand Celebration
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, MP Dr Dinesh Sharma, BJP State President Bhupendra Chaudhary, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLA O.P. Srivastava, MLCs Mukesh Sharma, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Ramchandra Pradhan, Brijlal, Anoop Pradhan ‘Valmiki,’ and BJP Metropolitan President Anand Dwivedi were among the many dignitaries present. MLC Lalji Prasad Nirmal welcomed all guests at the ceremony.
Valmiki Community Is a Source of Strength: CM Yogi
In his address, CM Yogi emphasised the strength of the Valmiki community, saying, “Remember, the Valmiki community is a very influential one.” He mentioned that authorities have inaugurated the country’s first international airport, named after Maharishi Valmiki, at Ayodhya Dham. They have also established a separate temple dedicated to Lord Valmiki within the Shri Ram Temple premises, alongside the statues of the seven sages. “All these developments are happening under the double-engine government,” he noted. The CM urged the Valmiki community to spread awareness about the importance of Maharishi Valmiki and Lord Ram. “As devotion strengthens, society becomes more empowered. A strong society becomes self-reliant and fulfils the vision of a developed India.”
Major Announcements for Sanitation Workers
CM Yogi made a significant announcement introducing a new system for sanitation and contractual employees. “Now, the salaries of every sanitation worker and contractual employee will no longer be paid by outsourcing agencies but will be directly deposited into their bank accounts by the government corporation,” he said. Additionally, sanitation workers will receive health insurance coverage worth ₹5 lakh. This move highlights the government’s commitment to the welfare of sanitation staff.
Linking the Legacy of Lord Ram and Maharishi Valmiki
Yogi Adityanath highlighted the deep bond between Lord Ram and Maharishi Valmiki, saying, “Those who insult Lord Ram also disrespect Lord Valmiki. And those who dishonour Maharishi Valmiki dishonour Lord Ram too.” Targeting the opposition, he remarked, “Those who do not have faith in Lord Ram and who attacked Ram devotees cannot be trusted under any circumstances. They will always indulge in acts that divide society.”
Commitment to Unity and Development
Expressing faith in Valmiki’s ideals, CM Yogi said, “Inspired by the teachings of Lord Valmiki, we will realise the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Maharishi Valmiki instilled in us the spirit of dedication to society, and that same spirit binds us to the idea of Nation First.”
The ceremony emerged as not just a religious event but also a reaffirmation of social harmony and development. The Yogi government’s initiatives on Valmiki Jayanti have infused enthusiasm across the state. Experts believe such measures will become milestones in empowering the marginalised sections of society.
