Maharishi Valmiki is a great symbol of Indian literature, culture and human consciousness: Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh

Governor laid the foundation stone for the construction of two rooms at the Lord Valmiki Hostel and announced a grant of Rs.15 lakh 

Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Cabinet Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi paid floral tributes to Maharishi Valmiki 

Governor extends heartfelt greetings to the people of Haryana on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a roadshow in Karnal on November 5 to counter the opposition's misinformation - Krishan Kumar Bedi

Chandigarh,

Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that Maharishi Valmiki is a great symbol of Indian literature, culture and human consciousness. Revered as the Adi Kavi, Maharishi Valmiki composed the Ramayana, one of India's most revered epics. The Ramayana is not merely a literary masterpiece but also a timeless source of inspiration embodying the values of duty, truth, sacrifice and dignity. The ideals reflected in the lives of Lord Shri Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman inspire people to uphold righteousness, devotion, patience and selfless service in their daily lives, he added.

The Governor was addressing a programme organized by Maharishi Valmiki Ashram and Valmiki Sabha at Thanesar in Kurukshetra on Monday to mark Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Haryana Cabinet Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi also paid floral tributes to Maharishi Valmiki.

Earlier, the Governor laid the foundation stone for the construction of two rooms at the Bhagwan Valmiki Hostel and announced a grant of Rs 15 lakh towards the construction. He also extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Haryana on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.

The Governor said that the episode of the crane birds associated with Maharishi Valmiki's life highlights that great literature emerges not merely from knowledge and talent but also from a sensitive and compassionate heart. Empathy for the suffering of others and sensitivity towards injustice are the true foundations of humanity, he said.

He said that the Ramayana is not merely a narrative of a particular era but a timeless guide that offers opportunities for introspection and learning to people in every generation. Its values remain equally relevant in family, social and public life today.

Remembering Maharishi Valmiki provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to social harmony, equality and human dignity, the Governor said. He added that the Constitution of India is also founded on the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. It is our collective responsibility to translate these values into our conduct rather than confining them to books and speeches.

Progress of the state and the country is possible only through the collective efforts of all sections of society: Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi

Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi said that no section of society can progress in isolation. Collective efforts and mutual cooperation are essential for the upliftment of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. Maharishi Valmiki's teachings of love, brotherhood and equality continue to inspire society and strengthen the nation, he added.

He said that Kurukshetra has a rich historical and cultural association with Maharishi Valmiki. The Valmiki Ashram has been functioning here for several decades, with a hostel established in 1958. The hostel has contributed to the development of many individuals who have gone on to serve as MLAs, ministers, officers and employees. He said that Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh is an eminent educationist, and his visit to the ashram would provide encouragement and valuable guidance to the hostel students.

The Minister said that Maharishi Valmiki showed society the path of ideals, dignity and knowledge. It is essential to follow his teachings and make collective efforts to eradicate social evils, including drug addiction. He added that the state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary without discrimination.

He further alleged that the opposition was spreading misinformation and creating confusion among the people. He said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would hold a roadshow in Karnal on November 5 to counter what he described as the opposition's misleading claims. He added that the state government had taken several steps in recent years for the welfare and upliftment of all sections of society. The government had taken significant decisions in the fields of social justice, education, healthcare and infrastructure, he said, alleging that the opposition was resorting to misinformation in the absence of substantive issues. 

Among those present at the programme were Tourism Department General Manager Rajiv Prasad, SDM Aman Kumar, SP Jail Sirsa Jaswant Singh, Dr. Dharmendra, Chairman Gurnam Singh Saini, District President Ramesh Saini, Valmiki Sabha President Jangir Singh, Jat Mahasabha President Krishna Sheokand, Tara Chand, Rishipal Bedi, Deepak Gill, Ramnath, Jogiram and other dignitaries.