Key Points

In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Maharishi Valmiki ahead of his Jayanti. He described Valmiki as a foundational pillar of Indian culture who gifted humanity the epic Ramayan. Modi highlighted that the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya includes dedicated temples for Valmiki and Nishadraj, reflecting the story's inclusivity. The Prime Minister also shared that India is working to get Chhath Puja recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

Key Points: PM Modi Calls Maharishi Valmiki Pillar of Indian Culture

  • PM Modi emphasized Valmiki's role in introducing Ram's life through the Ramayan
  • He stated Ram is complete with figures like Mata Shabari and Nishadraj
  • Modi urged visitors to Ayodhya to also see Valmiki and Nishadraj temples
  • Government is pushing for Chhath Puja's UNESCO cultural heritage recognition
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Maharishi Valmiki is pillar of Indian culture: PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'

PM Modi honors Maharishi Valmiki in Mann Ki Baat, highlights Ramayan's universal values, and urges visits to Valmiki and Nishadraj temples in Ayodhya.

"We all know Maharishi Valmiki is a pillar of Indian culture. - PM Modi"

New Delhi, Sep 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' episode on Sunday, recalled the immense contributions of Maharishi Valmiki in the incredible epic of Ramayan.

He mentioned October 7, which is celebrated as Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti in India, and said, "We all know Maharishi Valmiki is a pillar of Indian culture. It was indeed Maharishi Valmiki who introduced us extensively to the Avatar Kathas of Bhagwan Ram. He presented humanity with the marvellous epic of the Ramayan."

The Prime Minister said that the influence of the Ramayan is on account of the "ideals and values ​​of Bhagwan Ram enshrined in it".

"Bhagwan Ram embraced everyone with a spirit of service, harmony and compassion. That is why we feel that the Ram of Maharishi Valmiki's Ramayan is complete only with Mata Shabari and Nishadraj. That is why, when the Ram temple was constructed in Ayodhya, a temple dedicated to Nishadraj and Maharishi Valmiki was also built alongside it," he said.

He also urged the citizens to visit the Maharishi Valmiki and Nishadraj temples when they visit Ayodhya to offer prayers at the Ram Temple.

PM Modi also mentioned in his radio talk that the Indian government is striving to include the Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

"When Chhath Puja is included in the UNESCO list, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity," he said.

"Some time ago, on account of similar efforts by the Government of India, Kolkata's Durga Puja also became a part of this UNESCO list. If we accord our cultural events such global recognition, the world will also know about them, understand them, and come forward to participate in them," PM Modi added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's heartening to see our cultural heritage being celebrated at the highest level. The inclusion of Nishadraj and Mata Shabari shows the inclusive nature of Sanatan Dharma. Jai Shri Ram! 🚩
A
Anjali F
While I appreciate the focus on culture, I wish there was more discussion about current issues affecting common people. Cultural preservation is important, but so is addressing inflation and unemployment.
S
Sarah B
As someone living abroad, it's wonderful to see India's rich cultural heritage getting global recognition through UNESCO. The Chhath Puja initiative is particularly commendable.
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Vikram M
The mention of Mata Shabari and Nishadraj shows how our epics teach us to respect all sections of society. This is the real essence of Indian culture that we must preserve and pass to next generations.
K
Karthik V
Planning to visit Ayodhya next month. Will definitely visit the Valmiki and Nishadraj temples as suggested. It's important to understand the complete story of Ramayan, not just parts of it.

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