By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
Speaker highlights Maharishi Valmiki’s contribution to India’s civilisational heritage; calls for recognition of the community’s historical struggles and contributions
NEW DELHI: Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has called for dignity, equality and recognition for the Valmiki community, emphasising its significant contribution to India’s moral, cultural and social heritage.
Addressing the Swachhata Karmachari Samman Samaroh and Deepavali Mangal Milan at Parik Bhawan, Roshanara Road, on Tuesday, Gupta said, “A community that has helped preserve the moral and cultural foundations of this nation must never be denied the dignity, equality and recognition it deserves.”
Highlighting the contribution of Maharishi Valmiki to India’s civilisational heritage, the Speaker said the Ramayana had guided generations in understanding the life, character and ideals of Lord Rama. He noted that the Valmiki community, through centuries of service and dedication, had played an important role in sustaining the country’s social and cultural fabric.
Referring to the naming of Ayodhya airport after Maharishi Valmiki, Gupta described it as significant recognition of the sage’s enduring contribution to India’s literary and spiritual heritage.
He observed that while Deepavali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the triumph of righteousness over evil, Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana gave these ideals a lasting place in India’s collective consciousness.
The Speaker also called for similar programmes to be organised across neighbourhoods to promote social harmony and recognise communities whose contributions have often remained unacknowledged.
Expressing concern over the historical marginalisation of the Valmiki community, Gupta said humiliation, discrimination and social neglect were not merely matters of the distant past but experiences still remembered across generations.
He acknowledged that constitutional safeguards, democratic rights and opportunities in independent India had created avenues for progress. However, he stressed that genuine social development must be measured by the dignity, equality and respect extended to every citizen.
Calling for greater recognition of the community’s historical struggles and contributions, Gupta said the ideals of righteousness and justice celebrated during Deepavali must also be reflected in society’s treatment of historically disadvantaged communities.
Senior leader Jai Prakash and other distinguished guests were present at the event.
