On October 7, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Valmiki community, emphasizing that their safety is vital for societal safety. He stated, “Your respect amounts to respecting Lord Valmiki’s heritage.” The CM announced that sanitation and contract workers will now receive payments directly into their bank accounts from the government corporation, rather than outsourcing companies. Additionally, sanitation workers will receive health insurance coverage of five lakh rupees, with further provisions for compensation in case of accidents. This initiative follows the inclusion of eighty thousand Home Guards in Uttar Pradesh under the same scheme. Yogi Adityanath attended the Maharshi Valmiki Manifestation Day ceremony at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, organized by the Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahasabha Trust.
He congratulated the people on Lord Valmiki’s birth anniversary and highlighted Valmiki’s pivotal role in India’s spiritual heritage. He recounted how Valmiki sought to write about a person of true character, recognizing that only such individuals could contribute to public welfare. The CM drew parallels between Valmiki’s teachings and Swami Vivekananda’s statement on identity being defined by character rather than clothing. CM Yogi explained that the Ramayana was centered around Lord Ram, who exemplifies Dharma. He noted that the principles of brotherly, paternal, maternal, and royal relationships are encompassed in the term Maryada Purushottam, emphasizing that Ram adhered strictly to propriety.
He urged all Indians to keep an image of Maharshi Valmiki at home, stating that every narrator of the Ramayana pays respects to him first. The CM articulated the importance of divine sages throughout Indian history, from Valmiki to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, all of whom aimed to uplift society. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues this vision with the concept of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, and the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Yogi Adityanath remarked that Ram Rajya symbolizes a society free from discrimination and asserted that the BJP government is dedicated to achieving this vision. He criticized those who defame Lord Ram, stating that disrespect towards Valmiki is also an insult to Ram.
The CM condemned the exploitation of caste for electoral gain, recounting how the previous SP government threatened monuments dedicated to social justice pioneers and altered names critical to this heritage. He noted how the opposition has questioned the existence of revered figures and the significance of the manifestation festival. CM Yogi pointed out that while the SP opposed the naming of Ayodhya Airport after Maharshi Valmiki, the BJP is committed to honoring such legacies. He highlighted the exploitation of sanitation workers during the SP’s governance and assured that measures are being taken to improve their conditions, including better wages and the construction of community toilets.
CM Yogi called on the Valmiki community to prioritize education for their children, emphasizing that every role in society is valuable, regardless of perception. He expressed confidence that inspired by Valmiki’s ideals, the community will contribute to a unified Bharat. He described the Valmiki community’s influence and mentioned that the first international airport named after Valmiki is in Ayodhya. The CM concluded by urging attendees to promote awareness of the significance of Maharshi Valmiki and Lord Ram for a stronger, self-reliant society. Various dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, were present at the event.