Delhi CM: Valmiki’s Ramayana Inspires My Vision of Equality and Inclusive Growth
Delhi CM links Valmiki’s teachings to equality and welfare in governance.
Speaking at an event organized by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on the eve of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the teachings embedded in the Ramayana, authored by the revered sage Valmiki, champion equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and collective action against societal evils. The event, held to honor Valmiki’s legacy, underscored the Delhi government’s commitment to inclusive development, with Gupta drawing parallels between the epic’s values and her administration’s policies. As the capital prepares to celebrate Valmiki Jayanti on October 7, the CM’s remarks resonate with efforts to uplift marginalized communities, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of equitable progress across health, education, and employment sectors.
Gupta highlighted specific Ramayana episodes to illustrate Valmiki’s vision of equality, citing Lord Rama’s acceptance of Shabri’s tasted berries and his humble request to a boatman for passage across a river as timeless examples of social inclusivity. “Maharishi Valmiki envisioned a society where all have equal opportunities and progress together without discrimination,” she said, noting that these principles guide her government’s policies. Under Modi’s leadership, Gupta emphasized, both the Centre and Delhi are prioritizing the most deprived sections, ensuring access to essential services. This includes initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, which has benefited over 1.2 crore Delhiites, and skill development programs targeting 5 lakh youth annually, aimed at reducing disparities in a city of 2 crore residents.
The CM also praised the NDMC for regularizing 4,500 temporary workers, including sanitation workers, a move that reflects Valmiki’s ethos of dignity for all. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), under her administration, is pushing similar regularization efforts, with plans to formalize jobs for 10,000 more sanitation workers by 2026, addressing long-standing demands of the Valmiki community, which constitutes a significant portion of Delhi’s sanitation workforce.
Gupta’s remarks come amid broader efforts to enhance civic infrastructure, including 1,200 new sanitation vehicles and 50 waste-to-energy plants, aligning with the Swachh Bharat mission. Social media reactions on X applaud her focus on Valmiki’s teachings, though some users question the pace of regularization, citing delays in MCD’s implementation.
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Gupta’s invocation of the Ramayana underscores a strategic blend of cultural reverence and political messaging as Delhi navigates its complex socio-economic landscape. “The country will not develop unless all sections of society progress together,” she asserted, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive governance. With Delhi’s urban poor—comprising nearly 30% of its population—standing to benefit, the regularization drive and welfare schemes signal a push to translate Valmiki’s ideals into tangible outcomes.
As the city gears up for Valmiki Jayanti, Gupta’s address positions her administration as a torchbearer of social justice, though its success will hinge on delivering promised reforms amidst the capital’s pressing challenges.
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