Nagpur: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Maharshi Valmiki composed the Ramayana to relieve the sorrow of the world and guide humanity towards righteous living. Speaking at a Valmiki Jayanti celebration in Nagpur, he emphasised that carrying forward India’s cultural and spiritual legacy is a collective responsibility.
Bhagwat noted that while Lord Ram has eternally existed, it was Maharshi Valmiki who brought Him into every home through the Ramayana. Describing Valmiki’s work as an expression of compassion and belonging, he said the sage wrote the epic so that people could find direction and solace in life.
He highlighted that the Ramayana offers lessons for all from family relationships to ideals of service and governance. “The epic teaches how an ideal son, brother, ruler, minister, or servant should live. Lord Ram embodies these virtues, while Lord Hanuman exemplifies devotion,” he said, adding that characters like Vibhishana and Sugriva demonstrate unwavering loyalty and moral strength.
Bhagwat said India’s global identity rests on spirituality, goodwill, and noble conduct, all of which trace their roots to the Ramkatha and Maharshi Valmiki’s compassion. He observed that the period of the Ramayana is believed to date back nearly 8,000 years, yet its teachings remain timeless and achievable through sustained effort and faith.
“Fulfilling the vision of that era is possible even today, through dedication and continuous work,” Bhagwat said. “As Indians, upholding and advancing this heritage is not just our duty—it is our responsibility towards humanity.”
