Modi Recalls Valmiki's Lessons and Bhai Parmanand's Legacy
New Delhi, October 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat address to honour Maharishi Valmiki and Bhai Parmanand, two figures whose contributions to culture, faith and the freedom struggle he said continue to resonate across generations.
Modi announced that Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti will be observed on Monday. He observed that the Ramayana, composed thousands of years ago, still offers fresh insights for people today. He also said the country would mark the 150th birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki on November 4.
Speaking during the Sunday broadcast, the Prime Minister explained that Maharishi Valmiki taught profound lessons through the Ramayana. He encourages people to keep striving with determination, and he also underlines the value of service, compassion and social harmony. Modi said that the portrayal of Lord Ram in the Valmiki Ramayana is a shining example of these ideals.
Modi pointed out that Lord Ram accepted the devotion of Mata Shabari and respected the friendship of Nishadraj. The message of bringing everyone together, he said, continues to guide us. He noted that this spirit is visible at the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, where shrines to Maharishi Valmiki, Nishadraj and Mata Shabari have also been built. Modi said he was pleased that the Ayodhya airport has been named after Maharishi Valmiki, adding that such efforts enrich a tradition in which service, harmony and compassion hold the highest place.
He then spoke about Bhai Parmanand, calling him one of the many remarkable personalities who shaped India and left an unforgettable imprint. The Prime Minister said that on November 4, the country would celebrate his 150th birth anniversary. Modi stressed that Bhai Parmanand's inspiration and ideals were deeply rooted in his close connection with the Arya Samaj.
Modi said that in the very early years of the 20th century, Bhai Parmanand went to South Africa for Arya Samaj work, where he met Bapu. He also worked among the Girmitiya community in Guyana, which at that time was a major centre of the Arya Samaj. Recalling his own journey, Modi said he had been fortunate to visit the Arya Samaj memorial during his visit to Guyana.
The Prime Minister said Bhai Parmanand played a major role in the freedom movement. It is said that he persuaded Lala Hardayal to go to America. He was also among the founding members of the Ghadar Party. His impact on the independence struggle was so great that the British sentenced him to Kala Pani. Modi recommended reading his book 'Aapbeeti: Kale Pani ki Karavas Kahani' to better understand the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
After serving his sentence, Bhai Parmanand entered the field of education. Modi said people would be surprised to know that he taught Bhagat Singh. Later, he remained associated with the Hindu Mahasabha for several years. Modi said his life, from Gandhiji to Guyana and from the Ghadar movement to the Andamans, remains highly inspiring. He offered his respectful tribute and urged young people to study his life and encourage others to do the same.