Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, who is among India’s greatest sages and the revered author of the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana. Every year, on 17th October, with reverence and joy for Valmiki’s teachings and writings, students and scholars, across India celebrate the day as Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. His life and worlds offer invaluable lessons on morality, righteousness, and wisdom. High school students can find great inspiration from Valmiki's life and his profound contributions to literature and culture.

Who Was Maharishi Valmiki?

Maharishi Valmiki, known as Adi Kavi or the first poet in India, has a prominent place in Indian history and Hindu spirituality. Before gaining renown as Maharishi, Valmiki was a robber named Ratnakara, born to Rishi Prachetsana. As a little boy, he was lost in the jungle, but a hunter found him and raised him as his son.  One day when Narad Muni was passing through the jungle, Ratnakar accosted him to rob him. Narad Muni altered the course of Ratnakar’s destiny by making him one of the greatest devotees of Lord Rama by teaching him to meditate and focus on learning.

Maharishi Valmiki’s transformation symbolises the power of self-will and self-improvement. His journey from a life of sin to becoming the author of one of the world’s greatest epics teaches us that it’s never too late to learn and grow. For students, this is a reminder that no matter where you are in life or how difficult things may seem, you have the power to steer your life toward a positive path through dedication and learning.

Valmiki and The Ramayana

Maharishi Valmiki is best known as the author of the Ramayana, an epic poem that narrates the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companions in his fight for good over evil. The epic was written in Sanskrit and consists of 24,000 verses and it is not just a story; it’s a guide to living a life of dharma (righteousness), virtue, and moral integrity.

Besides being the poet who composed the Ramayana, he was also a part of the saga. It is believed that he gave shelter to Goddess Sita in his ashram when she was exiled from Ayodhya and her children Luv and Kush were born there. He was Luv and Kush’s guru and taught them the Ramayana. 

Every character in the story represents ideals of virtue, loyalty, courage, honesty, respect, responsibility, and standing up for what is right.

Lessons from Valmiki's Life

1. One can always change for the better: Valmiki was sired by a learned sage, brought up by a hunter, grew up to be a robber, and with the right guidance transformed to become one of the most learned people whose works continue to inspire generations.

2. The Power of Knowledge: When Narad Muni first asked Valmiki to meditate on lord Rama’s name, the sage couldn’t pronounce his name. He kept saying “Mara” instead of “Rama”. However, with constant meditation and keen focus, he learnt the name and acquired more knowledge.

3. Education is the path to enlightenment: Education and wisdom are important in shaping one’s life. As students, immersing oneself in knowledge enhances one’s intellect and character.

4. Writing Can Be a Tool for Change: Valmiki’s role as a poet and author emphasises the power of words and writing. Through the Ramayana, Valmiki continues to influence countless generations.

5. Perseverance Leads to Success: Valmiki did not achieve greatness overnight. His journey was filled with hardships, dedication, and discipline. Perseverance, hard work, and patience are the keys to success.

Conclusion

Maharishi Valmiki’s life and works continue to inspire millions of people worldwide. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is more than just a celebration of the birth of a great sage. It is a reminder of the values he embodied and the teachings he left behind. In today’s fast-paced world, where there are many distractions and challenges, Valmiki’s teachings on patience, humility, and moral integrity are relevant. It is a day to remember that wisdom from the past can help us navigate the present and shape a brighter future.