Davangere (Harihara):
The 21st century is the era of knowledge, and every child from the Valmiki community should be educated and progress in all fields. The increase in ST reservation has provided significant benefits to the children of this community, said former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
He was speaking at the Maharshi Valmiki Jatra Mahotsava held in Rajanahalli, Harihara Taluk, Davangere district, on Sunday.
Knew pains of the Valmiki community
Bommai said he grew with the Valmiki community, and he understood their pain and humiliation. That humiliation should now end and it is possible if they become well-educated, socially aware, and successful in life. And then they will receive respect and justice. The Swamiji fought for the reservation increase and even led a padayatra, but there was no solution. That’s when the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee was formed, which the seer welcomed. ” I know how much effort Swamiji put in. In the meetings of the committee, we rectified the shortcomings, accepted the report, and implemented it,” he said.
Inspired by Valmiki
The MP said several committees were formed, but many did not even submit reports. The Justice Sadashiva Committee report took 14 years to be submitted. The caste census report is still pending. When the Justice Nagamohan Das report came out, they brought it to the attention of the veteran BJP B.S.Yediyurappa, identified any shortcomings, and told the seer that his struggle was finally bearing fruit. They took all parties into confidence, debated it in the assembly, passed a law, and issued a Gazette Notification. Power is not about mere authority; the work they have done will have a lasting impact. He was merely an instrument in ensuring justice, inspired by Maharshi Valmiki. “I feel fortunate to have been able to deliver this justice,” he said.
Importance of relationships
The former CM said there are 156 versions of the Ramayana worldwide, but Valmiki Ramayana is the greatest of them all. It is not just the story of a king but a grand scripture of righteousness, justice, and ethics. If one wants to understand the importance of relationships, one must read the Valmiki Ramayana. To understand the relationship between a father and son, look at Rama and Dasharatha. To understand the bond between husband and wife, observe Rama and Sita. To grasp the relationship between a teacher and disciple, look at Rama and Hanuman. To understand the connection between a king and his people, examine Rama and his country men. Even in war, there was righteousness. In the battle between Rama and Ravana, ethical principles were upheld, and no one deviated from the path of dharma. The father of nation Mahatma Gandhi spoke of Ramarajya, a rule of justice and equality, where there was no place for injustice. Ramarajya was about governance with prosperity and fairness.
No more debate on quota, only on justice
Bommai said there has been enough discussion on reservation and now, the only debate should be on whether justice has been served. They should only discuss whether those who faced injustice have finally received justice. No one is born with an application for reservations. ” I became the Chief Minister by the people’s blessings. When I assumed office, my priority was to deliver justice like Rama. It was Maharshi Valmiki who inspired me to take the decision on reservations,” he noted.
He said the quota hike has already been implemented but the society’s perspective needs to change. The Valmiki community is no less intelligent than anyone else. There was a time when those who owned land ruled the world, which led to wars among kings. Later, those who had wealth and controlled trade dominated the world, allowing the British to rule over 146 countries. But the 21st century is the era of knowledge—those who possess knowledge now rule the world. Intellectuals have the power to decide who becomes the President of the United States. Valmiki community members must educate their children, create successful entrepreneurs, and grow in all fields. Relying on others for help is a false belief; they must build a life of self-respect on our own. With education and culture, a strong future can be built.
The BJP MP noted that seven per cent reservation granted to the ST community has resulted in hundreds of medical seats and thousands of engineering seats for our children. They must take full advantage of this opportunity.
Justice through actions, not words
He said if there is corruption in the Valmiki Corporation, who is responsible? How can social justice be ensured if funds meant for Ganga Kalyana, self-employment loans, and education loans are misused? Justice cannot be delivered through speeches alone; it requires commitment and action. The Valmiki community has a bright future, and great mentors to guide them. They must set your goals and work toward them.
Dr. Valmiki Prasannananda Mahaswamiji of Rajanahalli’s Maharshi Valmiki Guru Peetha, Jagadguru Sri Vachananda Swamiji, president of Harihara’s Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha, former minister Murugesh Nirani, Raju Gowda Patil, and several others were present.
