CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 16: On the auspicious occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria advocated the need to put in concerted efforts for the socio-economic empowerment of the under privileged sections of our society.

Describing Maharishi Valmiki Ji as a great sage and a poet, the Governor said that values such as peace and virtue, he conveyed through the colossal work, are relevant to society even today. The Governor also said that sacred epic Ramayana authored by Maharishi Valmiki Ji sets out the path of ideal and virtuous living, universal humanism and the oneness of mankind.

As a social reformer and messiah of the downtrodden, the unparalleled contribution of Maharishi Valmiki Ji in emphasizing the concept of social justice, equality and emancipation of oppressed groups will always be remembered, he added.

He appealed to the people to inculcate teachings of Maharishi Valmiki Ji in their lives and stand for socio-economic empowerment.