Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the state government will consider including the Ramayana and its author Maharshi Valmiki in school curricula, responding to demands from former minister VS Ugrappa. The announcement was made during the Valmiki Jayanti celebrations in Bengaluru, where the CM paid tribute to the revered poet-saint.
Speaking at the event, Siddaramaiah highlighted Valmiki’s enduring legacy as Ādi Kavi (the first poet), who composed the epic Ramayana consisting of 24,000 shlokas across seven cantos, despite being denied access to formal education. “Despite being denied access to formal education, Maharshi Valmiki composed the great epic, which has universal significance,” he said, urging members of the Valmiki community to prioritise education.
Honouring Valmiki and promoting social responsibility
The Chief Minister also called on communities to assert their rights through collective struggle, citing historical examples of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Buddha, and Basavanna. Paying floral tributes at the Shri Maharshi Valmiki Tapovan statue, Siddaramaiah recalled that the statue was installed in 2017 during his previous tenure as Chief Minister. He emphasised the socially responsible lives led by saints like Valmiki and Kanakadasa, who promoted human values. “They taught and followed human values,” he noted.
Ministerial representation and other issues
On ministerial representation for Nayaka community MLAs, Siddaramaiah stated that the matter will be considered during an upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Regarding the incident in which a shoe was thrown at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, he strongly condemned the act, calling it perpetrated by “Manuvadi elements,” while praising the Chief Justice for forgiving the individual, reflecting his greatness.
ST reservation and Kuruba community
Addressing the ongoing debate over the inclusion of the Kuruba community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, Siddaramaiah stressed that overall reservation for STs must be increased if Kurubas are included, without compromising the rights of any other community. “No one should encroach on anyone else’s rights or take away opportunities — this is my firm commitment,” he said, amid opposition from the Nayaka community regarding the ST status extension.
During the Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti event, the CM also presented Valmiki awards and reiterated his wholehearted support for the inclusion of Maharshi Valmiki and the Ramayana in school education, stating that the Centre has sought clarifications and the state government is preparing a response.
The announcement is expected to trigger further debate across political and community lines, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about ST reservation and representation in Karnataka.