Rodrigues calls for establishing a casteless society

Chandigarh, Oct 6 (UNI) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Union Territory Administrator General (Retd.) S F Rodrigues today called for establishing a casteless and classless society as a tribute to Maharishi Valmiki.

Expressing his greetings to the people on the eve of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, he reminded them of their responsibility, as concerned citizens, to fulfil the cherished goal of the great spiritual Master to achieve the social emancipation and economic empowerment of the disadvantaged sections of society.

He emphasised the need for giving a new momentum to the reform measures with focus on speedy implementation of various policies and programmes formulated for the upliftment of vulnerable sections of the society and make them equal partners of the socio-economic change.

''A mass movement, fostering greater understanding among the people for ending social discrimination and bestowing more respect for our Valmiki brethren, therefore, needs to be launched by integrating equality programmes into activity processes'', he said.

Describing Maharishi Valmiki as a legendary sage and the father of Indian poetry (adikavi), Gen Rodrigues said that he authored the sacred epic Ramayana, which showed the path of ideal and virtuous living, universal humanism and the oneness of mankind.

He said Maharishi Valmiki who emphasised social justice and emancipation of oppressed groups will be remembered as a social reformer and messiah of the downtrodden.

The Governor said that Indian Constitution embodies the vision of the great saint and guides our endeavour in providing all facilities and opportunities to our Valmiki brethren to utilize their full potential and ensure them a life of pride and dignity. He said their all round development has been made an essential component of planning and developmental process and special emphasis laid on improving their living conditions.

The Governor appealed to the members of Valmiki Community to take the benefits of different schemes and educate their children as sufficient facilities are available for them in the form of scholarship, stipends, free uniform and books, in the Union Territory.

UNI VKJ MMS YA VC1852