Speaker Vijender Gupta Opens Delhi’s Ramlila, Touting Timeless Values

On Sunday evening, the lamp that traditionally marks the start of the Ramlila in Paschim Vihar flickered to life under the hands of Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta. The modest act of lighting a wick was followed by a hearty applause, signalling more than just the beginning of a theatrical showcase – it was, Gupta said, a “living expression of the values that have sustained Indian civilisation for generations.”

Speaking to a crowd of volunteers, committee members and curious on‑lookers, Gupta praised the Shri Ramlila Committee for keeping the tradition not merely as a retelling of Lord Shri Ram’s life, but as a vibrant conduit for the timeless principles of truth, righteousness, duty and moral conduct. “Ramlila isn’t a dusty old story,” he remarked with a smile, “it’s a mirror that reflects how we ought to live today.”

The event featured a large‑screen preview of the entire Ramayana, a visual feast that set the stage for the full‑scale performances scheduled to begin the next day. Gupta lauded the committee’s efforts to continually raise the bar – from improved staging to more inclusive outreach – noting that each year the production seems to grow both in scale and in its ability to touch hearts.

Beyond the drama, Gupta highlighted the relevance of the epic in contemporary life. He spoke about the importance of sibling bonds, respect for parents, sacrifice and the fulfillment of responsibilities – values he believes are the glue that holds families and, by extension, society together. “These aren’t just inherited customs,” he said, “they’re the very foundations of our collective identity.”

Reflecting on the iconic battle between Lord Shri Ram and Ravana, Gupta underscored the eternal clash between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness). “Even the mightiest power crumbles if it turns away from truth,” he observed, adding that the eventual triumph of dharma, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable.

Perhaps the most earnest part of his address was a call to parents and teachers: invite children to the Ramlila, let them soak in the teachings of integrity, compassion, discipline and sacrifice. Gupta argued that a living cultural heritage depends not only on grand stages but also on homes where stories are told and values are practiced daily.

The Ramlila, with its colourful costumes, resonant chants and moral undertones, aims to bridge the gap between India’s rich past and its vibrant future, ensuring that the spirit of the Ramayana endures in the hearts of the next generation.