The North News

Ayodhya, November 25

Marking a momentous occasion in the nation’s socio-cultural and spiritual landscape, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag on the Shikhar of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh today. The  Dhwajarohan Utsav symbolises the completion of the temple’s construction and ushering in a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that today the city of Ayodhya is witnessing yet another pinnacle of India’s cultural consciousness. “Today the entire India and the entire world is filled with the spirit of Lord Shri Ram”, remarked Modi, highlighting that in the heart of every devotee of Ram there is unique satisfaction, boundless gratitude, and immense transcendental joy. He emphasized that centuries‑old wounds are healing, centuries of pain are coming to an end, and centuries of resolve are attaining fulfillment today. He declared that this marks the culmination of a yajna whose fire remained ignited for 500 years, a yajna that never wavered in faith, never broke in belief even for a moment. He underlined that today the infinite energy of Lord Shri Ram’s sanctum and the divine glory of Shri Ram’s family have been enshrined in the form of this Dharma Dhwaja in the most divine and grand temple. 

“This Dharma Dhwaja is not merely a flag, but the flag of the renaissance of Indian civilization”, stressed  Modi, explaining that its saffron colour, the glory of the Solar dynasty inscribed upon it, the sacred Om depicted, and the engraved Kovidar tree symbolize the greatness of Ram Rajya. He affirmed that this flag is resolve, this flag is success, this flag is the saga of creation through struggle, this flag is the embodiment of dreams carried forward for centuries, and this flag is the meaningful culmination of the penance of saints and the participation of society.

Declaring that for centuries and millennia to come, this Dharma Dhwaja will proclaim the ideals and principles of Lord Ram,  Modi emphasized that it will call out victory belongs only to truth, not to falsehood. He highlighted that it will proclaim that truth itself is the form of Brahma and that in truth alone dharma is established. He remarked that this Dharma Dhwaja will inspire the resolve of what is spoken must be fulfilled. He underlined that it will convey the message affirming that in the world, karma and duty must hold primacy. He stated that it will express the wish meaning freedom from discrimination and suffering, and the presence of peace and happiness in society. He stressed that this Dharma Dhwaja will commit us to the resolve that we must build a society where there is no poverty, and no one is sad or helpless.

Recalling our scriptures, Modi said those who, for any reason, cannot come to the temple but bow before its flag also attain equal merit. He emphasized that this Dharma Dhwaja is a symbol of the temple’s purpose, and from afar it will provide the vision of Ram Lalla’s birthplace while carrying Lord Shri Ram’s commands and inspirations to humanity for ages to come. He extended heartfelt greetings to crores of Ram devotees across the world on this unforgettable and unique occasion. He bowed to all devotees and expressed gratitude to every donor who contributed to the construction of the Ram Mandir. He saluted every worker, every artisan, every planner, and every architect associated with the temple’s construction.

“Ayodhya is the land where ideals transform into conduct”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that this is the city from where Shri Ram began his life’s journey. He highlighted that Ayodhya showed the world how an individual, through the strength of society and its values, becomes Purushottam. He recalled that when Shri Ram left Ayodhya for exile, he was Yuvaraj Ram, but when he returned, he came back as ‘Maryada Purushottam’. He emphasized that in Shri Ram’s becoming Maryada Purushottam, the knowledge of Maharshi Vashishtha, the initiation of Maharshi Vishwamitra, the guidance of Maharshi Agastya, the friendship of Nishadraj, the affection of Mother Shabari, and the devotion of Bhakt Hanuman all played an important role.

Emphasizing that the collective strength of society is essential for building a developed India, Shri Modi expressed happiness that the divine courtyard of the Ram Mandir is becoming a consciousness site of India’s collective power. He highlighted that seven temples have been built here, including the temple of Mata Shabari, which embodies the love and hospitality traditions of the tribal community. The Prime Minister further noted the temple of Nishadraj, which stands as a witness to friendship that worships not the means but the purpose and its sentiment. He pointed out that in one place there are Mata Ahalya, Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, and Sant Tulsidas, whose presence alongside Ram Lalla offers devotees their darshan. He mentioned the statues of Jatayu Ji and the squirrel, which demonstrate the importance of even the smallest efforts in achieving great resolutions. He urged every citizen that whenever they visit the Ram Mandir, they must also visit the seven temples. He underlined that these temples, along with strengthening our faith, also empower the values of friendship, duty, and social harmony.

“Our Ram connects not through differences but through emotions”, affirmed Modi stressing that for Shri Ram, a person’s devotion is more important than lineage, values are dearer than ancestry, and cooperation is greater than mere strength. He remarked that today we too are moving forward with the same spirit. He highlighted that in the past 11 years, women, Dalits, backward classes, tribals, the deprived, farmers, workers, and youth—every section of society—has been placed at the center of development. He emphasized that when every individual, every section, and every region of the nation is empowered, then everyone’s effort will contribute to the fulfillment of the resolve, and it is through these collective efforts that by 2047 a developed India will be built.

Reflecting on the historic occasion of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha, the Prime Minister had spoken of linking the nation’s resolve with Lord Ram and reminded that India’s foundation must be strengthened for the coming thousand years. He stressed that those who think only of the present commit injustice to future generations, and that we must think not only of today but also of the generations to come, for the nation existed before us and will continue even after us. He emphasized that as a vibrant society we must work with foresight, keeping in mind the coming decades and centuries, and for this we must learn from Lord Ram—understand His personality, imbibe His conduct, and remember that Ram signifies ideals, discipline, and the supreme character of life. Ram is the confluence of truth and valor, the embodiment of walking the path of dharma, the one who places the happiness of the people above all, the ocean of patience and forgiveness, the pinnacle of knowledge and wisdom, the firmness within gentleness, the highest example of gratitude, the chooser of noble company, the humility within great strength, the unwavering resolve of truth, and the alert, disciplined, and sincere mind. These qualities of Ram, he added, must guide us in building a strong, visionary, and enduring India.

“Ram is not merely a person but a value, a discipline, and a direction”, affirmed Shri Modi, declaring that if India is to become developed by 2047 and society is to be empowered, then Ram must be awakened within each of us, consecrated in our own hearts. He emphasized that there could be no better day than today to take such a resolve. He noted that 25 November has brought yet another extraordinary moment of pride in our heritage, symbolized by the Kovidar tree inscribed upon the Dharma Dhwaja. He explained that the Kovidar tree stands as a reminder that when we sever ourselves from our roots, our glory gets buried in the pages of history.