Tag: Ayodhya

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Nepal Minister Thanks Modi for Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha

The world has entered the era of Ram”, Nepal’s Union Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, Sarat Singh Bhandari said as he unveiled a 25-foot-tall mural of Ram and Sita in Mahottari on the occasion of Pran Pratishtha. The Minister also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing all the Sanatan Hindus at one place and giving a reason to rejuvenate.

Speaking to ANI shortly after unveiling the 25-foot-tall mural Minister Bhandari stated that the initiative of Narendra Modi to build and reinstate Ram in Ayodhya has been an issue of great significance.

“I want to thank especially Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose initiative brought people scattered across the world to one place for Shree Ram which works as force. This indeed is an issue of great significance for us. The responsibility to protect the Sanatans, and culture which now lands on our shoulders, I feel that we are now entering a new era and it has started from today and we are entering the Yug of Shree Ram and reinstating it. We are taking forward all the virtues of Lord Ram, I again thank for this chance to rejuvenate and celebrate on behalf of all the Nepali,” Minister Bhandari told ANI.

“Today a new era has ushered all across the world. Today is an auspicious day for all the Sanatan Hindus and the whole world is echoing with chants of Ram. Maryada Purusottam Ram’s Sasural is here in Nepal, Janakpur in particular, the Pranpratistha which is being held in Ayodhya, we can see the people across the world celebrating and rejuvenating it and are considering themselves fortunate. It is an auspicious day and we are marking it with fanfare and gaiety,” the minister added.

Earlier in the day, the idol of Shri Ram Lalla was unveiled in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ayodhya. Indian PM Narendra Modi led the rituals at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple.

The magnificent Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width 250 feet and height is 161 feet; and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.

The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses. In the main sanctum sanctorum at the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed.

The main entrance to the Mandir is situated on the eastern side, which can be approached by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar. There are a total of five Mandaps (Halls) in the Mandir – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap and Kirtan Mandap.

Near the Mandir is a historic Well (Sita koop), dating back to the ancient era. In the southwestern part of the Mandir complex, at Kuber Tila, the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, along with the installation of a statue of Jatayu. Nepali Minister Bhandari also stated that the marriage of Ram and Sita has been a milestone to establish the concept of Roti-Beti in between India and Nepal.

“The relation that exists in between the two nations, the biggest of all- the relation of ‘Roti-beti’ has started from here when Lord Ram and Mata Sita got married this formalized the relation between the two nations and spread to the ground level amongst all the people. This is not just a religious and diplomatic relation, (Nepal and India) we have relation in between families’, relatives and brotherhood. The biggest amongst all, the Sanatan Dharma on the basis of which we all are celebrating it. We are celebrating here and we are very happy, we are celebrating it with pump,” Minister Bhandari told ANI.

The 25 foot-tall mural dedicating to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in Matihani is made using ply-wood, the cut-out of Ram and Sita has been built with involvement of the local level government.

“This place, Matihani is also associated with Ramayana. When Ram and Sita had got married in Janakpur, there’s a tradition of Matkor in Mithilanchal, soil from Laxmi Sagar Pond was taken from here to make the Yaga. That’s why we also are linked with it and then the locals here and the local government decided to celebrate with gaiety and fervor and make a mural of Ram and Sita. The ply mural which has been prepared within 15 days and used 20 pieces of ply and it has a height of 25 feet,” Hari Prasad Mandal, Mayor of Matihani Municipality in Mahottari district told ANI.

The Janakpurdham, birthplace of Janaki or Sita, daughter of King Janak, got married to Lord Ram after breaking the divine bow of Shiva at a tournament organized by King Janak.

Dhanushadham, near Janakpurdham, possesses a fossilized fragment of that broken bow. Lord Ram had broken Shiva’s divine bow into three pieces, a condition for winning the hand of Sita in marriage. (ANI)

ALSO READ: PM Modi Lauds Judiciary, Calls Ram Temple Solution, Not Dispute

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Health Concerns Keep Veteran BJP Leader L.K. Advani Away from Ayodhya Event

Expressing happiness over the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram temple to be held in Ayodhya, Advani had also said in one of his articles that Lord Ram had chosen Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build his temple…reports Asian Lite News

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, who campaigned across the country for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, will not attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony due to extreme cold weather.

It is being said that the decision has been taken keeping in view the health of 96-year-old Advani and due to extreme cold weather.

Earlier this month, RSS leaders Krishna Gopal and Ram Lal along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s International Working President Alok Kumar had visited Advani’s house and invited him for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

VHP leader Alok Kumar, while sharing information, had said that Advani will attend the programme and he has assured his family that in view of Advani’s health, whatever arrangements are required, including doctors and medical facilities, will be made.

However, due to bad weather, Advani cancelled his Ayodhya visit programme at the last moment.

Expressing happiness over the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram temple to be held in Ayodhya, Advani had also said in one of his articles that Lord Ram had chosen Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build his temple.

Advani, while recalling his Rath Yatra for Ram temple in the article in the special issue of Rashtra Dharma Patrika, said that the Rath Yatra is completing 33 years, the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi was with him during that entire Rath Yatra. At that time Narendra Modi was not very famous but at the same time destiny had chosen him to build a grand temple of Lord Ram.

Advani, while congratulating Prime Minister Modi for realising the dream of Ram temple and fulfilling his resolve to build a grand temple of Ramlala in Ayodhya, had said that when Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Ram temple, he will will represent every citizen of the country at that time.

ALSO READ-PM Modi Lauds Judiciary, Calls Ram Temple Solution, Not Dispute

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Devotees, seers celebrate in Ayodhya

Another devotee mentioned, “Bhagwan Ram is coming back home. We are here to welcome him; we are blessed or we shouldn’t have been able to witness this.”…reports Asian Lite News

Devotees from across the country are in a more pious and celebratory mood, awaiting the grand occasion of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya.

The holy city is witnessing an increased footfall of people from all over the world to attend the grand ceremony.

Despite the huge crowd and tight security measures, a large number of devotees have reached Ayodhya to mark their presence on the premises of the temple.

“We are not worried about the darshan; we will stay here…It’s important that we could come and witness this,” said Ravish Pandey, a devotee who reached the temple early for the event.

Another devotee mentioned, “Bhagwan Ram is coming back home. We are here to welcome him; we are blessed or we shouldn’t have been able to witness this.”

A seer from Ujjain said that it is the power of prayers by millions like him that made this day possible.

“We prayed for this to happen and it is happening. What more do we need in this lifetime? We are witnessing Bhagwan’s homecoming. We are in the holy land,” he said while speaking to ANI.

Singing Ram Bhajan and praising Lord Ram for his rule years ago, another saint from Ujjain called it part of history on a momentous day.

“When Lord Ram is coming to bless us, where else should we be? It is history. We never imagined that we would be here to seek his blessings. We are so fortunate for this,” said Saint Sweshanand Maharaj of Ujjain.

“I was waiting for this day. I’m so happy. We are going to get Lord Ram’s darshan. We were waiting for a long time for this,” Bhavana Paliwal, a samajik karyakarta, said.

The premises of Ram Temple echoed with Ram chants and bhajans as excited crowds filled every part of the holy city on this momentous day.

Folk artists were seen performing outside the temple.

The historic ritual of ‘Pran Pratistha’ of Ram Lalla will take place today in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saints, and a host of distinguished guests.

A large number of devotees were also seen gathered outside the temple on Monday morning.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced on Sunday that the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony will be marked by a dazzling musical event titled ‘Mangal Dhwani’.

The soiree, featuring some of the biggest names in the world of music, will be staged at 10 am.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya Temple will be held at 12:30 pm.

Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh has been decked up with posters and flags of Lord Ram while cities across the country have been decorated with lights, huge cutouts of Lord Ram and posters bearing religious slogans related to Lord Ram.

The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened security in the city by setting up a dial 112 monitoring centre at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

Uttar Pradesh Police Department authorities said on Sunday that over 13 thousand security personnel have been deployed in and around Ayodhya to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the mega temple event.

Besides, elaborate seating arrangements have been made for invitees. There will be a sector-wise deployment of officials and personnel overseeing the security and arrangements.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya began on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

Special guests from cricket world, film world, saint society, politics, art, literature and culture and other fields have also been invited for the ceremony. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Celebrities join festivities in Ayodhya

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Celebrities join festivities in Ayodhya

Pran Pratishtha will be conducted in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Mohan Bhagwat, Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of U.P. Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries…reports Asian Lite News

Filmstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Tiger Shroff and Asha Bhosale among others are at the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Complex in Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

Cricket legends Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar and Venkatesh Prasad are also present at the Temple for the ceremony

Music Composer Anu Malik arrived at Shri Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.

Dressed in a traditional attire for the ceremony, Anu Malik told ANI, “Recently PM Modi said that he likes one of the Bhajans composed by me. It is a beautiful feeling and I am very happy to be present here. I had tears in my eyes when I saw the Temple for the first time.”

Actor Vivek Oberoi said, “It’s magical, spectacular. I have seen so many images of it. But when you see it before your eyes, it seems that you are watching something magical.”

Actor Anupam Kher who has been in Ayodhya for the past few days said, “Historic! Wonderful! I had never seen such an atmosphere for Hindu religion ever before. This is bigger than Diwali. This is the real Diwali…Maryada Purushottam Ram symbolised goodness and a sense of sacrifice. Today, those sentiments can be seen here.”

Actor Chiranjeevi who also arrived at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony said “This is a God-given opportunity, we are really happy to be here…” he says

Lyricist Prasoon Joshi said, “…We can surrender ourselves to him (Lord Ram) and consider ourselves lucky. Lord Ram’s ideals are very much needed in today’s era. In the time that the world is facing right now, Lord Ram’s ideals can help a lot…”

Pran Pratishtha will be conducted in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Mohan Bhagwat, Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of U.P. Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries.

Acharyas of all schools of Bharatiya spiritualism, religion, sect, system of worship, tradition, Sants of more than 150 traditions, Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Shrimahants, Mahants, Nagas, as well as leading figures of more than 50 Adivasi, Girivasi, Tatavasi, Dwipavasi tribal traditions, will remain present to witness the Prana Pratistha ceremony on the premises of the Bhavya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.

The presence of the tribal traditions being represented by the people of the hills, forests, coastal belts, islands, etc., is happening for the first time in recent history.

The traditions include Shaiva, Vaishnav, Shaakta, Ganapatya, Patya, Sikh, Bauddha, Jain, Dashnam, Shankar, Ramanand, Ramanuj, Nimbarka, Madhva, Vishnu Nami, Ramsanehi, Ghisapanth, Garibdasi, Gaudiya, Kabirpanthi, Valmiki, Shankardev (Assam), Madhav Dev, ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, Chinmaya Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Gayatri Parivar, Anukul Chandra, Thakur Parampara, Mahima Samaj of Odisha, Akali, Nirankari, Namdhari from Punjab, Radhasoami, and Swaminarayan, Varkari, Veer Shaiva, etc.

After the completion of the Pran Pratishtha programme in the Garbha-Griha, all the witnesses will have darshan respectively.

The magnificent temple is constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width 250 feet and height is 161 feet; and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses. In the main sanctum sanctorum at ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed.

The main entrance to the Mandir is situated on the eastern side, which can be approached by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar. There are a total of five Mandaps (Halls) in the Mandir – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap and Kirtan Mandap. Near the Mandir is a historic Well (Sita koop), dating back to the ancient era. In the southwestern part of the Mandir complex, at Kuber Tila, the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, along with the installation of a statue of Jatayu. (ANI)

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Global Threads: Unravelling the Link Between Iowa, Rwanda, Gaza, Ukraine, and Ayodhya

The search for solutions demands not only introspection but also a collective commitment to fostering stability, justice, and genuine democratic values across borders … writes Kaliph Anaz

These are undeniably turbulent times on the global stage, marked by a disconcerting convergence of political turmoil. President Donald Trump, despite facing four indictments, 91 charges, and various civil cases, seems impervious to the concerns raised about his character by some. The unwavering support from his Qult members, regardless of his confirmed status as a sexual offender and fraudster, is a stark reminder of the divisive nature of contemporary politics.

As if on a parallel track, the international scene is marred by ominous developments. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine marks a technical launch of WW3, while China’s preparations to attack Taiwan add to the geopolitical tension.

 In the Middle East, Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn global attention, with concerns raised about the unfolding state-sponsored genocide, a harrowing reality of the 21st century. The crisis at Red Sea is gripping the global economy. Shipping and container prices are surging, forcing goods from Asia to Europe to take the expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope. Insurance rates for Red Sea traffic are also on the rise, contributing to shortages reported by major retailers.

Despite some available capacity in the oil and container markets, signs of political crises solidifying into an economic downturn are becoming more apparent. The German economy is contracting, hinting at potential challenges for others. The Red Sea crisis, rooted in Yemen’s long-standing issues with water and oil shortages, has been exacerbated by its status as a failed state.

Shifting focus to Britain, the Sunak government’s assertiveness on the Rwanda bill raises eyebrows. The ill-conceived and irrational nature of this policy becomes evident, presenting a concerning hill for the Tories to choose as their battleground. The parallels drawn with past political missteps, such as Mrs. May’s Brexit Bill and the mass resignation of Johnson’s Ministers, paint a picture of a government that is not only a laughing stock but also dangerously incompetent and corrupt.

Meanwhile, in India, the government’s trajectory sparks worry as it seemingly aims to become another Hindu Pakistan. The fervor created by Hindu fanatics is gripping the nation, casting shadows on the reputation of the so-called largest democracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in inaugurating a temple at a crime site from 1992 further complicates the already contentious religious and political landscape.

These multifaceted challenges underscore the importance of global leadership and diplomatic finesse in navigating these complex times. The search for solutions demands not only introspection but also a collective commitment to fostering stability, justice, and genuine democratic values across borders.

ALSO READ: UK Lawmakers Pass Rwanda Bill as Part of Immigration Plan

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AYODHYA: Traders Rap Master City Plan

In the master plan, several stretches of the city have been earmarked for the road widening project…reports Asian Lite News.

Traders in Ayodhya are up in arms against the holy city’s master plan.

The master plan layout is on display at the office of the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) and traders here have registered their opposition with the ADA.

They allege that the proposed layout will result in large-scale demolition of shops and other commercial establishments.

In the master plan, several stretches of the city have been earmarked for the road widening project.

Ramesh Jaiswal, president of Vyapar Adhikar Manch, said a large number of shops and other commercial establishments would be demolished if the master plan was implemented in its present form.

He further said the traders had registered their protest with the vice-chairman, ADA, Vishal Singh.

The development authority has asked traders to submit their objections in writing so that they could be discussed and addressed.

In the proposed development plan, two stretches of the road in Ayodhya Dham (old Ayodhya town), including the one leading to the Hanuman Garhi temple, are to be widened.

Another major expansion of the road is proposed from Naya Ghat to the Udaya crossing. This stretch is around 4.6 km. The entire road is proposed to be 24 feet and 12 feet on both sides of the divider.

A large number of commercial establishments fall on this stretch of the road. Traders are demanding to curtail the proposed expansion to 20 feet from 24 feet.

A massive beautification and renovation plan have been drafted for Ayodhya which will make it ‘the most beautiful city in the world’, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The renovation plan is being worked upon to give a new look to the holy city where the grand Ram temple is under construction.

The state government expects a heavy footfall of devotees and tourists from across the globe when the Ram temple is completed.

The chief minister had renamed Faizabad district Ayodhya during Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya on November 6, 2018.

ALSO READ-Why Kashi and Mathura are not Ayodhya

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Why Kashi and Mathura are not Ayodhya

Mathura, and also Kashi, are not feasible as election issues for the 2022 polls in Uttar Pradesh and the Bharatiya Janata Party seems to have realised this well in time…reports Amita Verma

“Ayodhya hui hamari, ab Kashi-Mathura ki baari’ (Ayodhya is ours, now it’s the turn of Kasi-Mathura) — this was a tweet put out by Uttar Pradesh deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya on December 1.

On the same day, the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha quietly withdrew its call for installing a Krishna idol inside the Shahi Eidgah mosque.

The tweet did not create the storm it was expected to and the Mahasabha decision did not even evoke a minor reaction.

Clearly, the ‘liberation’ of Mathura has failed to get people’s support and this was one reason why the Mahasabha retracted its steps.

“We want to live in harmony and if our temples are not disturbed, we would certainly not want any trouble on such issues. The people of Mathura are certainly not looking forward to any clashes with any community,” said Ram Lal Sharma, a local businessman.

Mathura, and also Kashi, are not feasible as election issues for the 2022 polls in Uttar Pradesh and the Bharatiya Janata Party seems to have realised this well in time.

Disputes related to both the shrines are already in court and the decision on them may take several years.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the inauguration of the grand Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor on December 13, seems to have pushed the Gyanvapi mosque issue out of focus.

“The Kashi Vishwanath temple has already attained a new glory and magnificence. The temple is a grand entity on its own so the presence of the mosque does not affect us,” said Pandit Ram Narain Acharya, a 73-year-old priest in Sigra locality.

Most residents of Varanasi now believe that raking up the Gyanvapi controversy would serve no purpose since the ‘temple has its own place and significance’ after the renovation.

Both Mathura and Kashi come within the purview of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 which seeks to maintain the religious character of shrines as it was at the time of Independence.

The Central government will have to repeal the Act if a campaign for the liberation of Mathura and Kashi is launched and this will not be an easy task — socially and politically.

Ayodhya, incidentally had been exempted from the Act, which was passed a year before the demolition of Babri mosque.

One major factor which sets Ayodhya apart from Mathura and Kashi is that the Ayodhya movement was initiated and pursued rather aggressively by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its leaders that included Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia.

Both the leaders had managed to turn the campaign for the temple into a people’s movement and the active involvement of the common man was evident in all programmes held by the VHP for the Ram temple.

The call for Kashi and Mathura does not have the active involvement of the VHP though some leaders have spoken about it randomly.

Moreover, even the present VHP leadership is not as aggressive as Singhal and Togadia and may not be able to whip up similar passions for these two shrines. The VHP does not seem adequately interested to do so either.

The All India Akhara Parishad, the apex body of priests, had declared in October 2019 that it would soon launch an agitation to demolish the mosques in Mathura and Varanasi but that has not happened so far.

The BJP, which was propelled into becoming the dominant political force in the country because of the Ayodhya movement, is also not very interested in pursuing the Kashi and Mathura issues. So, it seems.

“When we have the governance and charisma of Prime Minister Modi to boast about, why rake up contentious issues? Muslims have started supporting us in large numbers and there is no need to take up these issues. The Prime Minister has imparted unmatched grandeur to the Kashi Vishwanath temple and we are sure he will do something similar in Mathura without disturbing the Eidgah,” said a senior BJP functionary who did not wish to be named.

The Shahi Idgah in Mathura and the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi are not the only two Islamic shrines under threat from the right-wing Hindu organisations affiliated with the Sangh Parivar.

Court cases are ongoing over the Qutub Minar and the Tile Waali Masjid in Lucknow. The cases are being pursued with arguments that match those made previously over the Babri Masjid — first try to ‘prove’ their argument, and if that fails, then claim that it is a ‘matter of faith’ that cannot be subject to judicial scrutiny.

However, since the people have apparently moved ahead of such issues and are focusing on a better tomorrow, issues like Kashi and Mathura are unlikely to turn into poll issues.

ALSO READ-Mathura To Drain Akhilesh’s Popularity

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Without Ram, Ayodhya is not Ayodhya, says prez Kovind

He added that there was neither discrimination in ‘Ram Rajya’, nor was there a law of punishment. “The lines of Ram Charitramanas give hope,” he said…reports Asian Lite News.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind said on Sunday that without Ram, Ayodhya is not Ayodhya.

The President who visited the temple town of Ayodhya, inaugurated a Ramayan conclave.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that this event is very important to promote cultural and religious tourism.

He added that there was neither discrimination in ‘Ram Rajya’, nor was there a law of punishment. “The lines of Ram Charitramanas give hope,” he said.

He further said, “Ayodhya exists where there is Ram. Lord Ram resides permanently in this city, and hence, in the true sense, this place is Ayodhya.”

President Ram Nath Kovind later took to Twitter and wrote, “The popularity of Ram Katha is not only in India but worldwide. There are many readable forms of Ram Katha, including Ram Charitramanas of Goswami Tulsidas in north India, Kritivas Ramayana in the eastern part of India, Kamban Ramayana in the south.”

“I am happy to be here among you all. I believe that Ramayana is such a unique book that gives a message to human beings to follow the values of life. I think when my family named me, they must have had the same reverence for Ram,” he said.

The President also congratulated chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his team for starting the conclave.

The reading material related to Lord Ram, from around the world, is being compiled by the Ayodhya Research Institute.

Governor Anandiben Patel, deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles Darshana Vikram Jardosh were also present at the conclave.

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