The ground-breaking ceremony at Ayodhya was a historic event which paved the way for national integration and harmony. People celebrated it worldwide amid the coronavirus pandemic. In India, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi reached the proposed Ram temple site and performed the ritualistic stone-laying ceremony for the construction of Ram Temple. Modi declared it was a “golden day” in the history of India while laying a 40kg silver brick for the Bhoomi poojan as per traditions.
Bhagwat, Yogi, Anandiben Patel among guests
On the occasion, Modi shared the dais with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, trust chief Nritya Gopaldas Maharaj, and UP Governor Anandiben Patel. Priests from various corners of the country were present for performing the rituals. It included 5 each from Delhi and Varanasi and 3 from Kamikochi Tamil Nadu.
Bhagwat said the sanctification of the temple was important for achieving “atma-nirbharta” through “atma-vishwas”. Former Lok Sabha speaker, Sumitra Mahajan stated that the foundation for Ram Mandir would pave India’s way towards “Ram Rajya”. Adityanath thanked the Prime Minister for his presence at the “most awaited moment of the past 500 years.” Yogi also claimed that the temple is not a mere reflection of Lord Rama’s epitome but that of India too.
“Defeat of democracy and secularism”, Owaisi
AIMIM chief, Asadudddin Owaisi condemned Modi’s direct involvement in the ceremony, being the PM of a secular nation. He said in doing so, Modi has violated the oath of the Prime Minister’s office. Owaisi called the day a “defeat of democracy and secularism, and the victory of the Hindutva ideology.”
Union home minister, Amit Shah who recently tested positive for the coronavirus also congratulated Modi for his leadership and contribution towards the foundation stone laying of the temple.
Later in the day, pictures of Lord Ram Billboard at Times Square were trending on social media handles. Devotees also advertise this event at Times Square. However, they have planned to live telecast it but didn’t.
Devotees lit Diyas
The Ram Janmabhoomi has a history of court hearings, demolition, riots and has been a breeding ground for politics in India. It finally culminated in Wednesday’s Bhoomi pooja. The news of Bhoomi pooja has sent a wave of joy among a huge population of the Indian Youth. People were seen carrying flags bearing symbols of Hanuman with slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” written on them. Slogans were raised and diyas (earthen lamps) were lit in houses to observe the victorious day for many.
