Ram Temple proof of trust in judiciary: President Droupadi Murmu

Tribune News Service

Aditi Tandon

New Delhi, January 25

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday hailed the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a testament to people’s faith in the judicial process and said future historians would consider the event a landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, Murmu termed ‘Amrit Kaal’ — the 25 years leading to the centenary of India’s independence in 2047 — as a “time of epochal transformation” and invoked Mahatma Gandhi to urge citizens to abide by fundamental duties for nation-building.

Lauding the government for successful organisation of the G20 summit, passage of Women’s Reservation Bill and space mission achievements, the President proposed non-violence as the solution to global conflicts, her veiled reference being to the Israel-Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine wars.

“In recent times, many conflicts have emerged around the world ...When each of the two conflicting sides believes that it is right and the other is wrong, the way out should be found in the light of reason. In such times, we recall Lord Buddha’s words....From Vardhaman Mahavir and Samrat Ashok to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, India has time and again shown that non-violence is not just an ideal that may be difficult to achieve, but it is a distinct possibility — in fact, it is a reality for many. Let us hope that the regions embroiled in conflicts will find a peaceful way to resolve conflicts and bring about peace,” Murmu said.

She saluted the contributions of late socialist stalwart Karpoori Thakur, who has been recently conferred Bharat Ratna, and spoke of the Ram Mandir consecration as historic besides lauding the government for “expanding and redefining” welfare while ensuring a robust economy.

“Earlier this week, we witnessed the historic consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram in the glorious new temple constructed at Ayodhya. When this event is seen in the wider perspective, the future historians will consider it a landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage. The construction of the temple commenced after the due judicial process and the decision of the highest court of the land. Now it stands as a grand edifice, giving a befitting expression not only of people’s faith, but also as a testament to people’s enormous trust in the judicial process,” the President said.

Murmu also spoke of the Indian democratic system being much older than the concept of western democracy, noting, “This is why India is called the Mother of Democracy.”

Stressing diversity of culture, beliefs and practices as the essence of democracy, she said, “For India, the largest family in the world, co-existence is not an imposition of geography, but a source of happiness.”

Murmu lauded the robust health of the Indian economy, saying, “Our GDP growth rate has remained the highest among major economies in recent years, and we have all reasons to believe that this extraordinary performance will continue in the year 2024 and beyond.”

She added that farsighted economic planning had powered inclusive development in India and mentioned the free foodgrain scheme for over 81 crore Indians as the biggest welfare initiative of its kind in history.

The President also reached out to youngsters as the “builders of future India” and said Indian youth “want equality of opportunity, not mere rhetoric of equality”.

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