PM lays stone, says Ram belongs to all

Shahira Naim

Ayodhya, August 5

Equating the groundbreaking ceremony for Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir here today with Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said just as the freedom movement, the mandir movement received people’s support from across the country.

Clad in a cream dhoti, golden kurta and a mask, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ram Temple at Ayodhya in the culmination of a campaign that fuelled the rise of the BJP and marked the fulfilment of one of its core poll promises.

The Sikh connect

“Tulsi’s Ram was with form (sagun), while Nanak’s Ram was formless (nirgun)... In Bangla, we have Krittibas Ramayan, while Guru Gobind Singh has written Gobind Ramayan,” said PM

In his 35-minute address after the ‘bhoomi pujan’, the PM said: “The way generations had struggled for Independence, which was achieved on August 15, generations had struggled for centuries for the Ram Temple cause, which is being fulfilled on August 5.

“The way Dalits, adivasis and all members of society helped Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle…, the construction of the Ram Temple has started due to the support of people from across the country.”

“Every heart is illuminated, it is an emotional moment for the entire country... A long wait ends today,” said the PM.

Expressing anguish at “Ram Lalla” (infant Ram) living in a tent for years, the PM said: “I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to witness this historic moment.”

Stressing that Lord Ram was a common thread of unity in diversity of the nation, the PM said: “Ram belongs to all and is within all.”

Describing the upcoming grand temple as the modern symbol of Indian culture, faith and national sentiment, Modi said it was the proof of a collective resolve of crores of devotees, not only in India but also around the world.

In a clear departure, PM Modi started his address by raising the pre-mandir movement slogan of ‘Jai Siya Ram’, instead of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ that has come to symbolise the political ‘Ram without Sita’ associated with the mandir movement.

The PM emphasised that the coming up of a grand temple would usher in economic prosperity for the region as it would bring tourists from across the world.

During the minute-long auspicious window of the ‘bhoomi pujan’, PM Modi laid a 40-kg silver brick with a silver trowel marking the symbolic beginning of the construction of the temple and fulfilment of a long-standing commitment of the BJP to build a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Defines India’s spirit

It defines India’s spirit of social harmony and people’s zeal. It will be a testimony to ideals of Ramrajya... — RN Kovind, President

New chapter in history

A new chapter in the history of Indian culture and civilisation. Ram Temple has always been a symbol of faith for Hindus. — Amit Shah, Home Minister

Way to self-reliance

The greatest joy is building self-confidence and self-sufficiency needed to make India self-reliant. — Mohan Bhagwat, RSS chief

A guiding light

It fulfills the long-cherished desire of every Indian. Lord Ram’s universal message remains the guiding light not just for India but the world. — Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM

Babri fall legitimised

Bhoomi pujan has provided retrospective legitimisation for destruction of Babri Masjid. — Sitaram Yechury, CPM