Divinity at Ayodhya has rejuvenated my soul: Puneet Dalmia of Dalmia Bharat

I feel grateful to have witnessed such a historic moment of Praan Prathistha of Lord Ram at Ayodhya, writes the MD. (Image: Twitter//puneet_dalmia)

January 22, 2024 will remain as a date etched in my heart and mind forever. It was my first trip to Ayodhya – the land of Lord Ram. I am filled with innumerable emotions, so deep, that it turned out to be one of those defining events that became a turning point in my life.

First and foremost, I feel grateful. I feel grateful to have witnessed such a historic moment of Praan Prathistha of Lord Ram at Ayodhya...

A moment that came after a painful wait of 500 years...

A moment that came after incredible sacrifices of many generations…

A moment that came after a gruelling fight at many levels – on the field, in the courts, and inside our minds and hearts.

The energy at Ayodhya and the entire nation was overwhelming. The chants of Jai Shree Ram permeated the air, and everyone connected with their friends and family through buzzing phones and video calls. I am deeply grateful that I could witness this divinity live.

The second emotion I feel is pride. I feel connected to our roots. I feel confident about our identity, our language, and our faith. I grew up thinking that made-in-India is bad, and imported stuff is of better quality. I grew up being embarrassed when I put Chandan on my forehead. I grew up at a time when it was cool to talk in English and not in Hindi. Today, I feel proud and happy that our identity is unique and beautiful. Our dresses are graceful and vibrant. Our language is powerfully expressive. And our values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is my family) and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (All must be happy) are timeless and profound.

I was filled with pride as our PM gave us a big but simple message of empathy and social unification. Modiji reminded us, that no one is small and there will be no discrimination in our society. Everyone will play a role in building India’s future – no one should feel small… Just look at the contribution of the squirrel who rubbed sand on her body and rolled it over to help Lord Rama build the bridge across the ocean… We will not discriminate against anyone… Just like Lord Rama went to Aadivaasi Ma Shabri’s hut and had a deep friendship with Nishaad Raj (Boatman). We will respect every profession, and no one is too small to take India forward. These are beautiful values that have defined our civilization since ancient times.

Finally, I felt deeply responsible. Mohan Bhagwat ji reminded us that Lord Rama left Ayodhya due to jealousy and fights in the family. Those 14 years of separation when Lord Rama was in exile, were extremely painful for the royal family and all the citizens of Ayodhya. And we have endured the pain of separation from Lord Rama for 500 years, due to religious fights. He reminded us that peace and happiness come from listening to alternate points of view and carrying everyone together.

I had the privilege of seeing Modiji from 2 feet away as he was leaving the temple premises after the Praan Pratishtha. He had done an 11-day tapasya with very strict discipline. He had a sacred glow on his face – bright like a sun. He reminded us that this is India’s golden period and we all have to work hard to build this country. We must work for the good of all… This moment has come after 500 years of struggle and we have to seize the moment and work hard. If our PM works so hard and does this kind of Tapasya, all of us have to work harder to build India and dedicate our lives to the good of all with Seva bhawna and no ego.

The pious land of Ayodhya had divine tremblings on January 22, 2024. Lord Ram’s Praan Pratishtha is the Praan Pratishtha of Indian ethos and culture.

It’s the Praan Pratishtha of Indian values and a new and confident India.

It’s the Praan Pratishtha of a fusion of ancient and modern India…

It’s the Praan Pratishtha of a spiritual and economically powerful India.

I am filled with emotions of gratitude, pride, and responsibility. Ayodhya has rejuvenated my soul as it has done for all Indians.

It was my first trip to Ayodhya but it is certainly not my last. I am going to go again with my friends and family to take inspiration and renew my Sankalp to dedicate myself to building the India of our dreams.

The author is the managing director of Dalmia Bharat Limited.