Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the rituals of Pran Pratishtha of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and unveiled the idol of Lord Rama on the auspicious day of January 22, 2024, a day which will be etched in Indian history forever.
Nationalism: In an emotional speech, Modi highlighted how the day marks the beginning of a new era. He instilled a sense of nationalism by highlighting how by “watching the construction, a new sense of confidence was being born among the citizens”. He added that by “rising above the mentality of slavery and taking courage from every challenge of the past, the nation is creating the genesis of a new history”.
Unity: He framed the consecration of Ram Lalla in terms of realisation of the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). He gave a message of unity pointing out how all the residents of Ayodhya and the entire country were filled with joy upon the arrival of the Lord after his exile; and that the same feeling is being witnessed today. Ram doesn’t belong to any religion, community, caste, he belongs to everybody.
Opposition: Taking a dig at a section of opposition which has been attempting to create a North-South divide in the country, PM highlighted how he had the opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage from the ocean (Ram Setu) to the Sarayu River and witnessed how everywhere the festive spirit of the name of Ram has spread. Modi expressed gratitude to the Indian judiciary, which upheld the dignity of justice in line with the principles of Ram Rajya. He emphasised that the temple of Lord Ram has been built in a just and lawful manner.
Read | How Modi’s Ram Temple changes post-Partition consensus on secularism
Minorities: He praised the minorities for the level of maturity shown by them contrary to what some opposition leaders were peddling that construction of Ram Temple would lead to chaos and create fire, instead it has given birth to energy. He highlighted that the construction of this temple for Ram Lalla signifies the peace, patience, mutual harmony, and coordination of Indian society.
“Lord Ram is connected to every particle of the soul of Bharat…If we touch the inner soul of anyone in Bharat, we will experience this unity, and this sentiment will be found everywhere.”
Inclusivity: He exhorted every section of the society to take inspiration from the construction of the Ram Temple and contribute towards progress for creation of a developed Bharat. In an outreach to the minorities, Modi said, “The grand temple of Lord Ram has been built, so what's next? … Beyond the temple construction, we, as a nation, must pledge to build a capable and glorious Bharat from this very moment”. Here Modi hints at adopting a more inclusive approach in the third term (if BJP comes back to power) and creating a Bharat where equality and justice for all is the key principle and people live in peace, harmony and prosperity.
Women: Even his Jai Siyaram tweet at the start of the Pran Prathistha function would have warmed the hearts of those who felt disheartened at the statue of Maa Sita missing. Lord Ram himself had said that he is incomplete without Sita. PM Modi started and ended his speech with “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai”. The idol of Ram is from when he was 5 years old, and one gets the sense from the PM’s exhortation that when the temple is completed, definitely Sita Mata will have a rightful place in the Ram Mandir.
Also read | Can Ayodhya impact the Lok Sabha election in the South?
Cultural Nationalism: He exhorts all to shed differences and work in the spirit of Sabka Prayas to build a capable, glorious, and divine Bharat. He talks about cultural nationalism, the expansion of consciousness—from the divine to the nation and from Ram to the entire nation (from Dev to Desh, from Ram to Rashtra). Modi calls out to the youth to not miss the opportunity and sit idle, and to take inspiration from thousands of years of tradition: “Be proud of your heritage and write about the new dawn of Bharat.”
Viksit Bharat: He confidently posited that “This is the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of Bharat’s development. This magnificent Ram Temple will bear witness to the rise of Bharat, the dawn of Bharat.” Modi highlights that this temple is not just a mere shrine; it is the manifestation of Bharat’s vision, philosophy, and insight. It is a temple of national consciousness in the form of Lord Ram.
Modi The Statesman: In a statesman-like speech Modi enlists his vision for a new Bharat where “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all sentient beings be at peace, may no one suffer from illness, May all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer). In his speech, he gives a clear message to minorities, that they need not fear, their rights will be protected, at the same time asserting the political dominance of the majority.
Amitabh Tiwari is a former corporate and investment banker-turned political strategist and commentator. Twitter: @politicalbaaba. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication.
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