AYODHYA/LUCKNOW: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India acted in accordance with Lord Ram’s ideals during Operation Sindoor.Addressing a gathering after hoisting a flag at the Annapurna temple in the Ram temple complex on the second anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol, he said despite repeated attempts by foreign invaders to erase Sanatan traditions, the saffron flag now fluttering atop the Ram temple stands as a message of civilisational continuity.
“Ram is humble. Ram is virtuous. Ram is compassionate. But where necessity arises… Ramji takes on the role of vanquishing the wicked there as well. During Operation Sindoor, we worked under that same inspiration of Lord Ram,” the defence minister said.He said Lord Ram was not merely a character or a chapter in a scripture but a living moral force that guided society in moments of moral dilemma, restraint and duty. Rajnath added that Ram Janmabhoomi movement was “one of the world’s biggest”, both in terms of geography and time.”No social movement is born suddenly from zero. It emerges from the consciousness of society, grows within society, and takes shape while changing itself according to the changes in society. And when the movement progresses, it determines the direction of society,” Rajnath said.“The temple construction movement has also been such a movement, which not only shook history, but also gave direction to the present and laid the foundation for the future. This struggle was not of a single day. It was a struggle of patience, penance and faith that lasted for more than five centuries,” he said.Lauding PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath for their continuous efforts and hard work, Singh said the transformation Ayodhya underwent over the past few years was unparalleled. “We all can see how many employment and job opportunities were created in the city just because of the Ram temple,” said Singh.Singh announced that after establishing a grand Ram temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Sita will be built at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Bihar.‘Fortunate to be present in Ayodhya today’Rajnath Singh said he felt fortunate to have been invited as ‘yajman’ (chief patron for religious rituals) on the second anniversary of the consecration ceremony. “What more could I ask for? Lord Ram made sure I got the opportunity to participate in the auspicious ceremony; that is why I am present before all of you. Today is the most fortunate day of my life. Ram Lalla’s glory not only shines over Ayodhya and the rest of the country; it covers the entire globe,” Rajnath said. This was Rajnath’s first visit to the Ram temple after its inauguration in Jan 2024.“I am sure as soon as a devotee arrives in the city, be it at the airport, railway station, bus station, or highways, they get soaked in spirituality. The spirit of Ram resonates loudly as one moves around in the city,” said Rajnath.
