'Lord Ram is the inspiration behind Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,' says PM Modi as he attends Deepotsav in Ayodhya

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya after offering prayers at the Ram Janmbhoomi.

Over 15 lakh earthen lamps were lit as part of the Deepotsav celebrations by more than 22,000 volunteers at Ram ki Paidi near the Saryu bank. Notably, Ayodhya set a world Guinness world record by lighting 15 lakh and 76 thousand diyas on the occasion.

WATCH: PM Modi attends Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya#DeepotsavAyodhya2022 #Diwali2022 #NarendraModi https://t.co/0lHwXNnj3c pic.twitter.com/bVkCzzJH5m

— Firstpost (@firstpost) October 23, 2022

Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, PM Modi witnessed a 3-D holographic projection mapping show at Ram ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu, along with a grand musical laser show.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses sound and laser show in Ayodhya

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/eL0gg82JiV

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2022

While addressing a public gathering, PM Modi said Lord Ram’s rule was the inspiration behind his government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” motto.

Modi linked the BJP government mantra that suggests inclusive development during his speech at the Ram Katha Park. He went on to make another short address at Ram ki Paidi where a record 15.76 lakh earthen lamps arranged on the river bank were lit by volunteers.

“The values inculcated by Lord Ram through his words, thoughts and rule are the inspiration for ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (collective effort, inclusive growth),” he said.

The PM added that Lord Ram’s ideals are a beacon of light for people aspiring for a developed India in next 25 years and give the “courage to achieve the most difficult goals”.

“It is the duty of all of us to follow the ideals of Lord Ram. We have to live his ideals continuously and apply them in life,” he said.

Asserting that a picture of Lord Ram, his brother Lakshman and Mother Sita is inscribed on the original copy of the Constitution, he said, “That is another guarantee of our constitutional rights.”

He, however, stressed that more the resolve of performing duties is strengthened, the more the concept of Ram Rajya will be realised. “Ram does not leave anyone behind, Ram never turns away from his duties,” he said.

“I am happy that people of Ayodhya, entire UP and world are witnessing this event. As we are celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava’, the determination like Lord Ram will take the country to new heights,” he said referring to the Deepotsav celebrations.

अवधपुरी अति रुचिर बनाई।

देवन्ह सुमन बृष्टि झरि लाई।।

लाखों दीयों से जगमगा रही अयोध्या नगरी में भव्य और दिव्य दीपोत्सव का दृश्य मन को मोह लेने वाला है। pic.twitter.com/AgWPExywWD

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2022

Without taking any name, Modi said, “There was a time when even talking about Ram and our culture and civilisation was avoided. The existence of Ram in this country was questioned.”

“What was the result this? Our religious, cultural places and cities were left behind in development. When we used to come here at Ram Ghat in Ayodhya, we used to feel sad to see the plight. Narrow and filthy streets of Kashi disturbed us.”

Referring to efforts being made by his government to preserve the spiritual heritage, he said, “In the past eight years, the country has broken these shackles of inferiority complex. We have put forward a holistic vision of development of India’s pilgrim places.”

Modi said new schemes worth thousands of crores have been started for the development of Ayodhya. “Today, Ayodhya is a reflection of the golden chapter of India’s cultural rejuvenation,” he said.

This was the PM’s first visit to Ayodhya after a “bhoomi pujan” for the construction of a Ram temple on 5 August 2020.

Immediately after reaching Ayodhya for the Deepotsav celebrations on Sunday, the PM went to the makeshift Ram temple and offered prayers to Ram Lalla. He lit an earthen lamp there and performed an “aarti”. Temple chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das applied vermillion on his forehead.

Also read: ‘Will only return when temple construction begins’: PM Modi’s journey with Ram Janmabhoomi movement

Modi was also briefed by officials on the construction going on for a grand Ram temple at the site. Earlier, the PM was welcomed by governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath & Governor Anandiben Patel, inspects the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra site in Ayodhya

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/LCpUyCqm4N

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2022

With inputs from PTI

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