Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking in Ayodhya on the second anniversary of the Ram Lalla idol's consecration, drew a direct parallel between India's military actions and the ideals of Lord Ram. Addressing a gathering at the Annapurna temple within the Ram temple complex, Singh stated that Operation Sindoor was conducted under the inspiration of Lord Ram's resolve to vanquish evil.
Ram's Ideals as a Guiding Force for the Nation
Singh elaborated that Lord Ram embodies humility, virtue, and compassion, but also the strength to act decisively when required. "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," the Defence Minister affirmed. He emphasized that Lord Ram is not just a historical or scriptural figure but a living moral force guiding society through dilemmas towards duty and restraint.
Reflecting on the temple's symbolism, Singh noted that despite centuries of attempts by foreign invaders to erase Sanatan traditions, the saffron flag now flying atop the grand temple signifies civilisational continuity and resilience.
The Historic Ram Janmabhoomi Movement
Rajnath Singh characterized the Ram Janmabhoomi movement as one of the world's largest, both in geographical spread and temporal span. He explained that such transformative social movements do not emerge in a vacuum. "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," he said.
He described the temple construction movement as one that "not only shook history, but also gave direction to the present and laid the foundation for the future." Singh highlighted the movement's duration, calling it a struggle of patience, penance, and faith lasting over five centuries.
Ayodhya's Transformation and Future Temple Plans
The Defence Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their relentless efforts, stating the transformation of Ayodhya in recent years is unparalleled. He pointed to the significant economic boost, noting, "We all can see how many employment and job opportunities were created in the city just because of the Ram temple."
In a significant announcement, Rajnath Singh revealed that following the establishment of the Ram temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Sita will be constructed at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Bihar.
Expressing his personal sentiments, Singh, who was the 'yajman' (chief patron) for the second-anniversary rituals, called it the most fortunate day of his life. This marked his first visit to the Ram temple since its grand inauguration in January 2024. He described Ayodhya as a city now permeated with spirituality, where the spirit of Ram resonates from the airport to the highways.
