‘True Independence’ Of Bharat Established On Ram Temple Consecration Day: Mohan Bhagwat

Indore: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said that the date of the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi," a day marking the "true independence" of Bharat. According to Bhagwat, the consecration ceremony, which took place on January 22, last year, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , symbolises the restoration of the country’s sovereignty after centuries of foreign rule and attacks.

Bhagwat explained that Bharat's "true independence" was established on this day, as the nation faced numerous enemy invasions throughout history. He asserted that the Ram Temple movement was not meant to oppose any group, but rather to awaken the "self" of the nation, helping Bharat stand tall and lead the world with pride.

He made these comments while presenting the prestigious "National Devi Ahilya Award" to Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, in recognition of his efforts in the construction of the Ram Temple.

Rai dedicated the award to all those, known and unknown, who had supported the Ram Mandir movement. He described the temple as a symbol of the "Hindustan ki Moonchh" (the national pride). Rai reflected on the movement’s long and challenging journey, stating that he was just a medium for the successful completion of the grand temple in Ayodhya.

The award ceremony, held in Indore, also featured former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, president of the Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti, which organizes the National Devi Ahilya Award. Mahajan announced plans to build a grand memorial dedicated to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the iconic ruler of the Holkar dynasty of Indore, to ensure that her legacy is remembered.

Over the years, the National Devi Ahilya Award has been presented to prominent figures like Nanaji Deshmukh, Vijaya Raje Scindia, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, and Sudha Murthy for their contributions to various social causes.

The Ram Temple consecration, which marked the culmination of decades of efforts, continues to be a momentous event for many in India.