Ayodhya. Vice President C.P. Describing Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple as a monument of complete Hindu self-respect, Radhakrishnan said that after a long wait and struggle of about 500 years, a grand temple has finally been constructed on the birthplace of Shri Ram. It is because of the great sacrifice and sacrifice of Ram devotees that Narendra Modi has become the Prime Minister of the country, Yogi Adityanath has become the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and he himself has become the Vice President of India. He said that the struggle of Ram devotees and the contribution of saints and sages related to the Ayodhya movement can never be forgotten.
The Vice President was addressing the function organized at Ramkatha Park as the chief guest on the occasion of the tenth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya Dham on Saturday. During this, Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, state government ministers and a large number of saints and sages were present.
The Vice President said that sages, saints and ascetics have made great sacrifices in the restoration of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple and Hindu self-respect. Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram is not only adorable but also an eternal symbol of religion, compassion, virtue and ideal conduct. His life teaches that true greatness lies not in power and position, but in strength of character and devotion to duty. Shri Ram gave priority to duty above personal happiness, religion above personal interest and welfare of the people in every situation.
If a temple is not built on the birthplace then where will it be built?
Referring to the struggle to build the Ram temple, the Vice President said that it took centuries to build the temple at the birthplace of Shri Ram. If a temple was not built on the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, then where would it be built? After a long wait and struggle, Shri Ram finally won and today a grand temple is established at his birthplace. He said that Lord Shri Ram is not worshipable by any one person but by everyone.
The Vice President said that in Hindu society no one is great on the basis of birth, rather a person's superiority is determined by his character. Maharishi Valmiki was from an ordinary family, but by writing Ramayana he guided the entire humanity. He said that Narendra Modi coming from an ordinary background to become the Prime Minister, a saint reaching the post of Chief Minister and a person coming from a small farmer family becoming the Vice President, are examples of broader social change linked to the sacrifice and struggle of Ram devotees.
Shared memories of mother's stone worship
Sharing old memories related to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Vice President said that when Ashok Singhal had called for Shilapujan across the country, his mother had become the head of the puja committee in his home area. She had gone around the entire area with a brick on her head and finally performed Shilapujan in the Ganesh temple of her hometown. He said that at that time his mother would not have even imagined that her son would one day become the Vice President of India and would participate in the Deepotsav ceremony organized in Ayodhya.
Referring to the unity and diversity of the country, he said that Governor Anandiben Patel is from Gujarat, while he himself has come to Ayodhya from near Rameshwaram in South India. Recalling the days spent in Parliament with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he said that about 30 years ago, both of them were young MPs and used to sit side by side in the House. The power and influence that Yogi Adityanath's speeches had at that time, continues even today.
Law and order of Uttar Pradesh changed under the leadership of Yogi
Referring to the efforts of the Central and State Governments, the Vice President said that together they have done many such tasks which were earlier considered impossible. Referring to the changes in the law and order of Uttar Pradesh, he said that earlier people in the state did not have confidence in security and the law and order was influenced by goons and miscreants. Today, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the police system has been strengthened and daughters are feeling safe even at midnight.
He shared the incident of his conversation with a small shopkeeper from Varanasi. According to the Vice President, the shopkeeper told him that now no one is afraid in the state and daughters can walk on the streets fearlessly even at night. The shopkeeper told that before the Yogi government, he himself was involved in unruly activities, but now there is no scope for such activities. He has left his old activities and opened a small shop and is supporting his family. The Vice President called it an example of change in the state.
State moving towards one trillion dollar economy
The Vice President said that Ayodhya is today becoming an example of the approach of 'development as well as heritage'. The spiritual city is being developed as a smart city and solar city. Ayodhya has gained global recognition due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The development of infrastructure like Panchkosi Parikrama Marg and Ramkatha Park is giving a new dimension to spiritual tourism.
He said that peace and better law and order in Uttar Pradesh has given impetus to development. Referring to the Mahakumbh-2025 organized in Prayagraj, he said that in 45 days, more than 66 crore devotees took a dip of faith in the Sangam and no major untoward incident took place. According to him, Uttar Pradesh has become the third largest economy of the country and is contributing about nine percent to the national GDP. The budgetary provision of more than Rs 9 lakh crore for the year 2026-27 reflects the development vision of the state government.
The Vice President expressed confidence that with the cooperation of Ram devotees and the people of the state, Uttar Pradesh's goal of becoming a trillion dollar economy will soon be realized. He said that Uttar Pradesh will be among the major development drivers of the country in fulfilling the resolve of developed India by the year 2047.
Along with progressing in the world, everyone's welfare should also be the goal.
On the importance of Deepotsav, the Vice President said that this event is not just a symbolic celebration but has special significance for every Indian family. Diwali gives the message of removing darkness and spreading the light of happiness and hope in every home. Wishing everyone a happy Diwali, he said that the ideals of Lord Shri Ram should continue to guide our duties towards the society and nation.
He said that India's aim is to become a leader in the world, but this should not be to impose its conditions on anyone or establish dominance, but to pave the way for the welfare of all by taking the entire world along.