On January 22, 2024, India witnessed a momentous occasion that resonated with historical significance—the installation and Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of the Murty of Shri Ramlala at the revered Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This event marks the culmination of a centuries-long struggle, weaving together the threads of faith, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the Indian people.
The history of Bharat reflects a narrative of persistent resistance against invaders spanning over the last one and a half thousand years. From plunder to colonization, early invasions left a trail of destruction. However, attacks under the banner of Islam brought not only devastation but also a systematic assault on religious places, including the repeated destruction of temples. The intent was clear—to demoralize and weaken the Bharatiya society.
The saga continued with the demolition of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, a deliberate act echoing the invaders’ strategy to shatter the spirit of the people. This pattern persisted, and the Ram Janmabhoomi issue became deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of Hindus. The struggle endured through the years, including the failed attempt in 1857 to overthrow British rule, where Hindus and Muslims united, underscoring their readiness to fight together.
Post-independence, the discussion on liberating Ram Janmabhoomi gained momentum, especially after the unanimous renovation of the Somnath temple in 1947. However, political dynamics shifted, leading to divisive policies like “Divide and Rule.” The British, and later Indian governments, exploited religious fault lines, hindering the resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi issue.
The turning point arrived in 2019 when, after 134 years of legal battles, the Supreme Court delivered a balanced decision, considering the sentiments of both parties. A board of trustees was formed for the construction of the temple, culminating in the Bhoomipujan on August 5, 2020. Now, on January 22, 2024, the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony marks the fulfilment of a longstanding dream.
Beyond the legal battles, this day signifies more than the construction of a temple. It is a reawakening of national pride and an acknowledgment of the timeless values embodied in the character of Shri Ram. Shri Ram, revered as the most worshipped deity in the majority society, symbolises an ideal way of life. The call to worship Shri Ram is not just a ritual but a commitment to emulate the qualities of integrity, forgiveness, strength, compassion, and humility.
The construction of Ram Mandir is a call to unite as a nation, transcending religious boundaries. It is an opportunity to embrace the teachings of Shri Ram, fostering a society where individuals view others as family and treat all with compassion and equality. The vision is clear—to build a society rooted in justice, harmony, and social virtues, mirroring the ideals of Shri Ram.
As the world grapples with destructive tendencies fueled by egoism, selfishness, and discrimination, the inauguration of Ram Mandir signals the beginning of a campaign for the reconstruction of Bharatvarsh. This reconstruction is not just physical but a spiritual journey towards well-being, acceptance, and harmony. The temple becomes a beacon guiding India towards a path of unity, progress, and peace. In celebrating this historic day, let us recognize the importance of unity among diverse religious communities.
The reconstruction of Bharat is not just a national duty but a global responsibility. By embodying the teachings of Shri Ram, India has the potential to inspire positive change worldwide.
Let the light of Ram Mandir guide us in fostering a society that upholds justice, compassion, and equality. The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony is not just the consecration of a deity but a collective commitment to build a better India and contribute to the reconstruction of the entire world. In this moment of celebration, let unity, tolerance, and respect for all religions be the pillars on which the new India stands, echoing the sentiment of Ayodhya—a city where there is no war, a place free from conflict.
Muslim believers in our country are eagerly anticipating the ‘Prana Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Temple and are keen to participate in Lord Ram bhajans. This event is seen as a symbol of unity for the nation.
In Ayodhya, people from across the nation, transcending religious boundaries, are braving bone-chilling cold to reach the temple town through various means such as walking, cycling, and even skating. The convergence is fueled by an unwavering faith in Lord Ram and a palpable religious fervor sweeping the country. Motivated by a deep desire to be part of the historic consecration ceremony on January 22, they aim to convey a powerful message of love and unity through their collective presence on this significant day.
On Friday, Reliance Industries revealed its decision to institute a company-wide holiday on January 22, in commemoration of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This noteworthy occasion has spurred various state governments to declare a public holiday, enabling employees to actively participate in the celebrations. Additionally, the Central government has announced the closure of public sector banks for half the day in acknowledgment of the event’s significance.
Corporate India has embraced a festive spirit, offering various perks from free bus tickets to complimentary popcorn at multiplexes in celebration of the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony. Notably, Reliance Industries, India’s largest company, has declared a nationwide office holiday on January 22, aligning with the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Monday a public holiday, resulting in the closure of the capital market. The unparalleled enthusiasm surrounding this event has propelled it to the forefront of media platforms, presenting an ideal opportunity for corporations to engage with individuals who share an emotional connection with the Ayodhya temple.
Today, the stock market is set to conduct normal trading operations on its primary site; however, it will be closed on January 22. This aligns with a government directive affecting various sectors, as central government establishments, public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks throughout the country are slated to remain closed for half a day on Monday. This temporary closure reflects a broader acknowledgment and observance of a significant event, possibly the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
In preparation for the Pran Pratistha ceremony at the Ram Temple, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji delved into the historical significance of the event, urging an end to decades of conflict surrounding the Ayodhya dispute. In an article originally published in Marathi, Bhagwat emphasized India’s enduring struggle against invaders over 1,500 years, noting the systematic destruction of religious sites by foreign forces to weaken and demoralize society. He highlighted that early invasions aimed at plunder and colonization, while attacks from the West in the name of Islam resulted in complete destruction and societal alienation. According to Bhagwat, the demolition of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya was driven by the invaders’ intention to demoralize Bharatiya society and establish unhindered rule with a weakened populace—an approach he deemed not limited to Ayodhya but a global war strategy.
(Author is Professor and former Media Advisor of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Email: [email protected])
