Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said every lamp lit in Ayodhya becomes a source of prosperity and development for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. The lamps lit during Deepotsav not only revive the memory of Lord Shri Ram’s arrival, but also symbolize the state’s progress, prosperity, and bright future. Faith is India’s greatest strength. It is this faith that has bound a country rich in diversity together in unity.
The Chief Minister addressed the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav organized on Tuesday in Nirampur village of Pilibhit district in the sacred memory of Brahmaleen Mahant Yogi Shantinath Ji. Earlier, the Chief Minister worshipped at the Shiva temple on the premises and inaugurated various projects.
He also honored Pujya Sant Anjani Sharan Ji, the narrator of the Shri Ram Katha seated on the sacred Vyas Peeth, by presenting him with clothes and fruits, and listened to the Ram Katha with reverence.
The Chief Minister said, “There are around 200 countries in the world, each with its own distinctive features, identity, challenges and achievements. Some have populations of thousands, while others have populations of lakhs and crores. India and China are among the countries with populations exceeding 500 million. Europe appears to be one entity, but it too comprises numerous countries with separate political identities. In contrast, despite the diversity of appearance, dialects and languages from north to south and east to west, the entire country of India remains bound together in unity, with a shared sentiment and spirit. The foundation of this unity is our faith. It is this faith that is bringing such a large number of people together for the Shri Ram Katha, and it is India’s greatest strength.”
He stated, “The narration of the Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran took place in Shukteerth 5,000 years ago. Even after such a long period, wherever followers of Sanatan Dharma live in India and around the world, thousands and lakhs of people gather to listen to the Katha with the same devotion and sacred sentiment. The organization of Shri Ram Katha also has a tradition spanning thousands of years. After Sharadiya Navratri, Ramlilas are organized in villages across the country.”
He added that the Ramlila tradition advanced by Goswami Tulsidas Ji during the period of foreign rule continues with the same enthusiasm even today. Artists from villages participate in it. The Ramlila dialogues written by Pandit Radheshyam Ramayani took this tradition to new heights. Reciting the Akhand Ramayan during auspicious and ceremonial occasions is also part of this faith and cultural tradition.
The Chief Minister further informed, “For 500 years, faith had continued to struggle for the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi without stopping, wavering or retreating. Ultimately, when the entire country stood united in one voice, the path to constructing the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya was paved. Referring to the incident of November 2, 1990, he said that Ram devotees were fired upon in Ayodhya that day, and hundreds were injured. At that time, even chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and the arrival of Ram devotees in Ayodhya were prohibited. Basic facilities were lacking. Narrow lanes, filth, poor roads, and disorder prevailed. Ayodhya was not connected by air, and the railway line was single-track.”
He stated, “While traveling to Ayodhya yesterday for a meeting on preparations for Deepotsav, he witnessed how the city had transformed. More than one lakh devotees visit Ram Lalla for darshan every day. During festivals and special occasions, this number rises from five lakh to 50 lakh. Today, Ayodhya has four-lane roads connecting it from all directions, improved rail facilities, and air connectivity. The international airport has been named after Maharishi Valmiki. While previous governments left behind problems, the government of Ram devotees has ensured the convenience, security and dignity of pilgrims.”
He said that earlier, Ram devotees faced lathicharges and firing, whereas today they are welcomed with flower showers. Earlier, the question was when Ram Lalla would emerge from the tent. Today, lakhs of devotees are having darshan in the grand temple.
The Chief Minister added, “The real purpose of the Ram Katha is not merely to listen to it, but to make the ideals of Lord Shri Ram a part of one’s life. The purpose of visiting temples and participating in religious events is to eliminate negativity from the mind. The scriptures state, “Shraddhavan Labhate Gyanam.” Knowledge is attained through devotion and faith.”
He said that negativity gives rise to anarchy, destruction, disorder, unrest, and discontent. In contrast, positivity brings devotion, faith and light. This positive spirit paves the way for development and prosperity and brings happiness to people’s lives.
The Chief Minister stated, “India is moving forward with a new identity today. Before 2017, funds that were wasted here and there are now being used for the development of temples and religious sites, as well as welfare schemes for the poor.”
He said that earlier, people had to struggle for basic facilities such as ration, electricity, good roads, and security. Before, disturbances and riots would begin. Today, there are no curfews, riots, or anarchy in the state. The poor are receiving free ration, while Ayushman Bharat provides health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh. Youth are getting jobs, farmers are receiving the Kisan Samman Nidhi, and daughters and traders are being provided security.
He said that this is the concept of Ram Rajya, in which the benefits of government schemes reach every section of society without discrimination.
The Chief Minister said that appeasement promotes distrust and anarchy. When the country followed the path of appeasement, terrorism, extremism, and Naxalism increased. In contrast, the country has progressed by ensuring that the benefits of schemes reach every citizen without discrimination, with a spirit of fulfillment. This spirit is becoming the foundation of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
He stated, “Along with Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan and other religious sites in the state are also witnessing unprecedented development. At Kashi Vishwanath Dham, where earlier even ten devotees could not have darshan together, today 50,000 devotees can have darshan at the same time. Mathura-Vrindavan is being beautified. Facilities have been expanded at Maa Vindhyavasini Dham. A corridor is being constructed at Gola Gokarnath in Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bareilly is once again establishing its identity as Nath Nagri. This is an innovative journey of development, whose beginning lies in faith.”
Referring to Maharishi Valmiki, he said, “Valmiki brought the world’s first dialogue with Ram. He composed the Adi Ramayan and wrote the world’s first Ramayana in Sanskrit. Today, there is no language in the world in which the Ramayana has not been written, but Maharishi Valmiki remains its original foundation.”
Describing Shri Ram as the embodiment of dharma, he added that Maharishi Valmiki’s words, “Ramo Vigrahavan Dharma,” continue to inspire future generations. Whenever a challenge or problem arises in life, the ideals of Shri Ram show the way to its resolution. Shri Ram inspires dignified conduct as a son, disciple, teacher, husband, brother, and an important member of society.
The Chief Minister said, “To witness devotion, one should visit Mathura-Vrindavan, where devotees perform parikrama, and every particle of the land is imbued with the spirit of Krishna. The ideal of dignity in life is reflected in the character of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya Dham.”
Remembering Mahant Yogi Shantinath Ji, the Chief Minister stated, “He was an unconventional and unique saint. His life was simple, and he lived with a carefree spirit. He also supported good causes. Life is transient, and ultimately everyone has to accept this truth. After his body passed away, he was laid to rest here in samadhi.”
On the occasion, Mahant Mithilesh Maharaj of Shaktipeeth Devipatan; Mahant Rajudas of Shri Hanuman Garhi Temple, Ayodhya Dham; Uttar Pradesh Minister and Pilibhit in-charge Minister Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh; Minister Sanjay Gangwar; organising committee president and Member of the Legislative Council Dr Sudhir Gupta; co-convenor Sanjeev Pratap Singh; Bharatiya Janata Party District President Gokul Prasad Maurya; Bisalpur MLA Vivek Verma; Puranpur MLA Baburam Paswan; Barkhera MLA Swami Pravaktanand; Pilibhit District Panchayat Administrator Daljit Kaur; revered saints and devotees were present.
Chief Minister speaks at Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav organized in the sacred memory of Brahmaleen Mahant Yogi Shantinath Ji in Pilibhit
Says faith is India’s greatest strength, binding the country together in unity
Where there is positivity, there is devotion, faith, light and development; negativity gives rise to anarchy, destruction and unrest: CM
Ram Rajya means benefits of schemes reaching every section without discrimination, jobs for youth, Samman Nidhi for farmers, and security for daughters and traders are the hallmarks of good governance: Chief Minister
Appeasement led to the rise of terrorism, extremism, and Naxalism; with the spirit of fulfillment, benefits of schemes are reaching every individual, village, poor person, farmer, youth, and woman: CM
Earlier, Ram devotees were fired upon; today, they are welcomed with flower showers: CM Yogi
While previous governments left Ayodhya with problems, the government of Ram devotees has ensured pilgrims’ convenience, security, and dignity
Religious sites from Kashi to Ayodhya and Vindhyavasini Dham are undergoing transformation: Chief Minister
