Delighted to arrive in New Delhi when country is celebrating ‘Second Diwali’: UNGA President

President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dennis Francis, expressed his joy upon arriving in India during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. He looks forward to discussing peace and progress in the country, stating, “Delighted to arrive in New Delhi on an auspicious day when the country is celebrating its ‘Second Diwali.’ Looking forward to fruitful discussions over the next few days on Peace, Progress, Prosperity and Sustainability!” UNGA President Dennis Francis is on a five-day visit to India to strengthen India-UN ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the newly-built Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. He expressed the emotional significance of the moment, saying, “The divine moment of Pran Prathishta of Shri Ram Lala in Ayodhya Dham is an emotional moment for everyone. It is my good fortune to be part of this unique programme. Jai Siyaram.” The ceremony witnessed the attendance of over 8,000 guests and representatives from various spiritual and religious sects.

Meanwhile, despite the Congress party’s denial of an invitation, Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Vikramaditya Singh attended the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. The Congress had declined the invitation, referring to it as a ‘BJP/RSS event,’ and leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury chose not to attend.

The visit of UNGA President Dennis Francis to India is an opportunity to strengthen ties between India and the UN, focusing on reforms in the United Nations, India’s collaboration with the UN, and addressing global challenges faced by the Global South.