Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public gathering in Ayodhya, called upon the citizens to light a ‘Shri Ram Jyoti’ in their homes and celebrate Deepavali on January 22. The date marks the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram at the Grand Temple in Ayodhya. PM Modi, addressing the gathering, emphasized the historic significance of January 22, a day eagerly awaited worldwide.
Before his address, PM Modi inaugurated the newly-built Ayodhya Airport, redeveloped Ayodhya Railway Station, and flagged off new Amrit Bharat trains and Vande Bharat trains. Additionally, he unveiled multiple development projects totalling more than Rs 15,700 crore in the state. The Prime Minister noted the historical importance of December 30, linking it to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s flag hoisting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1943.
Reflecting on the day’s events, PM Modi stated that India is enhancing its pilgrimage sites and embracing digital technology. The infrastructure development in Ayodhya, including the airport and railway station, is aligned with the vision to make Ayodhya a hub not only for the Awadh region but for the entire Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi expressed joy over the naming of Ayodhya Airport after Maharishi Valmiki, emphasizing the significance of introducing Lord Ram through the Ramayana. He highlighted that the Ayodhya Dham railway station, with a present capacity for 10-15 thousand people, is set to accommodate 60 thousand commuters daily after complete development.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of preserving heritage, stating that India’s progress is rooted in its traditions. He underscored that the campaign to make India a developed country gains new energy from Ayodhya, where Lord Ram’s presence has transitioned from a tent to a permanent structure, symbolizing progress for both Ram Lala and the nation’s poor.