President links Ram Temple to India’s rise

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, where she took part in religious ceremonies and installed a 150-kg gold-plated metal plate.Opening her address with the chant of “Jai Shri Ram,” Murmu emphasised inclusive growth, saying India is progressing steadily towards becoming a developed and equitable society.

“We are all moving forward in the direction of building an inclusive society and a developed nation. With the blessings of Lord Shri Ram, we will achieve these goals by the year 2047, or perhaps even sooner,” she said, linking the vision to the concept of Ram Rajya described by Goswami Tulsidas.

Highlighting the cultural and constitutional significance of Lord Ram, she said a line drawing depicting Ram’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after the Ram-Ravan war appears at the beginning of Part III of the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Rights. “I am happy to know that this painting is spreading awareness and knowledge, and connecting the public with constitutional ideals and sacred cultural symbols,” she added.

Murmu said she was “very happy” that crores of devotees from India and abroad have visited the temple, noting that Ayodhya Dham has emerged as a major centre of religious tourism.She described the temple as a symbol of India’s cultural resurgence. “This temple complex, linked to our Sanatan consciousness, will always remain revered as a sacred symbol of India’s reawakening,” she said.She added that the country’s resurgence spans economic, social, political and cultural spheres.

The President also underlined the importance of environmental protection and wildlife welfare alongside social inclusion and economic justice, and called for adherence to the ideals of Ram Rajya. “The guiding maxim, ‘Ramo Vigrahavan Dharma,’ reminds us that only by aligning our personal and collective lives with the broader principles of Dharma can we truly offer sincere devotion,” she said.Extending festive greetings, Murmu said, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indians and Ram devotees living in India and abroad for the New Year… I extend my greetings to everyone on Ram Navami in advance.”