Ayodhya is a reflection of the great cultural heritage of India: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | October 23, 2022 | 17:57 IST
Quote“In Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, resolve like that of Lord Shree Ram will take the country to new heights”
Quote“One can find the inspiration of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas and the principles of Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas in Lord Rama’s words and thoughts”
Quote“Ram never leaves anyone behind, Ram never turns away from his duties”
Quote“Image of Shree Ram on the Fundamental Rights page of the original Constitution indicates an eternal cultural understanding of duties”
Quote“In the last eight years, the country has broken the shackles of inferiority complex and followed a holistic view of the development of India's centers of faith”
Quote“Ayodhya is a reflection of the great cultural heritage of India”
Quote“Identity of Ayodhya should develop as a ‘Kartavya Nagari’ city of duty”

Jai Siya Ram!

Jai Jai Siya Ram!

Present in the program, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Shrimati Anandiben Patel, the popular and Karmayogi Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji, all the revered saints, learned people, devotees, ladies and gentlemen!

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It is by the grace of Lord Ram that one gets the ‘darshan’ of Shri Ramlala followed by his consecration. The ideals and values ​​of Lord Ram become stronger within us when Shri Ram is anointed. The path shown by Ram gets further brightened with his consecration. His philosophy is contained in every particle of Ayodhya. Today, this philosophy is being disseminated all over the world through the Ramlilas of Ayodhya, Saryu Aarti, Deepotsav, and through the research and study on the Ramayana. I am happy that the people of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh and the country are becoming a part of this flow and giving impetus to the stream of public welfare in the country. On this occasion, I extend warm greetings to you, the countrymen and also to the devotees of Ram spread across the world. I also extend my warm greetings to all the countrymen from the holy birthplace of Lord Shri Ram on the festival of Chhoti Deepawali and for tomorrow's Deepawali as well.

Friends,

This time Deepawali has come at a time when we have completed 75 years of independence sometime back and now we are celebrating Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. A will power like Lord Ram will take the country to new heights in this ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence. The values ​​that Lord Ram inculcated in his words, thoughts and in his rule and administration are the inspiration for ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’ and also the basis of ‘Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas’. For Indians, who are marching ahead with the aspiration of a developed India in the next 25 years, Shri Ram's ideals are like a beacon, which will give us the courage to achieve the most difficult goals.

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Friends,

This time, I called upon all the countrymen to imbibe the ‘Panch Pranas’ (five pledges) during my address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The one element with which the energy of these five ‘pranas’ is associated is the duty of the citizens of India. Today, on this auspicious occasion of Deepotsav in the city of Ayodhya, we have to reiterate our resolve to learn as much as we can from Shri Ram. Lord Ram is called ‘Maryada Purushottam’. ‘Maryada’ teaches us decorum and also teaches us to reciprocate respect and the sentiment on which ‘maryada’ insists is ‘Kartavya’ i.e. duty. It is said in our scriptures - "Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah" i.e., Ram is the living embodiment of ‘dharma’, i.e., duty. Lord Ram laid maximum emphasis on duties in whatever role he performed. When he was a prince, he performed the duty of protecting the sages, their ‘ashrams’ and ‘gurukuls’. Shri Ram performed the duty of an obedient son when he was crowned. He gave priority to the words of his father and family and accepted the renunciation of the state and considered his duty to go to the forest. When he is in the forest, he embraces the forest dwellers. When he visits ashrams, he takes the blessings of Maa Sabri. He conquers Lanka by taking everyone along. When he sits on the throne, all his companions of the forest are present. It shows Ram does not leave anyone behind. Ram does not shirk from duties. Therefore, Ram embodies the spirit of India, which believes that our rights are realized through our duties. Therefore, we should be committed towards our duties. And see the coincidence, the original copy of our Constitution on which the picture of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and Lakshman ji is inscribed, that page of the Constitution also talks about fundamental rights. That is, there is guarantee of our Constitutional rights on the one hand, while at the same time there is eternal cultural realization of duties in the form of Lord Ram! Therefore, the more we strengthen our resolve towards duties, the more the concept of a ‘Ram Rajya’ will become a reality.

Friends,

The country has taken pride in its heritage and has called for freedom from the slave mentality in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence. We also get this inspiration from Lord Shri Ram. He had said: जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी i.e., he did not suffer from inferiority complex in the wake of Golden Lanka, but he said that mother and motherland are superior to heaven. With this confidence, when he returns to Ayodhya, it is said about Ayodhya “नव ग्रह निकर अनीक बनाई। जनु घेरी अमरावति आई” i.e., Ayodhya has been compared to heaven. Therefore brothers and sisters, when there is a resolve to build the nation, there is a sense of service among the citizens for the country, only then the nation touches the limitless heights of development. There was a time when even talking about Ram, our culture and civilization was avoided. Questions were raised on the existence of Ram in this country. What was its result? Our religious, cultural places and cities were left behind. We used to feel sad at the plight of Ramghat in Ayodhya. Kashi's hardship and filthy and congested streets were very disturbing. The morale for the country’s development would weaken looking at the pathetic condition of our places, considered as a symbol of our identity and existence.

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Friends,

The country has broken these shackles of inferiority complex in the last eight years. We have put forward a holistic view of the development of India's pilgrimages. We have revived the glory of our places of faith, including Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Kedarnath and Mahakal-Mahalok, which were neglected. Today the country is witnessing how a holistic effort can become a means of holistic development. Today new schemes worth thousands of crores of rupees have been launched for the development of Ayodhya. Roads are being developed. The intersections and ghats are being beautified. New infrastructure is being built. In short, the development of Ayodhya is touching new dimensions. Along with Ayodhya Railway Station, a world class airport will also be constructed here. That is, the entire region will get the benefit of connectivity and international tourism. Along with the development of Ayodhya, work is also going on for the development of Ramayana Circuit. The development campaign that began from Ayodhya will expand to the entire surrounding area.

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Friends,

This cultural development has many social and international dimensions as well. Nishadraj Park is being developed at Shringverpur Dham. Here, a 51-feet high bronze statue of Lord Ram and Nishadraj is being built. This statue will also convey the all-inclusive message of Ramayana to the people, which commits us for equality and harmony. Similarly, the Queen Heo Memorial Park has been constructed in Ayodhya. This park will become a medium to strengthen the cultural ties and deepen the international relations between India and South Korea. You can imagine the employment opportunities that will be created for the youth with so many development projects. The Ramayana Express train run by the government is a great start in the direction of spiritual tourism. Today, whether it is the Char Dham project, the Buddha Circuit, or the ongoing development work under the PRASAD scheme, our cultural renaissance is the beginning of the overall uplift of New India.

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Friends,

Today, I want to make a humble request to the people of the country from the city of Ayodhya. Ayodhya is a reflection of the great cultural heritage of India. Ram was the prince of Ayodhya, but is adored by the people of the entire country. His inspiration, penance and the path shown by him is important for every countryman. It is the duty of all of us to follow the ideals of Lord Ram. We have to practice his ideals and make them part of our life. There is a double responsibility on the people of Ayodhya while following this ideal path. It is your double responsibility, my brothers and sisters of Ayodhya! The day is not far when the number of people coming here from all over the world will increase manifold. Where Ram is prevalent in every particle, it is equally important as to what should be the conduct of the people there. The people of Ayodhya have to welcome everyone who comes here with the same affinity of Ram ji. Ayodhya should also be recognized as a city of duty. Yogi ji's government is taking forward many projects with divine vision and making concerted efforts to make Ayodhya the cleanest city by widening its roads and carrying out beautification works. The divinity of Ayodhya ji will be enhanced further if people lend their support to these efforts. The people of Ayodhya should be cited as an example whenever there is talk of civic dignity and civil discipline. I wish to Lord Shri Ram on the holy land of Ayodhya that the potential of India reaches its peak through the duty of the people of the country. Let our dream of a new India be a medium for the welfare of humanity. With this wish, I end my speech. Once again, I wish all the countrymen a very Happy Diwali. Thank you very much!

Speak with me:

Siyavar Ramchandra ki – Jai!

Siyavar Ramchandra ki – Jai!

Thanks!

 

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PM Modi addresses the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
June 21, 2025
QuoteYoga has united the entire world: PM
QuoteYoga is for Everyone, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability: PM
QuoteYoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with the world, It teaches us that we are not isolated individuals but part of nature: PM
QuoteYoga is a system that takes us from Me to We: PM
QuoteYoga is the pause button humanity needs, to breathe, to balance, to become whole again: PM
QuoteLet this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 11th International Day of Yoga (IYD) event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh today. The Prime Minister led the celebrations of International Yoga Day and took part in the Yoga session.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to people across India and the world on International Yoga Day, highlighting that this year marks the 11th occasion when the world has come together on 21st June to practice yoga collectively. He remarked that the essence of yoga is "to unite", and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the world. Reflecting on the journey of Yoga over the past decade, Shri Modi recalled the moment when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. He noted that 175 countries supported the proposal, a rare instance of such wide global unity. He emphasised that the support was not merely for a proposal but represented a collective effort by the world for the greater good of humanity. “Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe”, he added. The Prime Minister expressed pride in seeing how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille and how scientists are practicing yoga in space. He also noted enthusiastic participation of youth from rural areas in Yoga Olympiads. Shri Modi underscored that whether it is the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the summit of Mount Everest, or the vast expanse of the ocean, the message remains the same,“Yoga is for everyone and for all, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability.”

Expressing satisfaction at being in Visakhapatnam, describing the city as a confluence of nature and progress, Shri Modi commended the people for their excellent organisation of the event and extended congratulations to Shri Chandrababu Naidu and Shri Pawan Kalyan for their leadership. The Prime Minister highlighted that under their leadership, Andhra Pradesh launched a remarkable initiative—Yogandhra Abhiyan. He also specially appreciated the efforts of Shri Nara Lokesh, stating that he has demonstrated how yoga can be a true social celebration and how every section of society can be included. Shri Modi remarked that in the past one to one-and-a-half months, Shri Lokesh has shown exemplary commitment through the Yogandhra Abhiyan and is deserving of praise for his efforts.

Noting that more than two crore people have joined the Yogandhra Abhiyan, reflecting a vibrant spirit of public participation, the Prime Minister emphasised that this very spirit forms the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat. He remarked that when citizens themselves take ownership of a mission and actively participate, no goal remains beyond reach. Shri Modi stated that the people’s goodwill and enthusiastic efforts were visible throughout the event in Visakhapatnam.

Underlining this year’s International Day of Yoga theme,“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the Prime Minister remarked that the theme reflects a profound truth: the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected. Human well-being, he stated, depends on the health of the soil that produces our food, the rivers that supply our water, the animals that share our ecosystems, and the plants that nourish us. Shri Modi highlighted that yoga awakens us to this interconnectedness and guides us on a journey toward oneness with the world. “Yoga teaches us we are not isolated individuals but integral parts of nature. Initially, we learn to care for our own health and wellness, but gradually, this care expands to our environment, society, and the planet. Yoga is a profound personal discipline that, at the same time, serves as a collective system—one that transitions individuals from Me to We”, the Prime Minister stated.

“The spirit of “Me to We” encapsulates the very soul of India”, said Shri Modi, remarking that when an individual rises above self-interest and begins to think about society at large, the welfare of all humanity becomes possible. He referred to Indian culture, stating that it teaches us the value of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”—the welfare of all is one’s sacred duty and this journey from ‘Me’ to ‘We’ forms the foundation of service, dedication, and coexistence. The Prime Minister stated that it is this very thinking that fosters social harmony.

Expressing concern over the growing stress, unrest, and instability in various parts of the world, Shri Modi remarked that in such times, yoga offers a pathway to peace. “Yoga is the pause button humanity needs,to breathe, to balance, to become whole again”, he stated. The Prime Minister made a special appeal to the global community on the occasion of International Yoga Day, urging, “let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy”. He emphasised that yoga should not remain merely a personal practice but should evolve into a medium for global partnerships. He called upon every nation and every society to integrate yoga into their lifestyle and public policy. Shri Modi envisioned a collective effort to advance a peaceful, balanced, and sustainable world. “Yoga should guide the world from conflict to cooperation, and from stress to solutions”, he added.

Highlighting India’s efforts to strengthen the science of yoga through modern research to support its global dissemination, the Prime Minister noted that the country’s leading medical institutions are actively engaged in yoga research, aiming to establish its scientific relevance within contemporary medical practices. He underscored that India is promoting evidence-based therapy in the field of yoga through its medical and research institutions. Shri Modi praised the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for its exemplary contribution in this direction. Citing AIIMS research findings, he stated that yoga has shown significant impact in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders, as well as in improving women’s health and mental well-being.

Shri Modi noted that through the National Ayush Mission, the message of yoga and wellness is being actively advanced across the country. He remarked that digital technology has played a significant role in this effort. Over one million events have been registered nationwide through the Yoga Portal and YogAndhra Portal, indicating the remarkable expansion of yoga’s reach across the country. He stated that the scale of events taking place in every corner of India reflects yoga's growing influence.

Noting the rising global popularity of the “Heal in India” mantra, highlighting India’s emergence as a leading destination for healing, Shri Modi emphasised that yoga is playing a vital role in this development. He expressed satisfaction that a Common Yoga Protocol has been developed to standardise practice. Underlining the efforts of the Yoga Certification Board, which has trained more than 6.5 lakh volunteers, and recognised around 130 institutions, the Prime Minister also noted the inclusion of a 10-day yoga module in medical colleges as part of building a holistic wellness ecosystem. He informed that trained yoga teachers are being deployed across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide. To ensure the global community benefits from India’s wellness ecosystem, the Prime Minister announced the provision of special e-Ayush visas.

Drawing attention to the issue of obesity, calling it a growing global challenge, Shri Modi recalled his discussion on the topic in detail during the Mann Ki Baat programme and had launched a challenge to reduce oil consumption by 10 percent in daily diets. The Prime Minister reiterated his appeal to citizens across India and the world to join this initiative. Emphasising the need to spread awareness on how individuals can reduce oil consumption by at least 10 percent in their meals, Shri Modi stated that cutting down on oil, avoiding unhealthy diets, and practicing yoga are vital components of a healthy lifestyle.

Calling upon everyone to transform yoga into a jan andolan - a people’s movement, the Prime Minister envisioned a movement that would lead the world towards peace, health, and harmony. He urged that every individual begin their day with yoga to bring balance in life, and every society embrace yoga to be free of stress. The Prime Minister concluded by stating, “Yoga should serve as a thread that weaves humanity together, Yoga for One Earth, One Health should become a global resolution”.

The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Cabinet Ministers Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

On the occasion of 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), Prime Minister lead the national celebration from Visakhapatnam. He participated in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session at the beachfront of Visakhapatnam, alongside nearly 5 lakh participants, while leading the nation in a harmonious yoga demonstration. Yoga sangam events were held simultaneously at more than 3.5 lakh locations across India. This year, special contests such as Yoga with Family and youth-focused initiatives under Yoga Unplugged have been launched on platforms like MyGov and MyBharat, encouraging mass participation.

The theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” highlights the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and echoes the global vision of collective wellness, rooted in India’s philosophy of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease). Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe 21st June as IDY, Prime Minister has led the celebrations from various locations including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar. IDY has since evolved into a powerful global health movement.