NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday referred to the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as the “true independence” of Bharat.
Speaking at an event in Indore, Bhagwat suggested that the date should be celebrated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,”, symbolising the establishment of Bharat’s sovereignty after centuries of “parachakra” (foreign invasion).
The grand consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla’s idol was conducted on January 22, 2024, in Ayodhya, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, the first anniversary of the event fell on January 11, 2025.
Bhagwat pointed out that the Ram Temple movement was not an effort to oppose anyone but to awaken Bharat’s “self” (swa), enabling the nation to stand independently and guide the world.
The RSS chief was addressing a gathering after presenting the prestigious “National Devi Ahilya Award” to Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Rai, who played a key role in the temple’s construction, dedicated the award to all individuals who contributed to the Ram Mandir movement, describing the temple as a symbol of national pride.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the movement, Rai referred to the temple as “Hindustan ki Moonchh (moustache)” and expressed gratitude for being a part of its realisation.
The National Devi Ahilya Award, instituted by Indore-based Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti, is an annual honor recognising contributions across various social domains. Previous recipients include luminaries such as Nanaji Deshmukh, Vijaya Raje Scindia, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, and Sudha Murty.
Sumitra Mahajan, former Lok Sabha Speaker and president of the Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti, announced plans to construct a grand memorial in Indore dedicated to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the iconic ruler of the Holkar dynasty. The memorial aims to familiarise people with her life and legacy.
Bhagwat also mentioned the unity and harmony displayed across the nation during the temple consecration, underlining its significance as a moment of national pride and cultural resurgence.
