Centuries-old Wounds Healed: PM Modi

New Delhi, Ayodhya, Kuruskshetra: Noting that "wounds and pain of centuries are healing" as India marked the formal completion of Ayodhya’s Ram temple with the hoisting of the “dhrama dhawaja”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday used the occasion to draw a broader national roadmap aimed at achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Later, at an event in Haryana’s Kurukshetra, the PM, in a tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on the 350th martyrdom day, said the government would serve the “guru parampara” by protecting truth, justice and faith. He also unveiled the newly constructed "Panchjanya" memorial.

Congratulating all the Ram devotees and those who contributed to the Ram temple's construction. Modi said Ayodhya had always been the land where “ideals transformed into conduct”. He said the nation and the world are immersed in Ram as centuries-long pain is finding closure, as the resolve that burnt for 500 years finally reached its fulfilment.

Addressing a gathering after hoisting the saffron flag atop the Ram temple to mark the ceremonial completion of its construction, Modi said the moment symbolised a cultural resurgence for the nation.

The Prime Minister termed the flag-hoisting "a unique and divine moment" and said the sacred flag atop the Ram temple will stand as a testimony to the fact that "truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood".

Modi said, "Lord Ram left as a prince but returned as 'Maryada Purushottam'. The wisdom of sages, the guidance of mentors, the friendship of Nishad Raj, the devotion of Shabari and the commitment of countless others shaped him. A developed India will need this same collective strength too."

The Prime Minister said that India must look beyond the present and plan for future generations. The journey to a developed India by 2047 requires awakening the Ram "within us", Modi said. "Lord Ram is not a person but a value, a discipline and a direction,” he said.

Reiterating the need to free the country from the "mentality of slavery", Modi said India must take pride in its civilisational identity.

"Macaulay sowed the seeds of uprooting India from its roots 190 years ago. We gained Independence, but not freedom from inferiority," Modi said, adding that the next 10 years should be dedicated to reversing this mindset. He added that colonial-era distortions led to the belief that India borrowed democracy from abroad.

"India is the mother of democracy. It is in our DNA," the PM said, citing a thousand-year-old inscription in Tamil Nadu that documents democratic practices.

Mr Modi said this mindset influenced even national symbols, prompting the recent redesign of the Navy's flag.

Hailing the flag-hoisting ceremony as "the beginning of a new era", Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the ceremony is an affirmation that "the light of dharma is eternal". He was addressing the gathering after Mr Modi, along with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, ceremonially unfurled the "Dharma Dhwaj".

Remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the Ram Mandir, RSS chief Bhagwat said they must be at peace today and that the day reflects the fulfilment of "long-cherished" dreams, tireless efforts and countless sacrifices.

President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj, treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj and other dignitaries were present. The programme was conducted by Champat Rai, secretary of the trust, according to an official statement.

Later in the day, Modi visited Kurukshetra in Haryana, where he unveiled the newly constructed Panchjanya memorial. Addressing a special programme on the 350th martyrdom of the ninth guru in Haryana, Modi said Guru Tegh Bahadur considered the protection of truth, justice and faith his dharma and sacrificed his life for it. He asserted that his government will continue to serve guru parampara the same way.

Modi recalled that when the apex court verdict on the Ram temple came on November 9, 2019, he had gone to Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor.

"I was praying that the path for the construction of the Ram temple should be paved and the aspirations of all Ram devotees should be fulfilled," he said, adding, "And our prayers were answered on that day as the verdict came in favour of the Ram temple in Ayodhya."

The Prime Minister also released a special coin and a commemorative stamp marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Speaking about the unveiling of the newly constructed Panchjanya memorial, dedicated to the sacred conch of Lord Krishna in Kurukshetra, Modi said Lord Krishna said on this land of Kurukshetra that protecting truth and justice is the greatest dharma.

"Lord Krishna said 'swadharme nidhanam shreyah', meaning it is better to sacrifice one's life for the sake of truth," the PM said. "Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur considered the protection of truth, justice and faith his dharma and laid down his life for it," he said.