The ceremony, which took place at 12 noon during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat on Vivah Panchami—the day commemorating the wedding of Lord Ram and Sita—was attended by over 7,000 special guests, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
A Call to Shed Colonial Mindset
Using the flag as an allegory for India’s renewed spirit, PM Modi delivered a 31-minute speech in which he called upon the nation to completely shed ‘mental slavery’ to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Priority Target: He set a clear goal for the next 10 years to take pride in India’s heritage and reverse the mentality of slavery, asserting that this shift in mindset is crucial for the country’s progress.
The ‘Ram’ Essence: In a strong critique of a section of the political class and intelligentsia, the PM noted that the “mentality of slavery had even gone so far as to dismiss Ram as imaginary.” He stressed that Ram is a “timeless value system” present in every corner of India, not just a deity.
The Macaulay Legacy: Modi traced the root of this “mental slavery” to the seeds planted by the British administrator Macaulay, which fostered a belief that everything foreign is superior and India’s own legacy is inferior. He cited the mistaken view that India “borrowed” its Constitution and democracy, stating that “democracy is ingrained in our very DNA.”
Culmination of a 500-Year Struggle
The Prime Minister reflected on the profound spiritual and historical significance of the moment.
“Centuries-old wounds are healing, long-standing pain is finding closure, and a centuries-old resolve is finally being fulfilled. Today marks the culmination of a 500-year-long yajna, a yajna that remained steadfast in faith and unwavering in belief,” he said.
He proclaimed that the sacred flag will stand as a testament that “truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood” and that today marks a historic turning point in India’s cultural consciousness.
Ayodhya: A Model for Development
Modi also focused on the transformation of Ayodhya itself, highlighting its role as a model for modern development guided by ancient values.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Progress: The PM contrasted the Treta Yuga’s Ayodhya, which gave humanity its moral code, with the 21st-century Ayodhya, which offers a new model of development through its new airport, upgraded railway station, and improved connectivity.
Economic Impact: He noted the massive influx of devotees—nearly 45 crore since the January 2024 consecration—which has boosted the income of the city, transforming it from a lagging region into one of the leading cities of Uttar Pradesh.
Vision of Ram Rajya: The path to a Developed India must be guided by the vision of Ram Rajya, which, he defined, requires national interest to come before self-interest and remain supreme.
Invoking the metaphor of Lord Ram’s chariot, he concluded that India’s development journey requires patience, truth, good conduct, strength, and compassion to realize the national dream by 2047. (TV9)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
