AYODHYA: In a historic and deeply emotional moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted the Dharma Dhwaj (sacred saffron flag) atop the newly completed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, symbolising the formal completion of the temple structure. Addressing thousands of devotees present for the event, he described the flag as a mark of India’s cultural renaissance and “a moment of healing for the wounds of centuries.”
PM Modi said that the flag rising above the temple spire was not just a ceremonial act but an expression of the culmination of 500 years of unwavering devotion, prayers and sacrifices made by saints and devotees. He remarked that the wounds of the past were finally finding closure, and the ideals of Lord Ram would continue to echo for centuries through the sacred flag fluttering in the sky.
The Dharma Dhwaj, 11 feet in height and 22 feet in length, bears the radiant Sun symbol, the sacred ‘Om’ inscription, and the Kovidara tree motif, signifying lordliness, purity and eternal truth. According to the Prime Minister, this sacred emblem will stand forever as testimony to the triumph of truth over falsehood.
Accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Govind Devi Giri, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, PM Modi used the occasion to outline a vision for a “developed and confident India by 2047.” He emphasised that the country must liberate itself from the “mentality of slavery” that lingered even after Independence. Reflecting on the education system introduced by Thomas Babington Macaulay in 1835, he questioned its impact on Indian self-belief and cultural identity, stating that it encouraged excessive admiration of foreign systems while undermining traditional Indian knowledge.
He urged the nation to move forward with confidence rooted in cultural pride, asserting that breaking free from centuries-old inferiority complexes will be crucial in shaping India’s future.
Final Thought – By Anuradha
Witnessing the Dharma Dhwaj flying high over the Ram Temple marks more than the completion of a monumental structure — it feels like the beginning of a new chapter for cultural confidence in India. Whether one views it spiritually or historically, the ceremony has stirred strong emotions across the nation. The coming years will show how this symbolic milestone influences India’s journey toward 2047, but one thing is certain — Ayodhya has once again become the centre of attention, belief and cultural pride.