‘Deepotsav’ lamps symbolize Uttar Pradesh’s progress and bright future: CM Yogi
Pilibhit, November 03: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that every lamp lit in Ayodhya is the reason for the prosperity and development of entire Uttar Pradesh. The lamps of Deepotsav, besides remembering the arrival of Lord Shri Ram, are also a symbol of the state’s progress and bright future. Faith is India’s biggest strength. This faith has bound the diverse country in the thread of unity.
The Chief Minister was addressing the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav organized in the memory of late Mahant Yogi Shantinath ji in Niranpur village of Pilibhit on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister said that despite the diversity of languages, dialects, lifestyles, and traditions in India, the country remains united. The biggest reason for this is our cultural and religious faith. This faith brings together thousands of people for events like the Shri Ram Katha. The tradition of the Ram Katha and Ramlila, which has been going on for thousands of years, is still alive in every village. Goswami Tulsidas carried forward the tradition of Ramlila during the period of slavery, and it continues with the same devotion and enthusiasm today.
The resolve to build a Ram Temple in Ayodhya was realized after five hundred
years of struggle and wait. Referring to the events of November 2, 1990, the Chief Minister said that at that time, bullets were fired on Ram devotees. Chanting Jai Shri Ram and even the entry of devotees into Ayodhya were banned. The city lacked basic amenities, faced narrow streets, poor roads, and chaos. Today, Ayodhya has completely transformed. More than one lakh devotees visit Ram Lalla every day, while this number reaches millions during festivals. Improved road connectivity, rail facilities, and an international airport have strengthened Ayodhya’s connectivity. Previously, devotees of Ram were met with lathicharge and bullets; today, they are welcomed with a shower of flowers.
The Chief Minister stated that the purpose of the Ram Katha is not merely to listen to it, but to embody the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in life. Positivity fosters devotion, faith, and light, while negativity breeds chaos, destruction, and unrest. Faith and positive thinking pave the way for development and prosperity. The true concept
of Ramrajya
is to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach every section of society without discrimination. The poor receive rations and health care, the youth receive employment, farmers receive Samman Nidhi, and daughters and businesspeople receive security.
Appeasement fuels terrorism; satisfaction strengthens Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat.
The Chief Minister said that the politics of appeasement has fostered terrorism, extremism, and Naxalism, while the spirit of appeasement is ensuring the benefits of schemes reach villages, the poor, farmers, youth, and women. This spirit is the foundation of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Yogi said that along with Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and other religious sites in the state are also being developed. Facilities for devotees have been expanded at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Vindhyavasini Dham has been renovated, and a corridor is being constructed at Gola Gokarnanath. Bareilly’s identity as a Nath city is also being developed. He said that while preserving faith and cultural heritage, the convenience, safety, and respect of devotees at religious sites are being ensured.
Referring to Maharishi Valmiki, the Chief Minister said that he composed the Adi Ramayana and brought the ideals of Lord Shri Ram to the world. Maharishi Valmiki’s saying, “Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah,” still inspires humanity to follow the path of dignity and righteousness. The character of Lord Shri Ram teaches us to behave with dignity in every relationship and social responsibility.
Paying tribute to the departed Mahant Yogi Shantinath, the Chief Minister described him as a saint with a simple nature and a carefree disposition. Earlier, he performed puja at the Shiva temple on the premises, inaugurated various projects, and honored the storyteller, Saint Anjani Sharan Ji, by presenting him with clothes and fruits. Present
on the occasion were Mahant Mithilesh Maharaj of Shaktipeeth Devipatan, Mahant Rajudas from Shri Hanuman Garhi Temple, Ayodhya Dham, Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh, Minister in the Uttar Pradesh Government and Minister in Charge of Pilibhit, Minister Sanjay Gangwar, Organizing Committee Chairman Dr. Sudhir Gupta, Legislative Council Member and Co-ordinator Sanjeev Pratap Singh, BJP District President Gokul Prasad Maurya, Bisalpur MLA Vivek Verma, Puranpur MLA Baburam Paswan, Barkheda MLA Swami Pravaktananda, Pilibhit District Panchayat President Daljeet Kaur, revered saints, and other devotees.
The Chief Minister was addressing the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav organized in the memory of late Mahant Yogi Shantinath ji in Niranpur village of Pilibhit on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister said that despite the diversity of languages, dialects, lifestyles, and traditions in India, the country remains united. The biggest reason for this is our cultural and religious faith. This faith brings together thousands of people for events like the Shri Ram Katha. The tradition of the Ram Katha and Ramlila, which has been going on for thousands of years, is still alive in every village. Goswami Tulsidas carried forward the tradition of Ramlila during the period of slavery, and it continues with the same devotion and enthusiasm today.
The resolve to build a Ram Temple in Ayodhya was realized after five hundred years of struggle and wait. Referring to the events of November 2, 1990, the Chief Minister said that at that time, bullets were fired on Ram devotees. Chanting Jai Shri Ram and even the entry of devotees into Ayodhya were banned. The city lacked basic amenities, faced narrow streets, poor roads, and chaos. Today, Ayodhya has completely transformed. More than one lakh devotees visit Ram Lalla every day, while this number reaches millions during festivals. Improved road connectivity, rail facilities, and an international airport have strengthened Ayodhya’s connectivity. Previously, devotees of Ram were met with lathicharge and bullets; today, they are welcomed with a shower of flowers.
The Chief Minister stated that the purpose of the Ram Katha is not merely to listen to it, but to embody the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in life. Positivity fosters devotion, faith, and light, while negativity breeds chaos, destruction, and unrest. Faith and positive thinking pave the way for development and prosperity. The true concept of Ramrajya is to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach every section of society without discrimination. The poor receive rations and health care, the youth receive employment, farmers receive Samman Nidhi, and daughters and businesspeople receive security.
Chief Minister said that the politics of appeasement has fostered terrorism, extremism, and Naxalism, while the spirit of appeasement is ensuring the benefits of schemes reach villages, the poor, farmers, youth, and women. This spirit is the foundation of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Yogi said that along with Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and other religious sites in the state are also being developed. Facilities for devotees have been expanded at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Vindhyavasini Dham has been renovated, and a corridor is being constructed at Gola Gokarnanath. Bareilly’s identity as a Nath city is also being developed.
He said that while preserving faith and cultural heritage, the convenience, safety, and respect of devotees at religious sites are being ensured.
Referring to Maharishi Valmiki, the Chief Minister said that he composed the Adi Ramayana and brought the ideals of Lord Shri Ram to the world. Maharishi Valmiki’s saying, “Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah,” still inspires humanity to follow the path of dignity and righteousness. The character of Lord Shri Ram teaches us to behave with dignity in every relationship and social responsibility.
Paying tribute to the departed Mahant Yogi Shantinath, the Chief Minister described him as a saint with a simple nature and a carefree disposition. Earlier, he performed puja at the Shiva temple on the premises, inaugurated various projects, and honored the storyteller, Saint Anjani Sharan Ji, by presenting him with clothes and fruits.
Present on the occasion were Mahant Mithilesh Maharaj of Shaktipeeth Devipatan, Mahant Rajudas from Shri Hanuman Garhi Temple, Ayodhya Dham, Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh, Minister in the Uttar Pradesh Government and Minister in Charge of Pilibhit, Minister Sanjay Gangwar, Organizing Committee Chairman Dr Sudhir Gupta, Legislative Council Member and Co-ordinator Sanjeev Pratap Singh, BJP District President Gokul Prasad Maurya, Bisalpur MLA Vivek Verma, Puranpur MLA Baburam Paswan, Barkheda MLA Swami Pravaktananda, Pilibhit District Panchayat President Daljeet Kaur, revered saints, and other devotees.
