Record crowd of 24 lakhs visit Ayodhya in last 12 days; Modi slams past regimes for being ashamed of their culture

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive gathering in Guwahati, emphasised the resurgence of India’s cultural identity and the significant strides in both development and heritage preservation over the past decade. PM Modi lamented the post-independence trend of distancing from cultural roots for political gains, highlighting the recent surge in pilgrimage numbers to key sites like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi, Mahakal Temple, Kedarnath, and the upcoming Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana.

Spiritual Renaissance

In his address, PM Modi expressed pride in the immense devotion witnessed at sacred sites. The recently inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya has drawn over 24 lakh devotees in the past 12 days, reflecting a profound spiritual renaissance. Similar fervour was observed in Varanasi, where more than 8.50 crore people visited after the completion of the Kashi Corridor. Mahakal Lok in Ujjain welcomed over 5 crore visitors, while Kedardham saw more than 19 lakh devotees.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

PM Modi criticised post-independence governments for neglecting India’s cultural heritage. He underscored the importance of Bharat’s holy places and criticised the trend of being ashamed of one’s own culture for political gains. However, he noted a positive shift in the past decade, attributing it to policies focusing on both ‘Vikas’ (development) and ‘Virasat’ (heritage).

Recalling his recent visits to multiple pilgrimage sites, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for arriving before Maa Kamakhya and laying the foundation stone of Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana. In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s address highlighted India’s cultural renaissance, spiritual fervour at key pilgrimage sites, and the government’s dual focus on development and heritage preservation. The record influx of devotees at the Ram Temple, Kashi, Mahakal Temple, Kedarnath, and the anticipation surrounding Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana signify a renewed connection to India’s rich cultural tapestry.This surge in pilgrimage numbers also underscores the success of policies aimed at holistic development, with Assam witnessing substantial growth in educational and healthcare infrastructure. As India embraces its cultural roots, the nation moves forward with a sense of pride and unity.