Nagpur: Governor Bhagatsingh Koshiari flagged off the donation drive for building the Ram Janmabhoomi temple at Ayodhya on Friday, and also called for working towards bringing ‘Ram rajya’ in the country.
Koshiari was one of the guests of honour along with Hindu spiritual leader Acharya Avdheshanand for the function held at the over century old Poddareshwar Ram Temple in the city. A grand yearly Ram Navmi procession starts from the Poddareshwar Temple since decades.
Koshiari, who donated Rs1.11 lakh, also addressed the audience at the packed temple, making a fervent appeal for ‘Ram rajya’ and donating generously for the temple.
Linking the Ram temple to the dispute on the line of actual control (LAC) with China, the governor said Lord Ram stood like a mountain of courage. “He was rock steady like the Himalaya, like the ones who stand firm at Galwan valley, no matter how much it snows or the Chinese try to intrude,” said Koshiari.
“We have gained success after years of efforts and a grand temple is set to be built in Ayodhya. However, the mission would indeed be accomplished only when each one in this country rises to establish Ram rajya. I believe that the country is going in the right direction toward making of Ram rajya. Instead of raising demands, we should think what have we done for the country,” said Koshiari
He said Ram has united the entire country since ages and is the national deity. “I was surprised to read his description in the same words in both, Valmiki Ramayana written in Sanskrit and Kamban Ramayan, which is the Tamil version.”
“Even today Kamban’s descendants may not know Hindi so well but centuries ago the Tamil poet wrote the exact description like Valmiki. Both said Ram was courageous like a mountain and calm like the oceans,” he said.
The governor urged workers to reach out door-to-door and collect contributions for the temple to make entire endeavour a success.
Apart from accepting regular donations for the temple, the Ramjanmabhoomi Teerthakshetra Nyaas has started a month-long donation drive throughout the country in which people will be directly contacted to buy coupons.
Acharya Avdheshanand visited different places for the drive, including the Ramtek temple. Avdheshanand said he will be going around door-to-door seeking donations for the temple.