Lucknow: Highlighting India’s diversity despite its massive population, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the one factor that has kept the country united is aastha (faith).“India, with its diverse languages, cultures and appearances, has remained united because of faith. It is this faith that has brought such a large gathering to the Shri Ram Katha event today, and that is India’s greatest strength,” he said.He was addressing Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav, organised in memory of late Mahant Yogi Shantinath Ji at Niranpur village in Pilibhit.Elaborating on the power of collective faith, Yogi said it had endured a 500-year struggle without weakening or giving up. “When this faith spoke in one voice, it paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” he said.Recalling the events of 1990, the CM said he was in Ayodhya on Nov 2, and noted that 36 years ago on the same date, Ram devotees were fired upon by the then govt.“At that time, people were not allowed to raise the slogan of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in Ayodhya, and Ram devotees were even barred from visiting the city. Basic facilities were absent, lanes were narrow, there was filth everywhere, roads were riddled with potholes and lawlessness prevailed,” he said.“Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya from Lanka in the Pushpak Vimaan, but in modern times the city lacked air connectivity and had only a single railway line,” he added.Yogi said Ayodhya underwent a transformation after BJP came to power. More than one lakh devotees visit Ram Temple daily and, during special occasions, the footfall rises from five lakh to as many as 50 lakh, he said.The city is now connected by four-lane roads, has an international airport, improved rail infrastructure, better cleanliness, enhanced security and better facilities for devotees, he said.“Earlier, Ram devotees faced lathis and bullets; today, they are showered with flowers. Earlier, the question was when Ramlala would come out of the tent. Today, lakhs of devotees are having darshan in the grand temple,” he said.Referring to Deepotsav, scheduled for Nov 7, Yogi said every diya lit during the festival would contribute to the prosperity and development of Uttar Pradesh.“The diyas lit during the festival will not only revive memories of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya but will also symbolise the state’s progress, wellbeing and bright future,” he said.The CM also spoke about the significance of Ram Katha, describing it as a centuries-old tradition that continues to bring together followers of the Sanatan faith.“The purpose is not merely to listen to the Ram Katha, but to imbibe the ideals of Lord Ram in our lives,” he said.“The purpose of visiting temples and participating in religious events is to eliminate negativity from the mind. Scriptures say that true knowledge can be attained only through reverence and faith. Negativity leads to anarchy, destruction, disorder and unrest, while positivity fosters faith, reverence and light. This positive spirit paves the way for development, prosperity and happiness,” he added.Differentiating between tushtikaran (appeasement) and santushtikaran (satisfaction), Yogi said BJP’s double engine govt was working without bias to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reached every citizen.“Funds that were misused by previous govts are now being spent on development, better public facilities, free ration and healthcare,” he said.Claiming that Uttar Pradesh had been freed from curfews, riots and lawlessness, the chief minister said people were now santusht (satisfied).“In contrast, the opposition pursued a policy of tushtikaran (appeasement), which only promoted terrorism, extremism and Naxalism,” he said.
