Ayodhya, November 25, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today presided over a landmark ceremony in Ayodhya, hoisting the saffron Dharma flag atop the newly constructed Ram Temple, an event he described as the fulfillment of a 500-year-old civilizational resolve. The event, marking the formal completion of the temple's construction, was steeped in religious symbolism and underscored a strong emphasis on India's cultural pride.
Addressing a large gathering that included RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Modi hailed the moment as "epochal," stating that Ayodhya was witnessing another historic milestone, with the entire country and the world immersed in Ram. He emphasized that the sacred flag would stand as a testament to the triumph of truth over falsehood, congratulating all contributors to the temple's construction.
The Prime Minister articulated a vision of inclusivity, stating, "Our Ram does not discriminate, and we too are moving forward with the same spirit," urging citizens to embrace unity as the nation progresses. He further linked the event to India's future aspirations, stating that by 2047, the centennial of India's independence, the nation must achieve developed status, requiring all citizens to awaken the "Ram within".
In a significant part of his address, Modi took a dig at historians, alluding to "Macaulay's Minute" and asserting that India must break free from the "slave mentality" perpetuated by British-era legacies. He highlighted that 2035 would mark the 200th anniversary of Thomas Babington Macaulay's writings, which had, according to Modi, sowed seeds of separation between Indians and their roots. Modi rejected the notion that democracy was a borrowed concept, asserting India as its birthplace, embedded in the nation's DNA.
The Prime Minister's speech resonated with themes of civilizational pride and the healing of historical wounds. He described the hoisting of the Dharma flag as the culmination of a "centuries-long yajna," a sacred offering, that burned for 500 years, undeterred by challenges. Modi framed the Ram Temple not merely as a place of worship but as a symbol of India's cultural resurgence.
The construction of the Ram Temple commenced following a Supreme Court judgment on November 9, 2019. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was subsequently established, and the foundation stone was laid on August 5, 2020. The 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Lalla idol occurred on January 22, 2024.
The ceremony on Tuesday coincided with Vivah Panchami, commemorating the divine marriage of Ram and Sita, adding further spiritual significance. The saffron flag hoisted atop the 161-foot spire, measuring 22 feet by 11 feet, is made of parachute-grade cloth and features the Sun, 'Om,' and the Kovidara tree, symbolizing Lord Ram's brilliance and valor.
The Prime Minister's emphasis on civilizational pride and the subtle critique of certain historical narratives have sparked varied reactions. While many view the completion of the Ram Temple as a moment of national pride and cultural revival, others emphasize the need to acknowledge the complexities of the site's history and ensure inclusivity for all communities.
