Priyanka Gandhi hopes groundbreaking ceremony of Ram temple becomes marker of national unity

Ahead of the grand celebrations planned in Ayodhya on Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram temple, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may the event becomes a "marker" of national unity, brotherhood and cultural harmony. She said that for ages Lord Ram's character had served as a source of unity for the entire Indian subcontinent.

New Delhi: Just a day ahead of the grand ceremony of Ram Mandir Bhoomi Poojan, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra issued a statement, on Tuesday, wishing and hoping that the occasion becomes a "marker" of national unity.

"Ramayana has a deep and indelible mark in the culture of the world and Indian subcontinent. The story of Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Ramayana has been illuminated in our cultural and religious memories for thousands of years," stated Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

She hoped that Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan becomes an occasion of national unity, fraternity and cultural congregation which spreads the message and blessings of Lord Ram across the world.

"Since ages, the character of Lord Ram has been the thread to connect humanity in the Indian territory. Lord Ram is a shelter and also a sacrifice. Ram belongs to Shabri and Sugriv too. Ram belongs to Valmiki and also to Bhas. Ram belongs to Kabir, Tulsidas and to Raidas. The giver of all is Rama," she added.

Gandhi also tweeted, "Simplicity, courage, restraint, sacrifice, commitment is the essence of the name Deenbandhu Rama. Ram is in everyone, Ram is with everyone."

In her statement, she quoted the reciting of legendary poets like Maithili Sharan Gupt and Mahapran Nirala, about Lord Ram. She further added, "Ram is courage, Ram is confluence, Ram is patience, Ram is an adjuvant. Lord Ram belongs to everyone. Lord Ram wants everybody's welfare. That is why he is been called 'Maryada Purushottam'."

This has happened for the first time in decades that a Gandhi family member has marked open support to Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, as the matter has tremendous national bearings.

On August 5, the stone laying ceremony will be done for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will be a mark of the beginning of its construction.