Aasthaa is the thread binding India together, says Yogi Adityanath
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister described faith in Gods as the country's greatest strength during an event in Pilibhit.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that 'aasthaa' (faith in Gods) is the thread that binds India together and serves as the country's greatest strength. Speaking at the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav in Pilibhit, Adityanath noted that while India has variations in appearance, complexion, dialects, and languages, it presents itself in a single posture of unity.
According to Moneycontrol, the Chief Minister compared India to other nations, stating that while Europe is a collection of separate political units, India is held together by faith. He said that the recitation of the 'Akhand Ramayan' is a tradition that followers of Sanatan Dharma carry forward during auspicious occasions.
Adityanath claimed that this faith served as a constant reminder to Indians that the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram remained in servitude for 500 years. He stated that when all of India rose as one, the path towards the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was paved.
The Chief Minister recalled that on November 2, 1990, bullets were fired at Ram bhakts (devotees of Lord Ram) who sacrificed themselves for the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi. He said there was a time when chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' was prohibited in Ayodhya and devotees were barred from entering the city.
Recalling a visit to Ayodhya on Monday for a 'Deepotsav' meeting, Adityanath said at least 1,00,000 devotees arrived to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi. He noted that during certain seasons and festivals, this number can reach between 5 lakh and 50 lakh devotees.