Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Ram temple in Ayodhya is not just about reclaiming the glory of our heritage but also about a new chapter of development.
Connecting virtually at the inaugural ceremony of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said, the construction of Ram temple is going to be completed very soon, and just like Ayodhya kept the lord Rama alive for ages, the bhajans and songs of Lata Mangeshkar have also kept lord Rama alive in the hearts of millions of people.
The Prime Minister said, Lata Mangeshkar called him just after the foundation laying ceremony of Ram temple in 2020, and expressed her happiness over the long-awaited moment.
Prime Minister said that Lata Ji was a true disciple of goddess Saraswati who mesmerized the whole world with her divine voice. PM Modi said that Lata Ji always use to say that people become great by what they do for the nation.
Before that, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya on the occasion of the 93rd birth anniversary of the late singer. On the occasion, Chief Minister said that Ayodhya city is transforming and the whole world is looking with hope towards this ancient city. He asked the people of Ayodhya to make cleanliness the new identity of the city of lord Rama.
Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, several Ayodhya seers, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Nephew of Lata Mangeshkar, Aadinath Mangeshkar along with his wife Krishna Mangeshkar were also present at the event.
On the occasion, cultural events were organized at Ram Katha Park of Ayodhya.
AIR correspondent reports that Reaching Ayodhya, worshipping Ramlala, and roaming the lanes of this ancient city will now be an altogether new experience for the devotees, tourists as well as locals. From now on, they all will be welcomed by the golden voice of the late Lata Mangeshkar. Bhajans like payoji Maine Ram Ratan dhan payo,thumak chalat Ramchandra, and many others will reverberate in Ayodhya City 24*7.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has renamed the famous Naya Ghat crossing in Ayodhya as Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar crossing where recorded bhajans of Lata Mangeshkar will be played. A 40-ft-long Indian classical music instrument, the veena, weighing 14 tonnes, installed at the crossing was also inaugurated today. 92 Lotus flowers symbolizing the 92 years lifespan of Lata Mangeshkar and 7 pillars denoting the seven Sur are also part of this chauk.