Lucknow: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the fifth day of the nine-day musical Shri Ram Katha being held in Lucknow and received blessings from the Vyaspith (sacred discourse seat). The event also witnessed the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, BJP Lucknow Metropolitan President Anand Dwivedi, Legislative Council Member Eng. Avneesh Kumar Singh, Mukesh Sharma, former MLA Dhirendra Pratap Singh, retired IAS officer Divakar Tripathi, and several other public representatives and distinguished guests.
The Shri Ram Katha is being organized at the Brij Ki Rasoi premises on Sitapur Road. Renowned spiritual leader and Padma Vibhushan awardee Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, head of the Tulsi Peeth, delivered a devotional discourse on the sacred marriage of Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki (Sita). Elaborating on the significance of devotion, he said that a true saint is one in whose presence people’s problems find resolution. Saints, he remarked, guide society, establish peace in life, and connect individuals with the divine.
During his address, Rambhadracharya praised the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and referred to India’s security initiatives, stating that the nation’s strength and determination continue to safeguard its interests. He also reiterated his long-standing aspiration of seeing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir reunited with India.
Addressing Rajnath Singh directly, the spiritual leader described him as a guardian of the nation and expressed confidence in his continued role in serving the country. He also renewed his demand for granting Central University status to the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University and for declaring the Ramcharitmanas as a national scripture.
The revered scholar, credited with authoring nearly 376 books, spoke about the unparalleled significance of the Ramcharitmanas in Indian culture and philosophy. He observed that the concept of nationhood is deeply embedded in the text and described Lord Ram as a symbol of national welfare and harmony.
In his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he had known Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for more than three decades and described him as one of the most extraordinary personalities he had ever encountered. He praised the saint’s phenomenal memory and intellectual brilliance, noting that such abilities were the result of divine grace and lifelong dedication.
Singh recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, legislation was enacted to establish the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University, making Rambhadracharya its lifelong Chancellor—an unprecedented step in the country at the time.
Speaking on spirituality, the Defence Minister said that a truly spiritual person is one with a large and compassionate heart. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, “No one becomes great with a small heart, and no one can stand tall with a broken spirit.” He added that these qualities of generosity, wisdom, and magnanimity are clearly reflected in Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s life and personality.
The programme concluded with devotees and dignitaries seeking blessings from the spiritual leader and participating in the ongoing Shri Ram Katha, which continues to draw large gatherings of devotees from across the region.
