Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Saturday described Lord Ram as the soul of India and the foundation of its national consciousness, saying that his life teaches society to place duty above power, responsibility above rights and character above material grandeur.
Addressing the Deepotsav-2026 celebrations in Ayodhya, the Governor said the vision of Ram Rajya could be realised only when the poor receive dignity, the underprivileged get opportunities, women feel safe, young people find employment and every citizen has access to justice.
She said the primary objective of governance should be to ensure happiness, security and dignity for the person standing at the last rung of society.
Describing the festive atmosphere in Ayodhya, Patel said the holy city was illuminated by devotion, faith and spiritual energy. The birthplace of Lord Ram represents the faith of millions and remains a living centre of Indian culture and Sanatan traditions.
She noted that Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana and Goswami Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas had carried the ideals of Lord Ram to generations of people. Lord Ram, she said, was not merely a revered deity but also a symbol of India’s social and cultural unity. Ram Rajya represents a society founded on justice, equality, compassion, public welfare and good governance.
The Governor appreciated the development of Ayodhya under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. She said the city was connecting its ancient spiritual identity with modern infrastructure and development.
The growing number of pilgrims and tourists has opened new employment and business opportunities for thousands of families associated with hotels, guest houses, transport, food services, handicrafts, flowers and religious items. Ayodhya’s Ramlila, folk arts, music, literature and traditional cuisine are also receiving wider recognition at national and international levels, she said.
Emphasising environmental protection, Patel described the Saryu as the lifeline of Ayodhya and called for keeping its riverfront and ghats clean. She urged people to make water conservation, plantation drives and a plastic-free environment part of their daily lives.
She said the message of Deepotsav would be meaningful when the light of the diyas also inspires people to protect nature and work for the welfare of society.
Referring to government welfare initiatives, the Governor mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, saying these programmes aim to extend the benefits of development to the last person in society.
She also urged young people to learn discipline, leadership, patience and a sense of duty from the life of Lord Ram. Stressing the importance of India’s traditional knowledge systems, she called for introducing children to the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the country’s cultural heritage.
The Governor appealed to society to ensure that no poor child’s education is interrupted, no girl’s aspirations are restricted and no elderly person is left alone.
She concluded by saying that a single lamp can light thousands of others without losing its own brightness. The same principle, she said, lies at the heart of Indian culture, where the happiness and light of one household should bring hope and joy to others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
