CHITRAKOOT: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at the Tulsi Jayanti (Tulsidas’s birth anniversary) celebrations in the holy city of Chitrakoot, paid a glowing tribute to the great saint. He lauded Tulsidas for keeping the “public consciousness alive with a unique blend of devotion and strength” during a period when the nation was under foreign rule. The Chief Minister also called for unity to protect Sanatan Dharma and India’s rich heritage.
Tulsidas: A Beacon of Devotion
CM Yogi recounted how 500 years ago, amidst the challenges of the era, a divine soul was born in this village and dedicated his life to Lord Rama. The Chief Minister highlighted that during a time when the Mughal Empire was expanding and courtiers were vying for a place in Akbar’s court, Tulsidas, or ‘Rambola’ as he was known, chose not to serve any ruler but to dedicate himself solely to the devotion of Lord Rama.
“When the kings and princes of the country were submitting to foreign invaders, saints like Tulsidas, through the wonderful confluence of devotion and strength, were awakening the public consciousness,” said CM Yogi. He emphasized that Tulsidas’s resistance was not through a sword but through the ‘Ram Leela’ and ‘Ramcharitmanas’. The Chief Minister also subtly referred to the political maneuvering of the time, stating that while Akbar presented a soft face, his brutality is still visible today. He praised the unwavering resistance of the saintly tradition during that period.
Linking Heritage with Development
The Chief Minister spoke of Chitrakoot’s rich religious and cultural heritage, calling it a place where sages performed penance and where Lord Rama spent the longest period of his exile. He commended the efforts of Pujya Murari Bapu for his work in keeping the memory of Saint Tulsidas alive. CM Yogi stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, work has begun to connect Chitrakoot’s heritage with development, transforming the place from a mere historical site into a center of faith and inspiration for millions.
‘Ramcharitmanas’ as the Soul of India
CM Yogi also praised the contribution of Jagatguru Rambhadracharya Maharaj to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He noted that the Maharaj’s seamless recitation of historical facts left those demanding evidence speechless, calling it “the power of God.” The Chief Minister welcomed Pujya Murari Bapu’s announcement to hold future ‘Ram Katha’ events in Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi, stating that remembering the name of Lord Rama would “make every life blessed.”
Tulsidas Awards and a Call for Unity
During the ceremony, Ramkatha preachers were honored with the prestigious ‘Tulsi Award’ and ‘Ratnavali Award’. The Chief Minister congratulated the recipients, acknowledging their contribution to Sanatan Dharma. He also took a moment to criticize those who intentionally try to create controversy around revered saints. “Those whose lives are controversial are the ones who try to drag saints into controversy,” he said, urging everyone to unite in their efforts to protect Sanatan Dharma and India’s rich heritage, without worrying about such distractions.
The event was attended by Jagatguru Rambhadracharya, Kathavachak Murari Bapu, Jagatguru Vishnuswami Sampradayacharya Swami Santoshacharya Maharaj, and other prominent dignitaries.
