3 min readLucknowUpdated: Jan 1, 2026 04:17 AM IST
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also referred to Operation Sindoor and invoked the ideals of Ram, emphasising the importance of restraint and dignity even in warfare. (Express photo)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the Ram Temple movement was the world’s most “grand and unparalleled narrative”, unique in both geography and time. From India to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, people of various communities — beyond just Hindus — are deeply connected to Lord Ram, he said.
Singh also referred to Operation Sindoor and said “India acted in accordance with the inspiration and ideals of Lord Ram”.
He was speaking at Ayodhya, where he, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the second anniversary celebrations of the ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’ ceremony marking the consecration of Lord Ram at the Ram Mandir.
On Operation Sindoor, he said just as Lord Ram taught the world to uphold moral values during war, he said the Indian armed forces also carried out a limited, calibrated and objective-based operation. The aim was to teach terrorists a lesson, and the forces achieved this by striking them within their own hideouts, he added.
“During Operation ‘Sindoor’, we worked in accordance with the inspiration and ideals of Lord Shri Ram. Just as Shri Ram’s goal was not the destruction of Ravana, but the end of unrighteousness, similarly, our objective was to teach a lesson to the terrorists and their masters, and that is exactly what we did,” he said on X.
He also recalled that after demolition of the Babri Masjid, he had been closely associated with the movement as national president of the BJP’s youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
During the ceremony, the Defence Minister offered prayers at the Hanuman Garhi temple and paid obeisance to Lord Ram. Thereafter, amid Vedic chants, he ceremonially installed the Dharma Dhwaja (religious flag) atop the Annapurna Mata Temple within the complex.
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Calling the day one of the most fortunate in his life, Singh said, “Nath aaj main kaha na paava (My Lord, today I find myself at a loss for words)”.
The senior BJP leader said every street and square of Ayodhya appears imbued with the spirit of Lord Ram. He also mentioned that just as the “grand and divine temple of Lord Ram” has been established in Ayodhya, a magnificent temple is being constructed at Punaura Dham, the birthplace of Mata Janaki.
Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution.
Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape.
Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More
