From Maharishi Valmiki to Mata Shabri: PM Modi Sends a Powerful Message of Social Harmony at Ram Mandir Flag Hoisting Ceremony

Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday presided over the flag hoisting ceremony atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, marking the completion of the temple’s construction. The event was attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reflecting the culmination of years of work that began with the Shila Poojan in August 2020 and progressed through the first phase of construction, completed in January 2024.

Beyond the ceremonial significance, PM Modi used the occasion to highlight characters associated with Lord Ram, delivering a subtle yet powerful message of social unity, which many political analysts see as a strategic move ahead of upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.

PM Modi’s Address
Speaking to the assembled saints and dignitaries, PM Modi emphasized the contributions of various personalities in shaping Lord Ram’s character:

• Maharishi Vashishtha and Maharishi Vishwamitra oversaw Ram Lalla’s early education.
• Maharishi Agastya provided guidance during Ram’s forest exile and strategies to overcome demonic threats.
• Maharishi Valmiki, the Adikavi, gifted the world the divine Ramayana.
• Devotees like Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj, and Mata Shabri exemplified universal devotion.

PM Modi highlighted the principle of Samras—treating all individuals with equality—by pointing out that devotion to Lord Ram transcends social, caste, and economic divisions. He said, “The ideals of Lord Ram are universal, and through these examples, we understand the value of treating everyone with equal respect and fostering social harmony.”

A Message of Inclusive Development
The Prime Minister reinforced the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Collective Effort, Inclusive Development), asserting that the benefits of government programs should reach every section of society equally, mirroring the inclusive ethos embodied in Lord Ram’s teachings.

Political Implications
Analysts view the event as a direct response to the identity-based politics of the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, which leveraged caste and community-based narratives during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. By invoking figures like Maharishi Valmiki, Nishadraj, and Mata Shabri, PM Modi appears to be sending a signal of inclusion to backward and marginalized communities, countering the opposition’s electoral strategy.

Earlier, during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the Prime Minister had similarly highlighted Maharishi Valmiki’s role as a symbol of knowledge and devotion, further reinforcing the message of social unity and spiritual cohesion.

The Ram Mandir’s flag hoisting ceremony, thus, became more than a religious milestone; it served as a platform for conveying social, cultural, and political messages, aiming to unite communities under the ideals of devotion, equality, and inclusive growth.