Prime Minister Modi Calls for a Musical Tribute to Ram Mandir Inauguration

New Delhi: Ramping up the pitch in the countdown to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to share their creations such as “bhajans” relating to it on the social media with the hashtag “Shri Ram Bhajan”, saying that this compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be imbued with the ethos of Lord Ram.

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, the last one of 2023, Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that there are many experienced as well as new emerging young artists who have composed heart-warming bhajans.

The PM noted that there was excitement and enthusiasm in the entire country in connection with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and people were expressing their feelings in a multitude of ways. “During the last few days, many new songs and new bhajans have been composed on ‘Shri Ram’ and Ayodhya. Many people are also writing new poems. There are many experienced artists in it, and new emerging young artists have also composed heart-warming bhajans. I have also shared some songs and bhajans on my social media,” he said.

Mr Modi pointed out that it seemed that the art world was becoming a participant in this historic moment in its own unique style. “One thing comes to my mind… could we all share all such creations with a common hashtag? I request you to share your creations on the social media with the hashtag ‘Shri Ram Bhajan’ (#shriRamBhajan). This compilation will turn into a flow of emotions and devotion in which everyone will be imbued with the ethos of Ram,” the PM added.

Mr Modi said that today every corner of India was brimming with self-confidence, imbued with the spirit of a developed India; the spirit of self-reliance. “We have to maintain the same spirit and momentum in 2024 as well,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Modi said: “India becoming an ‘innovation hub’ is a symbol of the fact that we are not going to stop.”

During his address, the PM also emphasised on physical and mental health and highlighted several unique efforts for “Fit India”.

During the broadcast, Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru, Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, chess legend Vishwanathan Anand and actor Akshay Kumar shared their fitness tips. Mr Modi also pointed out that India had accomplished many special achievements this year, including the passage of the women's reservation bill “Nari Shakti Vandan Act”.

He also talked about India’s twin wins at this year’s Oscars for the song Naatu Naatu from RRR and the documentary short film The Elephant Whisperers.

“When Naatu Naatu won the Oscar, the whole country rejoiced with fervour. Who would not have been happy on hearing about the honour accorded to the The Elephant Whisperers? Through them the world saw the creativity of India and understood our bonding with the environment,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Modi also talked about achievements in sport and mentioned that this year Indian athletes had also performed marvellously. “Our players won 107 medals in the Asian Games and 111 medals in the Asian Para Games. Indian players won everyone’s heart with their performance in the cricket World Cup. The victory of our women’s cricket team in the Under-19 T-20 World Cup is very inspiring. The achievements of players in many other sports added to the glory of the country. Now the Paris Olympics will be held in 2024, for which the whole country is encouraging its players,” the Prime Minister went on to add.