RSS Chief Declares Ram Temple Day

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), declared that the date of the Ram temple consecration in India — Ayodhya should be celebrated as 'Pratishtha Dwadashi'. He stated that this day marked the 'true independence' of India, which had faced 'parachakra' (enemy attack) for centuries. Bhagwat emphasized that the Ram temple movement aimed to awaken India's 'self' so the country could stand on its own feet and guide the world. He made these remarks after presenting the 'National Devi Ahilya Award' to Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, in Indore. Rai dedicated the award to those involved in the Ram Mandir movement. Bhagwat also recalled a meeting with former President Pranab Mukherjee, who asserted the secular nature of India's Constitution and its 5,000-year-old tradition of secularism.