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Hans India
09-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Planted 204 crore saplings, reforested 5 lakh acres in eight years: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday planted saplings of banyan, neem, and peepal at Triveni Vatika on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, dedicating them to Lord Shri Ram, Mother Earth, and 'Janmadayini Maa (all mothers)' under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. Later, addressing a public gathering, he stressed the need to earnestly tackle climate change and also shed light on the state government's green push. He said that more than 204 crore saplings have been planted, with a remarkable 75 per cent survival rate in the past eight years. "This massive effort has led to a 5 lakh acre increase in the state's forest cover," he pointed out. 'We have turned the heatwave into a green wave,' CM Yogi said, emphasising that this initiative not only helps in purifying the environment but also plays a critical role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Describing the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign as an expression of gratitude towards both Mother Earth and all mothers, CM Yogi cited the Vedic verse 'Mata Bhoomi: Putroham Prithivyaah', meaning, 'The Earth is my mother, and I am her son.' The Chief Minister further said that this movement is a pledge to improve the present and safeguard the future, as trees offer protection against pollution, respiratory ailments, and the harmful effects of carbon emissions. He also noted that when the campaign began eight years ago, only 5 crore saplings were available. Today, thanks to the collective efforts of the Forest Department, MGNREGA, and private sector partners, 52 crore saplings have been prepared for plantation. He said that the ongoing plantation campaign is a catalyst for rural prosperity because farmers are receiving $6 per tree for a period of five years. He shared that over 25,000 farmers benefited from the scheme last year, and this year, Rs 42 lakh in carbon credits will be distributed among farmers across seven commissionerates. On the occasion, farmers who played a key role in planting and nurturing saplings were felicitated. Expressing pride in Ayodhya's transformation, CM Yogi said the once-quiet city is now emerging as a major centre of global and national interest. 'Ayodhya is steadily regaining its Treta Yuga glory. It is on its way to becoming India's first solar city,' CM Yogi noted. He also mentioned major developmental initiatives such as the construction of an international airport and the adoption of the Miyawaki method for forest development. The Chief Minister also highlighted the special significance of launching this plantation drive in Ayodhya, especially following the historic Pran Pratishtha of the Shri Ram Temple by PM Modi last year. He praised the enthusiastic participation of public representatives and citizens, adding that the drive will continue until 7 PM. Appealing for collective action, he urged citizens to join this noble cause and contribute to environmental conservation. Calling climate change a global crisis, the Chief Minister attributed extreme weather events, like excessive rainfall, droughts, and cloudbursts, to unplanned development. He cited a recent example from Texas, USA, where hundreds of children reportedly went missing due to sudden flooding. He spoke about the urgency of creating a sync between sustainable development and environmental conservation and stated that this could be achieved through planned and scientific interventions.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Time of India
Gaya Ji: A global pilgrimage hub
1 2 3 4 5 6 Gaya: One of the oldest cities in Bihar, the mythological and sacred land of Gaya has now been officially renamed as Gaya Ji, a move resonating with spiritual reverence and historical pride. Etched deep into India's cultural consciousness, Gaya Ji commands international attention for more than one reason. Considered the holy abode of Lord Vishnu, it is here, according to the ancient epic Ramayana, that Lord Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu, performed the pinddaan ritual for his father, King Dasharatha. Legends place this city's existence as far back as the Treta Yuga, several millennia ago. Renowned globally for the Pitripaksh Mela, a fortnight-long observance held annually during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month (as per the Hindu calendar), Gaya Ji draws lakhs of pilgrims seeking to honour their ancestors. It is also Bihar's only city with international flight operations and is celebrated for its iconic local sweet, tilkut. Gaya Ji is a land of stirring tales, none more inspiring than that of Dashrath Manjhi, the legendary 'Mountain Man' who, with nothing but a hammer and chisel, carved a 360-foot-long, 30-foot-wide road through a hill over 22 relentless years. The city also takes pride in producing top-tier engineering talent, especially from Patwa Toli, a locality known for its weaver families and academic ambition, often sending students to the prestigious IITs. The spiritual heart of Gaya Ji beats within the sacred walls of Vishnupad Temple and extends to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya. The former is a revered destination for Hindu devotees while the latter is a spiritual beacon for Buddhists worldwide. The city's significance is reflected in the rising tide of pilgrims and tourists. According to Gaya district administration, at least 23 lakh pilgrims performed pinddaan in Gaya Ji during the most recent Pitripaksh, a sharp increase from 15 lakh in 2023 and 13 lakh in 2022. According to the state tourism department, around 40 lakh domestic and international guests visited the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in 2024 alone. Beyond its spiritual magnetism, Gaya Ji is also set for a dynamic transformation. With a 1,670-acre integrated manufacturing cluster under development in Dobhi block, the city is gearing up to mark its presence on the industrial map with ambitions likened to Noida. Adding to its strategic importance, the Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) will pass through Gaya Ji, linking it with six other states – Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Looking ahead, the completion of the Vishnupad Corridor and Mahabodhi Corridor, announced in the Union Budget, will further elevate the twin cities of Gaya Ji and Bodh Gaya as hubs of pilgrimage and tourism. With this anticipated surge in footfall and business activity, the local economy is expected to flourish, bringing with it increased employment and prosperity. Pramod Kumar Sinha, a Vaastu and numerology expert and vice-president of the All India Federation of Astrologers' Societies (AIFAS), offered a metaphysical perspective. "Study of the new name Gaya Ji shows that the religious, spiritual, academic reputation of the city and the mental progress of people living here will increase. There will be an increase in the fame and popularity of the city in the country and abroad. There will be opportunities to achieve rapid progress in mental, intellectual and economic progress of the people living here," he said.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From bullets to flowers: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Ayodhya's transition; says blessings of revered seers guiding New India
AYODHYA : CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that Ayodhya has transitioned into a global symbol of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. "It was a city where once Ram devotees faced bullets but today they are being welcomed with flowers," he said at a public event in Ram Katha Park. Highlighting the significance of Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in Ayodhya on Thursday, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the grand temple of Ram Lalla is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Sanatan Dharma. "After a wait of 500 years, the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla was performed with great devotion by PM Modi on Jan 22, 2024. Today, the consecration of the divine idols in the Ram Darbar and Ram Mandir has also been accomplished," he said. 'Blessings of revered seers guiding New India' Mentioning Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural resurgence over the past 10 years, Yogi said it was under PM Modi's leadership that the vision of Viksit Bharat, rooted in Sanatan Dharma, was becoming a reality, with Ayodhya reclaiming the divine aura of the Treta Yuga. The CM also attended the 87th birthday celebrations of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das at Mani Ram Das Cantonment. The occasion also coincided with Yogi's birthday on Thursday. Calling it a privilege to be part of the celebrations, the CM said it was the divine spiritual practices and blessings of revered seers that were guiding the transformative journey of New India. He also highlighted the legacy of the Mani Ram Das Cantonment, saying that it boasted over 300 years of intense spiritual practice. 'From the 18th to the 21st century, this sacred site has been a centre of unwavering devotion. Legend says that Mata Janaki once appeared in a divine vision to a saint of this tradition, blessing and strengthening its spiritual lineage," he said, crediting Mahant Nritya Gopal Das' leadership for the success of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Mentioning the redevelopment of pilgrimage centres like Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaal, Kedarpuri, and Somnath, Yogi said these temples served as the spiritual pillars of a new, empowered India, which was emerging from the roots of Sanatan traditions. Describing the changes being implemented in Ayodhya, Yogi highlighted the efforts to develop it as the country's first solar city. "The once stagnant waters at Ram Ki Paidi now flow clean and pure, capable of accommodating over 5 lakh devotees for a holy dip. A new stretch of ghats, from Naya Ghat to Guptar Ghat, has been developed to enhance the pilgrim experience," the CM said. Highlighting the significance of Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day celebrated on Thursday, the CM said it had deep spiritual and environmental significance. "It is on this auspicious day, through the penance of Maharaj Bhagirath, that the river Ganga descended to Earth. Ma Ganga is a symbol of devotion and liberation, she is the lifeline of our spiritual heritage," he said. Among other projects to develop Ayodhya as a global spiritual and cultural hub, the CM highlighted an international airport in the name of Maharishi Valmiki, a community kitchen named after Mata Shabari, a pilgrim guest house named in honour of Nishadraj, and temples dedicated to Maharishi Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, and Tulsidas. Referring to the installation of a statue of the Vulture King Jatayu in the temple complex, the CM said that vultures were a species critical to ecological balance but were facing extinction due to food scarcity and environmental degradation. "They serve a vital role in nature and are beneficial to humanity. Jatayu, who valiantly fought Ravan during the abduction of Mata Sita, is a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and courage. That is why his magnificent statue now stands at the Ram Janmabhoomi," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Adityanath launches more projects: ‘Ayodhya's glory is being restored
Claiming that Ayodhya's glory is being restored to that of 'Treta Yuga' and as described during the era of 'Ramayana', Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated projects worth Rs 30 crore and laid the foundation stone of projects worth Rs 33 crore at the temple town. During his daylong visit to Ayodhya, the chief minister, who turned 53 on Thursday, attended several events, including the 87th birthday celebration of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. 'Ayodhya's identity has undergone historic transformation… There was a time when bullets were fired at Ram devotees coming to Ayodhya. They were beaten and harassed with lathis. But today, they are welcomed with showers of flowers and provided with RO-purified drinking water. Ayodhya is redefining the spirit of hospitality for the world… Its identity is undergoing a global transformation,' the chief minister said at an event after he planted a sapling at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Pushp Vatika to mark World Environment Day. At the 87th birthday celebration of Shri Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj, the chief minister credited his leadership for the success of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. 'It is my privilege to be part of the birthday celebrations of Pujya Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji. I wish him a long, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling life,' he said, adding that the divine spiritual practices and blessings of revered saints are guiding the transformative journey of New India. Calling Ayodhya the global symbol of 'Atithi Devo Bhava', Adityanath also said, 'The construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya after 500 years is a symbol of the strength of Sanatan Dharma.' 'After a wait of 500 years, on 22nd January 2024, the pran pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla was performed with great devotion by Prime Minister Modi. Today, the consecration of divine idols in the Ram Darbar and Ram Mandir has also been accomplished,' he said. Citing the redevelopment of prominent pilgrimage centres, Adityanath said these temples serve as the spiritual pillars of a new, empowered India, emerging strong and glorious from the roots of Sanatan traditions. He also said the vision of Viksit Bharat rooted in Sanatan Dharma is becoming a reality under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. As the day also marked Ganga Dussehra, Adityanath compared PM Modi with Bhagirath. 'It was through King Bhagirath's penance that the holy river descended on Earth. The Ganga sustains not just Uttar Pradesh but the entire nation. Its fertile plains nourish much of India,' he said. Describing Prime Minister Modi as the 'Bhagirath of modern India', he praised the Namami Gange mission, saying the sacred river was once severely polluted due to unscientific and unplanned activities by previous governments. Later in the day, the chief minister participated in Saryu Jayanti Mahotsava, where he asked all the district magistrates to ensure that they revive at least one river in their respective regions, including Ayodhya. 'Since 2014, the river has been rejuvenated. Over 66 crore devotees witnessed the purity of the Ganga during the Kumbh in Prayagraj.' On World Environment Day, Adityanath promoted the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' (One Tree in Mother's Name) campaign launched by the prime minister. 'If everyone plants a tree in their mother's name, we will never face an environmental crisis,' he said. The CM shared that earlier in the day, he planted a Bel tree at his Lucknow residence, followed by Peepal, Pakad, Neem and Navgrah-related trees on the banks of the Saryu in Ayodhya. —With PTI Inputs
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Yogi Adityanath to lead consecration at Ayodhya Ram Temple on June 5
The consecration of Raja Ram and other deities in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex will be led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, temple officials said on Wednesday (June 4, 2025). This would be the second consecration event at the temple in over a year, with the first one taking place last January. "On this special occasion, the Chief Minister will seek the blessings of Lord Shri Ram, further strengthening his profound spiritual connection with Ayodhya," an official statement read. Ayodhya, a city marked for its temples, will also celebrate the 'Trayodashi' birth anniversary of the Saryu River. According to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the pran pratishtha rituals are scheduled to commence at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The event will coincide with the 53rd birthday of priest-politician Mr. Adityanath. Over the past eight years, Ayodhya has seen development projects exceeding ₹32,000 crore falling in its lot, with a considerable chunk of it spent on road, rail, and air connectivity. The district administration has already put the city under a comprehensive security cover in anticipation of a large crowd. Anjani Seva Sansthan president Shashikant Maharaj said, "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Maharaj has lifted Lord Ram from a symbolic cradle and enshrined him in a grand temple. On June 5, Raja Ram will be ceremonially reinstalled, just as Guru Vashishtha performed His coronation in Treta Yuga, Yogi Maharaj will now perform His tilak. He has tirelessly worked to restore Ayodhya's glory and place it on the global map." On the change in the city over the past decade, he said, "Eight years ago, people were afraid to walk from Naya Ghat to Guptar Ghat after dark. Today, places like Aarti Ghat have become centres of devotion and celebration." Mahant Mithilesh Nandini Sharan said, "It is heartening that a monk (Adityanath) has not only understood the spiritual pulse of the state but has also energised it. Today, the people of Ayodhya no longer need to leave in search of livelihoods." Chamber of Commerce president Pankaj Gupta said the city of Ayodhya has entered a phase of "perennial bliss" under the "double-engine" government led by the BJP.
