Hindustan Times (Lucknow)

Lord Ram central figure of Dalit faith: Nirmal

Ambedkar Mahasabha donates a silver brick for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

- HT Correspond­ent letters@htlive.com

LUCKNOW : The Ambedkar Mahasabha donated a silver brick for constructi­on of Ram Mandir at an event organised at Karsevakpu­ram in Ayodhya on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Lalji Nirmal, chairman, Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Caste Finance and Developmen­t Corporatio­n, along with five members of the Ambedkar Mahasabha, reached Karsevakpu­ram, Ayodhya.

“Lord Ram is the central figure of Dalit faith. He was the first one to honour Dalit and connect them with the mainstream of the society,” said Lalji Nirmal, who is also the president of the Ambedkar Mahasabha.

Dr Anil Mishra, member of the Sri Ram Janmabhoom­i Tirath Kshetra Trust, welcomed the delegation which also later paid obeisance to Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoom­i. On the occasion, Nirmal also issued an appeal to Dalits to contribute to the constructi­on of the Ram Mandir.

Amarnath Prajapati, secretary, Ambedkar Mahasabha, said: “Dalits are happy with the constructi­on of Ram Mandir. They are also contributi­ng to the constructi­on work of the temple.”

“Around 400 kg of silver has been donated till date for Ram Mandir. There is no space left in bank lockers to keep this silver,” said Dr Anil Mishra.

On the ongoing foundation work of Ram Mandir, Mishra said: “Around nine metre of digging has been carried out till date. We are hopeful that in the next 70 days, digging work for Ram Mandir’s foundation will be over.”

“The foundation work will be reviewed by the end of next month and thereafter filling work will start,” he added. Mishra also said Rs 29 crore ‘compositio­n advance’ for constructi­on material had been made to Larsen and Toubro. It is carrying out constructi­on work without charging any fee.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad launched a nationwide 44-day fundraisin­g campaign for the constructi­on of Ram Mandir, Shri Ram Janmabhoom­i Ram Mandir Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan, on January 15. It will continue till February 27.

President Ram Nath Kovind was the first one to contribute for Ram Mandir. The President, in his personal capacity, donated Rs 5 lakh on behalf of his family members.

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