Ramayan relevant for all: Kovind
LUCKNOW: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday inaugurated a four-day Ramayan Conclave in Ayodhya and said the teachings of the Ramayan were relevant for all.
He also shared his views on Ayodhya on the occasion and stated: “Ayodhya exists where there is Ram. Lord Ram resides permanently in this city and, therefore, in the true sense this place is Ayodhya.”
Besides, he lauded the Uttar Pradesh government for its efforts to take the Ramayan to the common people through art and culture.
Addressing the gathering, the President explained the meaning of the word Ayodhya and said: “The literal meaning of Ayodhya is the one who is impossible to wage a war against.”
“Due to Raghuvanshi rulers like Raghu, Dileep, Aja, Dashrath and Ram, their capital could never be conquered. Therefore, the name of this city Ayodhya will always be relevant,” the President said.
Explaining the importance of the Ramayan, the President also said: “The Ramayan will always be relevant as it offers inherent values of life that are relevant for humanity. Ramayan also offers a model code of conduct that guides us in all aspects of life.” Explaining other aspects of the Ramayan as well, the President said: “Ramayan also tells us what the behaviour of a child with his parents should be, brother with brother, husband with wife, teacher with his disciple, friend with a friend, ruler with the public and human being with nature. On all dimensions, code of conduct is available in the Ramayan.”
Referring to the word Ram in his name, the President said: “I feel that when my family members named me (Ram Nath Kovind), they were possibly having the feeling of respect and affection towards Ram Katha and Lord Ram, which is seen in the common public.”
Quoting a popular verse of the Ramcharitmanas, the President said: “The meaning of this line is that knowing the whole world as God, we should accept everyone with respect.”
“Let us all see Goddess Sita and Lord Ram in every person. Lord Ram is for everyone, and Lord Ram is in everyone. Let us all fulfil our obligations with warm thought,” said the President.
The President also recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. The President said: “Gandhiji has given the name Ram Rajya for an ideal India. Mahatma Gandhi imbibed the ideals of Lord Ram in public life. In fact, the ‘Maryada-Purshottam’ form of Lord Ram described in the Ramayan is ideal for everyone.”
The President also said: “The Ramayan is such a unique book which presents high ideals and limits of human life in front of the world through Ram Katha.”