Ram temple donation drive ends, collection likely to cross 2,500 crore
Touted as the world’s largest fund collection drive, over Rs2,100 crore has so far been deposited in bank accounts of Lord Ram Lalla during the 44day Samarpan Nidhi Abhiyan, which began on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 15 and ended on Magh Purnima on Saturday February 27.
The Shri Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Giri said so far over Rs2,100 have been deposited in Shri Ram Lalla bank accounts. The amount may go beyond Rs2,500 crore as many donation cheques are yet to be deposited and many are in queue for bank clearance. The exact amount would be known after final tabulation,” he claimed.
Dr Anil Mishra, a trust member, however, claimed the final amount may cross over Rs2,500 crore as the samarpan Nidhi Abhiyan came to a close in Uttar Pradesh only while it will continue in many other states, which started late.
“The abhiyan was a great success and it was unique in the sense it broke all boundaries of religion, caste and community. People from all walks of life and sects donated wholeheartedly for the construction of Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya,” Mishra said.
The donation drive has proved beyond doubt Shri
Ram Lalla is ancestor to all Indians and has a special place in the hearts of billions, he added.
In a 2-day Trust meeting in Ayodhya, which concluded on Friday, the trust decided to adopt and apply the vedic approach also in the construction of Shri Ram Lalla temple. The trust has engaged Padma Bhushan Dr Nagaswamy of Chennai, a renowned historian, archaeologist and epigraphist to seek his expertise in giving a vedic approach to temple construction.
Apart from the temple construction, the ancient Ayodhya city will also be given a world-class look. A Canadian firm, LEA Associates South Asia Private Ltd, and Indian firms -- Larsen and Tourbo and Kukreja Architects -- have already submitted a draft vision document for development of Ayodhya.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will give a presentation on the Ayodhya vision document to the PM for his approval. The Centre has already released a fund of Rs250 crore for the extension of Ayodhya Airport.