India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The foundation stone for the construction of a grand Temple at the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram interestingly was laid in 1989 but the Temple construction was delayed in the wake of hurdles created by various governments, the manipulations by political forces and the long delays in the Courts of law.
It is after about 31 years that the construction of the Temple commenced in the presence of Indian Prime Minister on August 5, 2020, with the hope that in three years, the devotees would be able to worship Shri Ramlala in the sanctum sanctorum of the Grand Temple.
Dr Bharat Barai was among the firsts Indian Americans in the country who had paid a visit to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya Heis a front-ranking community activist in Chicagoland probably would be among the first batch of Indian Americans having Darshan of Lord Ram at the Mandir at Ram Janmabnoomi in Ayodhya He was there in July 1992, 28 years ago and was ushered in the main GarbhdwarHe had the pleasure and privilege to worship Ram Lala Fondly remembering this event, he shared the live pictures with India Post which are reproduced here.
The formal construction of the temple had many invitees and the list was quite impressive but Chicagoans and Indian Americans felt sore and a bit upset finding that the list did not include a revered saint from India with huge international followings- he is Sri Sri Ravi Shanker. Sri Sri was a big factor in resolving the Ram Mandir controversy but still, at a personal level he is immune to this type of inadvertent slight
Ours inquires with different sources only revealed that each is trying to shift the blame on others and finally it is PM office in New Delhi. It would not be asking too much if this group of Indian Americans would like to have an in-depth investigation in to this affair as Sri Sri has made a deep impact on the life of many worldwide and a no invitation to him smacks of bigotry and narrow minded politics which; need rooted out.
Meanwhile this massive effort in construing temple need not confine itself to build one more Temple but should be termed as a campaign for the establishment of ‘Ramatva’ in the whole world – for Ram Rajya, believe community leaders across the country This can be achieved only by active and positive help from all sections of the Society, and not by the government efforts alone.
For this purpose, more than one lakh ‘EkalVidyalayas’ with the cooperation of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) function in India. The VHP aims speeding up the spread of education, sanskar, sanitation, organic agriculture and self-sufficient villages through the ‘EkalVidyalayas’. In particular, it will make concentrated efforts will be made amongst the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes for better education, health and income generating pursuits, according to the central working president of VHP advocate Alok Kumar.
Efforts will also be made to strengthen the traditional family system of Bharat wherein the families will become the centers of inculcation of human values and love towards each other. This would rid the problems of loneliness and depression. VHP will also work for the development of the Cow and its progeny, cow-based products and organic agriculture. For this purpose, the VHP will strengthen the training infrastructure for Gau-Palaks and farmers, according to what is said, Lord Ram had visited bare-footed all sections of the people, gave them his love and VHP will be working on the same ideals to bring about harmonious society.
“ We shall build a Bharat which will embrace with love and friendship the Ahalayas, Shabris and Nishadrajs and will remove the fallacies of high and low. We shall have a society where there would be no appeasement or exploitation. We are confident that with our collective efforts, we shall establish a self-confident and self-reliant Bharat to perform its mission of peace and happiness in the world,” Alok Kumar added.
Chanting Mantra for Lord Ram
CHANTING MANTRAS IN HONOR OF LORD RAM
Rohit Joshi was one of the 11 priests who were assigned to chant Mantras, Shlokas & Chopais at Ram Mandir celebrations held here in USA All other- 60/70 – priests also had participated at an event that was hosted by Visha Hindu Parishad (VHP) America.
There were in all 86 Pundits, priests Acharyas Shastris and Religious heads from USA Canada and Caribbean Island countries who specifically came to attend this event, which was a part offRam Mandir celebrations being held in India on August 5 2020
From VHP Side its president Abhay Asthana, Secretary Sanjay Mehta, Tejal Shah, VallabhaTantreya and Krishna Pandedy were there to conduct the proceedings Nirav K Patel President of VHP Chicago Chapter said that it was a virtual meet but it was a grand success as a large number of viewers watched that besides active participation.
