Vice President C P Radhakrishnan Calls Modi, Yogi ‘Two Yogis’ at Ayodhya Deepotsav

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as “two yogis” following the ideals and conduct of Lord Ram.

Addressing the 10th Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, Radhakrishnan said Modi and Adityanath had played important roles in realising the long-standing aspiration of devotees to see a grand Ram temple in the city.

“One is Yogi Adityanath ji, and another is Karmayogi Modi ji. Both are following the path shown by Lord Ram,” he said.

Vice President Calls Ram Temple Symbol of Hindu Self-Respect

Radhakrishnan described the Ram temple as a symbol of Hindu self-respect and said its construction followed centuries of struggle and devotion.

He said the temple became possible through the sacrifices and dedication of devotees, saints and seers associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The remarks were made with Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath among those present at the event.

Radhakrishnan Credits Ram Temple Movement

The Vice President also linked the Ram Temple movement with the political rise of several leaders, including Modi, Adityanath and himself.

He said he came from an ordinary farming family and credited the movement and sacrifices of devotees with creating wider political and social change.

That interpretation represents Radhakrishnan’s political and personal assessment of the movement’s impact.

Personal Connection to Ram Janmabhoomi Movement

Radhakrishnan also recalled his mother’s involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

He said she had participated in Ram Shila Pujan in their hometown and had carried a brick intended for the construction of the Ram temple.

He referred to a nationwide mobilisation associated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal while sharing the anecdote.

10th Deepotsav Illuminates Ayodhya

The C P Radhakrishnan Ayodhya Deepotsav programme marked the 10th edition of the festival.

According to the Vice President’s Secretariat, more than 30 lakh diyas were planned at Ram Ki Paidi, while more than 70 lakh lamps were envisaged across Ayodhya.

Radhakrishnan also participated in the Saryu Aarti and witnessed cultural presentations and a large-scale drone show depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

More Than 2,100 Drones Used in Celebration

The celebrations featured more than 2,100 indigenous drones and around 1,000 artists in cultural programmes, according to the official account.

The Vice President said Deepotsav had grown from a celebration involving around 1.7 lakh lamps in 2017 to one of India’s largest public religious festivals.

Ayodhya Highlighted as ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’

Radhakrishnan described Ayodhya as an example of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”, or development alongside heritage.

He referred to improved roads, ghats, pilgrim facilities, accommodation, rail links and air connectivity as part of the city’s transformation.

He also said the festival was creating economic opportunities for potters, artisans, rural women, performers, hotel and homestay operators, guides and transport providers.

Vice President Praises Uttar Pradesh’s Development

Radhakrishnan also expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh could become a major growth engine in India’s development journey towards 2047.

He credited improvements in law and order with helping create conditions for investment and development.

Those comments reflected the Vice President’s assessment of the state government’s record.

Deepotsav Combines Faith and Public Participation

The Vice President said Lord Ram represented righteousness, compassion, duty and ideal conduct.

He characterised the Ayodhya celebrations as an example of Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, combining religious faith with cultural programmes and development initiatives.