Ayodhya Entering a New Phase of Social and Cultural Development, Says UP Governor Anandiben Patel

Lucknow, December 27: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Friday said that Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, is witnessing a new and inspiring chapter of social upliftment and public welfare. She described the holy city as a unique blend of cultural awareness, spiritual strength and people-centric development, which is now moving forward with renewed purpose and inclusive growth. The Governor made these remarks during the formal inauguration of the 104th branch of Shri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashram in Ayodhya district. According to a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, Patel inaugurated the ashram by offering oblations in the yagna and performing prayers before the idols of Ram Darbar placed on the stage. The event was attended by saints, devotees and members of the local community. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Patel said that the newly established spiritual and social centre, founded by Swami Shri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, is rooted in the divine teachings of Lord Dattatreya. She noted that the ashram will serve not only as a centre for spiritual practice but also as a strong platform for human service, compassion, empathy and social responsibility. She said that setting up this ashram on the sacred land of Ayodhya is a historic and meaningful step. According to the Governor, it strengthens India’s Sanatan traditions, reinforces the timeless idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family — and helps preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Governor also highlighted the extensive public welfare work carried out in Ayodhya district through initiatives led by the Raj Bhavan. She said that many impactful and far-reaching development projects have been completed, with their benefits reaching even the most marginalised sections of society. The focus, she added, has always been on ensuring that no one is left behind. Emphasising the importance of women and child empowerment, Patel said that around 2,400 Anganwadi kits have been distributed across Ayodhya district through Raj Bhavan initiatives. As a result, all Anganwadi centres in the district are now fully equipped to serve children and mothers more effectively. She pointed out that earlier, there was not a single Anganwadi centre in the Ayodhya Dham area. Turning this gap into an opportunity, the Raj Bhavan took the initiative to establish 70 new Anganwadi centres in the area. These centres, she said, are playing a key role in improving nutrition, education and early childhood care. Sharing examples of social transformation, the Governor said that children studying at the Raj Bhavan Primary School, along with children who were earlier engaged in begging, were taken on an educational and cultural tour of Ayodhya. After receiving just one month of short-term training, these children went on to participate in the state’s Republic Day parade. They also secured first place in the band competition at the state level, proving that talent is not limited by background but flourishes when given the right support and encouragement. She further said that a sports competition was recently organised at the Raj Bhavan for around 500 children who were earlier involved in begging but are now pursuing education. Their enthusiastic participation in the traditional sports festival reflected a positive change in their lives. According to the Governor, such initiatives show that when children are given opportunities, guidance and confidence, their future takes a new and hopeful direction. Governor Patel concluded by saying that Ayodhya’s transformation today is not limited to infrastructure or religious importance alone. It is also about social responsibility, inclusive growth and human development. The ongoing efforts, she said, are ensuring that the spiritual legacy of Ayodhya goes hand in hand with meaningful progress for society as a whole. Ayodhya Entering a New Phase of Social and Cultural Development, Says UP Governor Anandiben Patel Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, is witnessing a new and inspiring phase of social upliftment and public welfare, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel said on Friday. Describing the city as a meeting point of cultural awareness, spiritual energy and people-focused development, the Governor said Ayodhya is moving forward with inclusive growth that touches every section of society. The Governor was speaking at the inauguration of the 104th branch of Shri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashram in Ayodhya district. She formally opened the spiritual centre by offering oblations in the yagna and praying before the idols of Ram Darbar. The ashram, established by Swami Shri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, is based on the teachings of Lord Dattatreya and aims to serve as a centre for spiritual practice along with human service, compassion and social responsibility. Governor Patel said that the establishment of this ashram on the holy land of Ayodhya is both historic and meaningful. It strengthens India’s Sanatan traditions, promotes the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and helps preserve the country’s cultural heritage while serving society. She also highlighted the wide-ranging public welfare work carried out in Ayodhya district through initiatives of the Raj Bhavan. According to her, several transformative projects have been completed, ensuring that the benefits reach the last person in society. Focusing on women and child empowerment, the Governor said around 2,400 Anganwadi kits have been distributed across the district, making all Anganwadi centres fully equipped. She added that earlier there were no Anganwadi centres in the Ayodhya Dham area, but through focused efforts, 70 new centres have now been established. Sharing inspiring examples, Patel said children from the Raj Bhavan Primary School and those earlier engaged in begging were given education and training opportunities. Within a month, these children participated in the state Republic Day parade and secured first place in the band competition. She also mentioned a recent sports event for 500 such children, showing how opportunity and encouragement can change lives. Ayodhya’s journey today reflects not just spiritual importance, but meaningful social change.