Kolkata, Aug 5 : On the day when the nation is celebrating the ‘bhumi pujan’ ceremony of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that the nation has always upheld its legacy of unity in diversity.

“Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isaai, Aapas mein hain Bhai Bhai! Mera Bharat Mahaan, Mahaan Hamara Hindustan (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Isaai are our brothers. India is great. Hindustan is great),” Banerjee tweeted.

She also said that India has always upheld the age-old legacy of unity in diversity. “And we must preserve this to our last breath,” Banerjee added.

New Delhi, Aug 5 : Congress former President Rahul Gandhi has tweeted in Hindi on the occasion of the Bhumi Pujan of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Wednesday. Gandhi in his tweet said that Bhagwan Ram is a symbol of the “best humanitarian qualities and He (Ram) is in our deep consciousness.”

The Congress, which had maintained that it will abide by the Supreme Court judgement, has welcomed the event, and Rahul Gandhi said that “Ram is love, compassion and justice and he cannot appear in hatred.”

Congress leaders on Wednesday extended their best wishes for the ground-breaking ceremony (Bhumi Pujan) for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “Best wishes for Ram Mandir’s Bhumi Pujan. We hope that today’s event will pave (the way) towards brotherhood and national unity. Jai Siya Ram,” said the party’s Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has expressed the hope that the Ayodhya ceremony will be an occasion for “national unity, fraternity and cultural congregation. In Indian subcontinent and across the globe, Ramayan has put a stamp on every mind and the story of Lord Ram is a catalyst for connecting humanity,” she said.

The Bhumi Pujan was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya in the presence of seers, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.

New Delhi, Aug 5: “I believe that this grand Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya, like the name of Shri Ram, will reflect the rich heritage of Indian culture. I believe it will inspire the entire humanity till eternity. Social harmony was core principle of Lord Ram’s governance. Ram is everywhere, Ram belongs to all,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Wait of centuries has ended: Modi after Ram temple ‘bhoomi pujan’

“Many people made sacrifices for the Ram temple. I pay my respects to all of them,” the prime minister said after the ground-breaking ceremony of the temple at the spot where many devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born. Despite efforts to eradicate Lord Ram’s existence, he lives in our hearts and is the basis of our culture, Modi said.

“Social harmony was the core principle of Lord Ram’s governance,” the prime minister said. The construction of the Ram temple, he said, is an instrument to unite the country.

The Ram temple construction will lift the economy of the entire region, Modi said. The prime minister unveiled a plaque and released a commemorative postal stamp.

Ram resides in the culture of India’s neigbours: PM Modi

“With the construction of this temple, not only history is being made, but is being repeated. The way boatmen to tribals helped Lord Ram, the way children helped Lord Krishna lift Govardhan mountain, similarly, with everyone’s efforts temple construction will be completed,” PM Modi said likening the fight for temple to the freedom struggle. “Ram Mandir will transform the economy of Ayodhya. Ram resides in the culture of India’s neigbours. Ram is an emblem of India’s Unity in Diversity.”