India witnessing cultural renaissance: PM

UNVEILS 77-FEET TALL STATUE OF LORD RAM IN GOA

- MPOST BUREAU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India is witnessing a "cultural renaissance", and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and expansion of the Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain reflect the "awakening" of the nation.

PM Modi was addressing a gathering after unveiling a 77-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Ram as part of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt's 550th year celebrations at Partagali, in Cancona, South Goa. According to the organisers and the Goa government, It is the tallest statue of Lord Ram in the world.

Referring to Goa's history, Modi said there were times when Goa's temples and local traditions had to face destruction.

"This is the uniqueness of Goa. Its culture has preserved its core essence through every change and has also revived itself with time," he said. Lauding the Mutt, Modi said over the past 550 years, this institution has endured "countless cyclones" of time.

"Eras changed, periods changed, many transformations occurred in the country and society, but amidst changing eras and challenges, the Mutt did not lose its direction; rather, it emerged as a centre that provides direction to people, and this is its greatest identity," he said.