'WOUNDS OF CENTURIES HEALING'

Ayodhya witnessed a defining moment on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the saffron Dharma flag atop the newly completed Ram Temple, declaring that "centuries-old wounds are healing" and that a 500-year civilisational resolve had finally reached fruition.

- Biswajeet Banerjee

The ceremony, held during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat and coinciding with Vivah Panchami, marked the formal completion of the temple complex that has shaped India's political and cultural discourse for decades.

Modi, accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, raised the 10x20ft triangular flag bearing a radiant Sun, the sacred Om and the Kovidar tree. He described it as a symbol of awakening, resolve and the collective perseverance of generations of devotees and saints.