FP FREE PRESS The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms VOL. 13 NO. 221 | BHOPAL | TUESDAY | JANUARY 23, 2024 | PAGES 16 `3 - r Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2021-2023; r RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 QUALITY AT VALUE www.freepressjournal.in BHAY PRAKAT KRIPALA... 500-YEAR-LONG WAIT CONCLUDES IN 80 SECS BISWAJEET BANERJEE KAMLESH SRIVASTAVA Ayodhya In a historic and deeply symbolic ceremony lasting just 84 seconds, a 500-year wait culminated in Ayodhya as the consecration of Ram Lalla was successfully completed. The sacred ritual, held in the grand Ram temple, marks an extraordinary moment for millions of Hindus worldwide and resonates as a pivotal chapter in Ayodhya's cultural and religious history . The chief priest of the Ram Temple, Mahant Satyendra Das, shared his sentiments on this momentous occasion, stating, "The sacred figure now resides in the sanctum sanctorum of the grand Ram temple, marking a historic and joyous occasion for millions of Hindus across the nation and globe." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief host, played a significant role in the ceremony. Arriving at the temple premises at- tired in a light-yellow dhoti and kurta, PM Modi initiated the ritual of Pran Pratishtha at precisely 12:05 pm, a process that continued for almost an hour. As a deeply symbolic act, the Prime Minister also performed the Aarti, spreading water, and receiving the tied Kalava from Chief Priest Satyendra Das. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, "The extraordinary moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla's life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional. It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme. Jai Siya Ram!" The ceremony was not just a momentous event watched on television but also witnessed by those present in the Janmabhoomi as an army of helicopters showered flower petals on the newly constructed temple during the Pran Pratishtha and other rituals. The idol, crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj, radiates the childlike tenderness of chief Mohan Bhagwat said "Ram Rajya" is coming and everyone in the country RSSdisputes and stay united on Monday thatshould shun a five-year-old. The meticulously carved statue beautifully captures the essence of childhood, divinity, and princely grace. Prime Minister Modi's deep spiritual engagement during the 11-day rituals leading up to Sri Ram Lalla's coronation showcased his unwavering commitment. Observing fasting, sleeping on the floor, and sustaining himself solely with coconut water and fruits, PM Modi embarked on visits to 7 temples associated with the Ramayana across 4 states. "The completion of Ram Lalla's life consecration marks a pivotal moment in the cultural and religious history of Ayodhya. The temple has been built where it should be," said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. CONTD. ON P8 MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced that India's batting talisman Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons. "Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons," BCCI said in an official statement.Kohli has spoken to India captain Rohit Sharma, team management and the selectors about "certain personal situations that demand his presence and undivided attention". ‘Delighted to arrive on second Diwali’ NEW DELHI: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) president Dennis Francis on Monday said that he is "delighted" to arrive in India on the day the country is celebrating its "second Diwali" - referring to the Ram temple's grand consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. "Namaste, Bharat! Delighted to arrive in New Delhi on an auspicious day when the country is celebrating its 'Second Diwali'. DPRO gets new posting BHOPAL: State government transferred Director Public Relations cum DIG Ashutosh Pratap Singh as DIG Police Headquarters (after taking back his services from Public Relations Department) on Monday night. ‘THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY ARRIVED AFTER A 500-YR WAIT’ OUR STAFF REPORTER city.bhopal@fpj.co.in Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday jointly worshipped Ram Raja in Orchha to mark the Ram Lalla consecration ceremony held in Ayodhya. They said that to see this auspicious day, people have waited for 500 long years. They also fondly remembered the Kar Sevaks’ contribution and their sacrifice.A big television screen was installed at the temple premises for live R am is the faith of India, Ram is the foundation of India. Ram is the idea of India, Ram is the law of India...Ram is the prestige of India, Ram is the glory of India...Ram is the leader and Ram is the policy PM MODI SADHVI RITAMBARA CM, Chouhan worship at Ram Raja temple in Orchha NEWS BRIEF Kohli not to play first two Tests EDIT THOUGH INTERIM, BUDGET MUST LOOK TO THE FUTURE Zee-Sony merger off AGENCIES New Delhi A SIGN FROM THE LORD Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) boss Punit Goenka who is among the high-profile guests invited at the pran prathistha ceremony, in a post on X alluded to the developments in his company as "a sign from the Lord". in the past during the promoter share pledging crisis (in 2019) and fall in business cash conversion. "We D/G Zee from BUY to SELL on a revised TP of Rs 198 (was Rs 300) based on 12x 1yr fwd PE. Also, competition should intensify with the reported merger of Reliance and Disney Star," CLSA said. OVER 150 BABIES delivered in Indore hospitals on Ram idol consecration day TARUN TIWARI Indore Over 150 babies were delivered in various government and private hospitals in Indore on Monday as the country celebrated the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla at the temple in Ayodhya. Interestingly, about 10-15 of them were born between 12 pm to 1 pm, the auspicious period when consecration of Ram Lalla idol took place in Ayodhya. According to the health officials, over 90 deliveries had taken place in government hospitals while over 50-60 deliveries took place in private hospitals which was slightly more than the number of deliveries that take place in the district every day as many of the pregnant had requested the doctors to plan their deliveries on Monday . "As many as 49 deliveries had taken place in our hospital from 12 am to 8 pm on Monday As many as 31 in. fants were born through normal deliveries, while 18 were delivered by caesarean operation," superintendent of MTH Hospital Dr Sumitra Yadav told Free Press. She added that total 24 girls and 26 boys were born while as many as four kids 24.50c. 11.60c Sunrise : 07.09 Sunset : 06.05 RAHUL’S VEILED JIBE AT MODI Pg-7 Modi: Ram will no longer live in tent FP DESK Mumbai After performing the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony in Ayodhya Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared, "After the patience that we showed for centuries and the sacrifices we made, our Lord Ram has finally arrived. Many congratulations to all the people of the country for this auspicious occasion… After centuries of unprecedented patience, countless sacrifices, renunciations and penances, our Prabhu Ram has come..." he said He said Lord Ram will no longer live in a tent but will now reside in a magnificent temple. I seek forgiveness from Lord Ram, there would have been some shortcomings in our penance that we could not RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD Zee Entertainment's (Zee) proposed merger with Sony after required regulatory and shareholder approvals has been called off. With the merger terminated, Zee's valuation will likely decline to 12x PE levels (Aug-21) seen prior to the merger announcement, foreign brokerage CLSA said in a report. The stock had de-rated streaming of Ram Lalla's consecration ceremony and both of them saw the rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ram Temple. They also enjoyed the bhajans sung by the local artists. CM said that it is a matter of great happiness that Lord Ram is entering his home. The Ram Lalla consecration ceremony is installation of India’s soul. It is a belief that during day time Lord Ram stays in Orchha and goes to Ayodhya at night. Earlier, Shivraj Singh Chouhan cleaned the premises of Ram Raja temple. He said that the people are fortunate that they were witness to Ram Lalla's consecration ceremony . CONTD. ON P8 WEATHER KOHLI WITHDRAWS FROM FIRST TWO TESTS AGAINST ENGLAND Pg-14 EDITIONS: INDORE, BHOPAL, UJJAIN, MUMBAI, PUNE were born between 12 pm to 1 pm while one woman delivered twin boys as well. "All the infants are normal and doing well," she added. Similarly, the records of Government PC Sethi Hospital shows that 25 infants, 21 through normal deliveries while four were born through caesarean operation. Lokesh, father of a baby born on Monday told media, "I was in touch with the doctors and medical staff of the hospital to have the baby delivered on January 22, but was told it had not completed its term. CONTD. ON P8 PMSPEAK n This is a temple of national consciousness in the form of Ram. n From Sagar to Saryu, the same festive spirit of Ram’s name is visible everywhere. n I have firm belief and immense faith that the devotees of Prabhu Ram are completely absorbed in this historic moment… This moment is divine, this moment is the holiest of all n Ram is a solution, not a dispute. n January 22, 2024, is not just a date, but the beginning of a new era. complete this work for so long. That shortcoming has been overcome. I am confident Lord Ram would forgive us," Modi said. The PM said the temple was built legally. He thanked the Supreme Court of India which paved the way for the construction of the temple by delivering the verdict on November 9, 2019. "The legal battle over the existence of Lord Ram went on for decades...Ram's existence was questioned... CONTD. ON P8