Defence Minister: Lord Ram our country’s identity

Lord Ram is India’s identity and not merely an embodiment in stone or wood, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. He asserted that the government will construct hospitals, schools, set up industries, and also build temples.

Singh was speaking at a conclave on a day when Ram Navami was being celebrated across the country. “When it came to the construction of the Ram temple, a lot of people started giving their thoughts on it. Some people suggested that a hospital be built at the site, while others said a school could be built. Some even suggested that an industry could be set up. These were the people who do not understand Lord Ram or have not embraced him,” he said. “Lord Ram is not merely an embodiment in stone, wood, or soil; he is the center of our culture and faith,” he said.

In his address, the defence minister also noted that the northeast has come closer to Delhi and the dil’ (heart) of people due to the center’s efforts. Today, there is “unprecedented peace” in the northeast due to the fact that AFSPA has been removed from various parts of the region, he said.

Singh added, ” ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ is not merely a slogan but has become a people’s movement. As the defence minister, I can say that today women, becoming a part of the armed forces, are further strengthening it. They are flying fighter jets as fighter pilots. Recently, I approved the induction of women in the artillery,” he said. “With the participation of women in the armed forces, we are moving ahead together in the direction of women’s empowerment and the strengthening of the armed forces,” he said.