PM Modi Launches 77-Foot Lord Ram Statue and Theme Park in Goa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a monumental 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Rama at the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Goa on Friday. This unveiling is part of the Math's 550th anniversary celebrations, known as the Sardha Panchashatamanotsava, which the Prime Minister attended during his visit to Goa. Alongside the statue, Modi also opened the newly developed Ramayana Theme Park, further enhancing the cultural significance of the site.

During his address at the unveiling ceremony, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "When society unites, when each sector stands together, then the country makes a big leap." He emphasised that India is currently experiencing a cultural renaissance, citing the restoration of significant religious sites such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the extensive renovations at Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi and Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain. These efforts, he noted, reflect a renewed commitment to the country’s spiritual heritage.

The Prime Minister praised Goa's resilience, stating that despite facing numerous challenges throughout history, the region has managed to preserve its cultural heritage. He acknowledged that while certain local traditions and languages have faced threats, these challenges have only served to strengthen the community’s resolve and reinforce its identity. "This is Goa's unique characteristic: that its culture has preserved its original form in every change and has also been revitalised with time," Modi noted.

Modi also highlighted the significance of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math, describing it as a symbol of continuity that has weathered more than five centuries of upheaval. He stated, "Eras changed, periods changed, but the mutt did not lose its direction; rather, it emerged as a centre that provides direction to people, and this is its greatest identity." The Math is one of the oldest monastic institutions in India, holding a prominent position within the Saraswat community.

Earlier in the day, Modi participated in a mass recitation of the Bhagavad Gita at the Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka. This event, known as the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana, saw the participation of approximately 100,000 individuals, including students, monks, and scholars. Modi praised the historical governance model established by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s predecessor, the Jana Sangh, in Udupi, noting its lasting impact on local administration and civic cleanliness initiatives.

In conjunction with the statue unveiling, Modi also released a special postal stamp and a commemorative coin to honour the occasion. The statue of Lord Ram, crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, who also designed the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, is celebrated as the tallest statue of the deity in the world. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Goa's Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

The Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math, founded in the 13th century, is rooted in the Dvaita Vedanta tradition and is considered a pivotal institution in the spiritual landscape of India. Its enduring legacy reflects the deep cultural and historical connections within the region.

As Prime Minister Modi concluded his address in Goa, he reiterated the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity and unity, reinforcing the idea that a collective cultural resurgence is vital for the nation's progress.