Panaji, Goa | November 28, 2025 —
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a towering 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram at the historic Ramnath Temple in South Goa on Friday, marking a significant moment in his two-day outreach tour of Karnataka and Goa. The monument—crafted by master artisans from Rajasthan over two years—now stands as Goa’s tallest religious structure and is projected to boost tourism in the region by nearly 20% annually.
The ceremony drew thousands of devotees and senior leaders, including Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Modi also released a commemorative stamp and coin celebrating the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple earlier this year, underscoring what he called a “new era of cultural resurgence.”
In his address, the Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt nine national resolutions, emphasizing water conservation, tree plantation under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, poverty alleviation by supporting one poor family per household, and embracing Swadeshi products to strengthen local economies.
The event unfolded amid heightened diplomatic friction with Pakistan, following derogatory remarks made by a Pakistani minister regarding Ayodhya. India has since summoned Islamabad’s envoy, escalating cross-border tensions.
While opposition leaders, particularly from the Congress, criticized the government for prioritizing symbolism over addressing economic concerns, supporters hailed the statue as a powerful emblem of unity, heritage, and national pride.
