India cannot function without Ram, Krishna, and Shiva: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath contended on Thursday that India cannot move forward without Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Shiva.

Quoting eminent socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, the chief minister said as long as Indians continue to worship Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram, Leela Purushottam Murli Manohar Shri Krishna, and Devadhidev Mahadev Shankar, no force in the world can harm the nation.

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“It’s unfortunate that today, those who claim to follow Lohia’s ideology no longer heed to his words,” CM Yogi lamented, adding, “But one thing is certain — anyone who opposes Lord Ram is bound to face ruin.”

CM Yogi was addressing the concluding session of the Shri Ram Katha and Guru Purnima Mahotsav held at the Digvijaynath Smriti Bhavan in Gorakhnath Temple. After offering floral tributes to the portraits of the late Mahants Digvijaynath and Avaidyanath and worshipping the Vyaspeeth, the chief minister emphasized that the stories of Shri Ram and other deities are integral to India’s cultural fabric.

He reminded the audience that Dr. Lohia, a staunch socialist, freedom fighter, and fierce critic of the Congress party, had initiated Ramayana Melas and stood firmly for Sanatan Dharma. He recalled that in the years following Independence, when doubts were raised about India’s unity, Dr. Lohia had affirmed that as long as Ram, Krishna, and Shiva are worshipped, there can be no disunity.

Yogi said today’s so-called socialists have strayed from Lohia’s path – and even open fire on Ram devotees.

Referring to the fate of the demon Maricha from the Ramayana, he said despite being born into a noble lineage, Maricha met a tragic end. “Though born human, he died like an animal — this is the consequence of betraying righteousness,” the chief minister said.

He stressed the importance of aligning one’s actions and thoughts, adding that even an illiterate person can recite the Hanuman Chalisa with devotion, and Hanuman became revered just by serving Lord Ram with unwavering faith.

“Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Lord Shankar, and the epics associated with them are not just stories — they are symbols of our faith, heritage, and the highest ideals of a civilised culture. It is the duty of every Indian to safeguard and uphold these legacies. Ram, Krishna, and Shiva are living embodiments of Sanatan Dharma,” he said.

CM Yogi called Sanatan Dharma the soul of India. Citing a Muslim woman lawyer who once said, “We are also Sanatanis; India has only one religion – Sanatan Dharma. My mode of worship may be Islam, but my religion is Sanatan,” he said urging people to understand the difference between dharma, sect, and faith. He explained that Sanatan Dharma is not merely a method of worship, but a way of life that embraces various forms of devotion.

He stated that Shri Ram Katha has been an intrinsic part of Indian tradition for thousands of years. “There is no Sanatani in the world who is unfamiliar with the episodes of Shri Ram Katha. Ramayana remains the most watched television serial even today. When India had a population of 100 crore and only half had access to television, 66 crore people still watched the serial,” CM Yogi said, adding that during the COVID-19 lockdown, Ramayana was the most viewed programme on Doordarshan.

Describing Guru Purnima as a glorious occasion, the chief minister said it offers an opportunity to express gratitude toward one’s teacher. “India is the only country that has taught the world how to express gratitude,” he said.

Citing the conversation between Hanuman and Mount Mainaka in the Ramayana, he remarked that expressing gratitude is a defining trait of Sanatan Dharma. “Indians have always been conscious and respectful towards those who have helped them,” he added.