Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who created the Ram Lalla idol for temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya is shocked by reports of donation theft by the staff members.
However, Yogiraj has extended support to the Temple Trust officials, especially general secretary Champat Rai, calling him a “symbol of simplicity and uprightness.”
“As a devotee of Lord Ram, I feel this is deeply painful because devotees across the globe donate their hard-earned money to the temple with faith, love, and devotion, believing they are making offerings for Ram Lalla,” Yogiraj told IANS.
Yogiraj stated that the alleged theft incident was deeply shocking to crores of Lord Ram devotees and could prompt them to rethink their faith in the temple trustees.
Further, he has called for strict actions against all the miscreants who connived to steal temple money and brought the temple into disrepute.
“I have been associated with the Trust for quite a long time, for about eight to nine months. I know Champat Rai and other trust members. For me, they are symbols of simplicity, hard work and dedication,” he stated.
“They maintained the highest level of transparency and accountability in their conduct, and it’s beyond belief to see things panning out the way they have in the past few days,” he added.