Tulsidas kept public consciousness alive even under colonial rule: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that while many kings and rulers surrendered to foreign invaders, saints like Tulsidas awakened public consciousness through a powerful blend of devotion and strength.

Speaking at Tulsi Jayanti celebrations in Chitrakoot, the CM noted that Tulsidas chose not the sword but spiritual resistance—through Ramleela and the Ramcharitmanas.

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“Around 500 years ago, when this village likely faced great hardship and lacked resources, a divine soul was born. Even in his childhood, he surrendered himself at the feet of Lord Ram,” he said. He added that while Emperor Akbar was expanding his empire and many struggled to gain a place in his court, Tulsidas, known as Rambola in his early days, chose not to serve any royal court, dedicating himself solely to the service of Lord Ram.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the political tactics of the era, stating that while Emperor Akbar tried to project a softer image of his rule, its underlying cruelty remains evident even today. He noted that the saintly tradition of the time stood firmly against such oppressive narratives.

CM Yogi expressed gratitude to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and revered Ramkatha exponent Murari Bapu for inviting him to this historic, spiritual, and cultural gathering. During the event, distinguished Ramkatha narrators were honoured with the Tulsi Award and the Ratnavali Award.

Speaking about the religious and cultural heritage of Chitrakoot, the Chief Minister said this is the land where ancient sages meditated and where Lord Ram spent the longest part of his exile. “It is also the very soil that laid the foundation for epics like the Ramayan and Ramcharitmanas,” he added.

He further said it is a great blessing to be able to visit this place and seek the blessings of revered saints. He appreciated the efforts of Murari Bapu in keeping the memory of Saint Tulsidas alive.

CM Yogi added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, development work has begun to preserve Chitrakoot’s heritage while also promoting growth. This place is not just a historical site—it is a centre of faith and inspiration for millions of devotees.

Referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Chief Minister praised Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji for his powerful contribution, recalling how he left everyone speechless when asked to present evidence—such is the grace of Lord Ram, he said. Welcoming Murari Bapu’s announcement to hold upcoming Ramkatha events in Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi, CM Yogi said remembering the name of Lord Ram blesses one’s life.

The Chief Minister also spoke about his visit to Mauritius. He shared that during the time of colonial rule, when Indian ancestors were taken there as labourers, their only source of strength was Tulsidas Ji’s Ramcharitmanas. Even though they were not educated, they kept their culture alive through the Ramcharitmanas.

“Today, the descendants of those very labourers have risen to become national leaders, and the Ramcharitmanas continues to be revered at the heart of their homes,” he added.

He also strongly condemned those who attempt to drag revered saints into controversy, saying such individuals act deliberately to defame them. “Only those whose own lives are steeped in controversy indulge in such acts,” he remarked. The Chief Minister added, “These people will always try to create hurdles, but we must rise above their distractions and work unitedly to protect Sanatan Dharma and India’s rich cultural heritage.”

At the end of the event, the Chief Minister congratulated all Ramkatha scholars who received the Tulsi Award and Ratnavali Award, calling it a tribute to their contribution to Sanatan Dharma.

The event was attended by Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji, Kathavyas Murari Bapu, Jagadguru Vishnuswami Sampradayacharya Swami Santoshacharya Ji Maharaj (Satua Baba), state minister Swatantra Dev Singh, and district in-charge minister Manohar Lal Mannu Kori.