'Unite for Protection': LG Dinesh Sharma Joins Shastra Puja in Lucknow
Andaman and Nicobar LG Dinesh Sharma joins Shastra Puja in Lucknow, emphasizing national unity and the victory of righteousness over evil.
In a powerful display of tradition and patriotism, the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dinesh Sharma, participated in the annual Shastra Puja in Lucknow on Tuesday. The ceremony, held on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, served as a reminder of the historical and moral imperatives of defending the nation and upholding righteousness.
A Tradition of Righteousness and Defence
The event was organized through a joint effort by the Lok Adhikar Manch Civil Society and the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Samaj, hosted at the City Montessori School (CMS) in Gomti Nagar. Addressing the gathering, LG Sharma highlighted the deep mythological roots of the ritual, drawing a parallel to the epic battle between Lord Rama and Ravana.
"It is said that Maryada Purushottam Ram worshipped his weapons before the final battle with Ravana," LG Sharma told reporters, emphasizing that the act of worshipping weapons is not about violence, but about the commitment to protect society.
The LG noted that the philosophy behind the Shastra Puja is the defence of dharma (righteousness). He urged citizens to view the ritual as a symbol of collective responsibility, stating that those who pledge their loyalty to India must unite to ensure the protection of the country.
The True Meaning of Vijayadashami
Beyond the ritualistic aspects, Dinesh Sharma spoke about the importance of ethical conduct and mutual support. He extended his greetings to the entire nation for Dussehra and Maha Navami, suggesting that the true essence of the celebration lies in moving forward together while staying within the bounds of propriety.
According to the LG, the ultimate goal of such observances is to ensure the welfare of all and to foster a spirit of helpfulness among fellow citizens.
Battle Against Filth: Namami Gange's Cleanliness Drive
While the Shastra Puja focused on the protection of the nation, another significant event took place at Ramghat, where Namami Gange launched a special cleanliness drive. This initiative sought to redefine the victory of Vijayadashami by promoting the triumph of cleanliness over filth.
The drive, centered on the slogan “Prosperity through Cleanliness,” emphasized that true victory involves not just the physical removal of garbage, but the adoption of a healthy and positive mindset. The event featured an aarti of Mother Ganga, performed in the presence of the national Tricolour and an image of Lord Shri Ramchandra.
Destroying the 'Ravana' of Garbage
Rajesh Shukla, the Municipal Corporation cleanliness brand ambassador and coordinator for the Namami Gange Kashi region, delivered a poignant message during the drive. He compared the act of cleaning the environment to the mythological victory of Lord Rama.
Shukla urged the public to resolve to destroy the "Ravana" of filth and uncleanliness that plagues modern cities. He asserted that citizens can only be truly healthy and happy when their homes, neighborhoods, and cities are pristine.
The event saw participation from several prominent figures, including Arun Tripathi, Arvind Pandey, Rajaram Gupta, Ruby Pandey, Sudha Tripathi, Atharva Tripathi, and Abhishek Gupta, all of whom pledged to create a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful India.