Secularism biggest threat to India's tradition on global stage, says Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said secularism was the biggest threat to India's tradition getting recognition on the global stage even as he warned that people creating false propaganda about the country for a meagre sum of money would face the heat.

Speaking at the launch of the first edition of Global Encyclopedia of the Ramayana on Saturday, Adityanath said, "This word 'secularism' is the biggest threat to develop India's prosperous traditions and give it a spot on the global stage. People who are misguiding the public for their own benefit and betraying the country will not be spared. People who are creating false propaganda about India for money will face the heat."

Asserting that historical facts cannot be denied, Adityanath said still there were some people who raised questions on the existence of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, PTI reported. The CM also urged the people to not let go of the harmonious spirit of the nation by getting involved in petty communal disputes.

Hitting out at those questioning Hindu culture, Adityanath narrated the story of a Buddhist guide in the Angkor Wat temple whom he came across during his visit to Cambodia. He said the temple guide was confident enough to admit that Buddhism had originated from Hinduism.

"The stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata not only give us the best life lessons, but also tell us a lot about the expansion of Indian boundaries. These stories of our epic Hindu literatures help us envision a better India. Pakistan was a part of India before 1947 and Maryada Purushottam Lord Sri Ram had extended the boundaries of India during his time by making his brother’s son, the ruler of Pakistan," he said.

Adityanath said the encyclopedia, an e-book prepared by the Ayodhya Research Institute, would motivate people to visit the temple town.

"There are Sapta Puri, seven holy cities, which are considered as the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Out of these, Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi are in Uttar Pradesh. It is a matter of pride for us that a workshop has been organised by the Department of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs," he said.

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