Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this year’s Diwali’s profound spiritual and cultural significance as the nation prepares to celebrate with Lord Ram enshrined in his new Ayodhya temple for the first time in over five centuries. Addressing the country on Dhanteras, PM Modi shared his heartfelt greetings, saying, “This Diwali is especially meaningful. After 500 years, Lord Ram is seated in his grand temple in Ayodhya, and we will celebrate Diwali with him there. It’s a historic occasion that unites our devotion and heritage, making this a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.”

The journey toward realizing the Ayodhya temple began with the 2019 Supreme Court verdict that resolved a longstanding dispute over the site, allotting it to the Hindu community and arranging for land for a mosque elsewhere in Ayodhya. Since the temple’s grand inauguration in January, led by PM Modi, the site has drawn visitors from all walks of life, with prominent dignitaries, leaders, and cultural icons gathering to mark the historic consecration. Ayodhya will host special celebrations this Diwali to honor Lord Ram, and a series of events are planned to commemorate this landmark Diwali in the temple.

In addition to his Dhanteras greetings, PM Modi took the opportunity to celebrate progress in employment initiatives under the Rozgar Mela, aligning with the festive spirit to inspire optimism and opportunity for the country’s youth. “Today, 51,000 young individuals are receiving appointment letters for government jobs, symbolizing our commitment to steady employment generation across India. My congratulations to all those beginning their careers, with our government ensuring permanent employment opportunities in BJP and NDA-governed states,” he said, emphasizing the administration’s focus on empowering the nation’s youth through stable job creation.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Haryana government’s unique contribution to employment by facilitating government jobs without fees or intermediaries. “I am particularly proud of the transparency and accessibility established by the Haryana government, which provides jobs based purely on merit. Around 26,000 young people in Haryana are beginning new careers with this exemplary system, representing the new government’s commitment to fairness and economic empowerment,” PM Modi stated, appreciating Haryana’s drive toward efficient, corruption-free employment practices.

The address reflected the dual themes of heritage and progress, underscoring the nation’s pride in its cultural milestones while focusing on opportunities for youth empowerment. The historic Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya and government job initiatives emphasize a vision of unity, cultural pride, and economic promise as India steps into a festive season filled with tradition and new opportunities.