As a new and embellished Ayodhya anticipated Lord Ram's return to his birthplace and throne on Monday, several sitting ministers in New Zealand sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, stating that it was his leadership that enabled the construction of the Ram Temple after a 500-year wait, news agency ANI reported.
Talking to ANI, New Zealand's Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, said, "Jai Shri Ram...I wish to congratulate everyone in India, including PM Modi, as it was his leadership that made this construction (Ram Temple) possible after 500 years. The temple is majestic and built to last another 1000 years."
Melissa Lee, New Zealand's Minister for Ethnic Communities, echoed the refrain, stating that the Ram Mandir is the product of PM Modi's leadership and efforts. Speaking about the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Lee said: "I wish the Indian diaspora around the world for the celebration of the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Congratulations to PM Modi and the people of Bharat on the inauguration of Ram Mandir after 500 years. Ram Mandir is the result of PM Modi's work and his championing of resurrecting this Mandir...He has been elected so many times as the Prime Minister. It shows his desire to take India forward and grow the economy. PM Modi is respected around the world and he does very good for the people of India."
As the mega 'Pran Pratishtha' event of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya approaches, celebrations among the Indian diaspora abroad have been unrestrained.
In the latest example of the joyful spirit among locals throughout the world, members of the Indian diaspora in Sydney held a vehicle rally on Saturday to commemorate the Ram Temple's opening.