: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 9:58 PM
New Delhi. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan participated in an important event at the Vice President Enclave in New Delhi on Tuesday. He released the book ‘Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response’ written by Surendra Kumar Pachauri, former Secretary to the Government of India. While addressing the program, the Vice President said that this book tells the entire story of the centuries-long struggle to get back the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. The author has presented this historical event in a balanced, sympathetic and scholarly manner, with nothing sensational or distorted. He described the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya as a decisive milestone in India’s civilizational journey. He said that here faith, history, law and democracy all came together with dignity. Even though thousands of temples are built in the country, the Ram temple built at the birthplace has its own importance. He stressed that Lord Shri Ram is the soul of India and the soul of Indian religion. Truth always wins and religion never accepts defeat. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Ram Rajya, he said that it is a symbol of justice, equality and dignity.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan referred to the lengthy legal process involving the Ram Janmabhoomi and said it was painful to watch. In other countries, such a situation would have been unimaginable, but in India, despite the faith of the entire country, land was allotted only on the basis of evidence and proper legal process, which shows the strength of Indian democracy, hence India is called the mother of democracy.
Referring to the 2019 Supreme Court decision, he said that this decision fulfilled the long-cherished dreams of millions of Indians and proved to be a major turning point in history. Ram temple has restored the self-respect of Indians.
He highlighted the difficulty of writing history and said that it requires emotional balance and fidelity to the truth. Pachauri has brought out the essence of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement very well. In the past, justice was delayed due to deficiencies in historical documents, but this book documents the modern-day struggle so that future generations will be aware of the sacrifices and efforts.
The Vice President cited the ASI’s findings, which had found evidence of a pre-existing structure, which influenced the judicial decision. People’s reaction after the decision was very positive. Hailed the crowd-funding campaign of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which raised more than Rs 3,000 crore from across the world. He also shared a personal memory of his mother’s participation in Shila Puja in the 1990s.
He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he presented the revival of Ram Temple as a sign of mature democracy and cultural self-confidence. The flag hoisting in the temple on 25 November 2025 was described as an emotional moment, which was witnessed by the entire country.
Speaking on the universal appeal of Lord Shri Ram, the Vice President said that his faith transcends geography—from Ayodhya, Rameshwaram to Angkor Wat in Fiji and Cambodia. The life of Shri Ram teaches that true greatness lies in virtues and winning hearts, not in ruling kingdoms. He called upon the citizens to adopt these ideals. In the end, the Vice President congratulated the author Pachauri and expressed hope that this book will reach as many people as possible.
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Web Title-Vice President CP Radhakrishnan releases book, says Ram Temple restored Indians self-respect
