Today a programme was organized by the Tourism Federation Jammu to release Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Guide Book 2022 to facilitate the pilgrims during their Yatra. Champat Rai, General Secretary Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Ayodhya, Member of Parliament from Jammu-Poonch constituency Jugal Kishore Sharma, Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation Chander Mohan Gupta were special invitees.
The programme started with lighting of the traditional lamp and paying floral obeisance to Lord Rama, followed by recitation of Shri Ram bhajan in Dogri by Pt. Sat Pal Raina. Those present on the occasion prayed for peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. The audiences were left spellbound to see the animated video of the construction going on at Ram Janmbhoomi Ayodhya. They were shown how the construction work is going on and how will the magnificent temple look after its completion.
The programme was conducted by General Secretary Tourism Federation Jammu, Raman Suri, who is also President of Sarafa Association Jammu. Introducing Champat Rai to the audience, Raman Suri said that he is blessed to be serving the cause of construction of the Ram Temple. Suri added that his first visit to the City of Temples after beginning of the construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya is historic and informative besides Jammu people have been able to seek his blessings.
Champat Rai, who was in town in connection with social events, was received and honoured by representatives of various travel, trade and bazars including Sarafa Association Jammu, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Raghunath Bazar, Kanak Mandi Traders, Residency Road, Veer Marg, Link Road, Purani Mandi, Bus Stand, Shalamar Road, Trikuta Complex, Apsara Road, Ware House Traders, Subhdra Foundation, Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, Shri Amarnath Welfare Society and other bazars of Jammu city.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, in his address said that Champat Rai has remained associated with the Ram Janmbhoomi since 1983 and he has stood witness to each and every development that kept unfolding during this period. He appreciated the Tourism Federation Jammu for releasing the Guide Book, saying that it will help the pilgrims take down points and carry forward their pilgrimage smoothly.
Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation, Chander Mohan Gupta, while welcoming Champat Rai, said that his contribution in the construction of Ram Temple is par excellence and he has been looking after the work of the temple right from beginning. His arrival to the City of Temples and revelations about the temple construction at Ayodhya has made people know about the progress at the site. He said that people from Jammu and Kashmir are eager to visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya and are looking forward to its completion as soon as possible.
Champat Rai, while addressing the gathering, said that doors of the magnificent Ram temple at Ayodhya will soon be thrown open for devotees across the world. He said, after retrieving the land, the engineers at site faced multiple technical issues but the same were overcome after which the foundation work stands completed today. Now the work on terrace, finishing and landscape is going on which will be completed by August 23, 2023. Along with this, decorative pillars and the main sanctum-sanctorum will be constructed, for which devotees across the globe are overly-enthusiastic. He further informed the gathering that the boundary wall is also being designed in such a way that the devotees will be able to conduct a Parikrama while walking on top of it as well. He said that the design of the Ram Temple is such that it is going to be acclaimed and appreciated across the globe. Regarding Shri Amarnath ji Yatra, he said, this is a very important Hindu pilgrimage and the increasing number of pilgrims year after year establishes its sanctity.
The programme saw the presence of many prominent personalities of Jammu including Kiran Wattal, Tapan Dubey, Gaurav Gupta, Ajay Gupta, B.B. Kotwal, Sd. Amrik Singh, Abhay Bakaya, Sd. Gurmeet Singh, Jagdish Langar and Surinder Mahajan.
A vote of thanks was presented by the Working President Vishva Hindu Parishad and Chairman Tourism Federation Jammu, Rajesh Gupta, who thanked Champat Rai for sparing his valuable time for the people of Jammu and releasing the guide book on Shri Amarnath ji Yatra. He also thanked MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta, DDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan, Dr Manyal and all the respected invitees for their presence and valuable words.
Later, Champat Rai was presented with a shawl and bouquet as a mark of respect and for his visit to Jammu city. This was followed by Preeti Bhoj of ethnic Dogri cuisine, which was appreciated by all those present in the event.