The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released a new book titled “Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response” at the Vice President’s Enclave in New Delhi. The book is written by Shri Surendra Kumar Pachauri, a former Secretary to the Government of India. The event was attended by several senior officials, scholars, and well-known personalities.
While speaking at the event, the Vice President said that the book clearly explains the long and difficult journey to reclaim the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. He appreciated the author for presenting history in a calm, balanced, and scholarly manner, without exaggeration or bias. According to him, the book helps readers understand the issue with facts, empathy, and respect for truth.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that the construction of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a landmark moment in India’s civilisational history. He explained that it is a rare example where faith, history, law, and democracy came together peacefully. He added that even if many temples are built elsewhere, none can match the importance of a temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram.
The Vice President described Lord Shri Ram as the soul of the nation and the foundation of India’s dharma. He said that dharma can never be defeated and that truth always wins in the end. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Ram Rajya, he explained that it stands for justice, equality, and dignity for every citizen.
Shri Radhakrishnan said it was painful that such a long legal process was needed to establish the birthplace of Lord Ram. However, he pointed out that this also showed the strength of Indian democracy. Despite the faith of millions, the land was given only after legal proof and due process. This, he said, is why India is proudly called the Mother of Democracy.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict, the Vice President said the judgment fulfilled the dreams of millions of Indians. He described it as a turning point in Indian history that helped restore national self-respect. He also mentioned that the verdict was based on strong legal and archaeological evidence.
The Vice President highlighted that gaps in historical records had delayed justice for many years. He expressed happiness that the book documents the modern phase of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement for future generations. He also referred to the ASI findings mentioned in the book, which pointed to the presence of a pre-existing structure at the site.
Shri Radhakrishnan recalled the huge public response after the verdict. He spoke about the nationwide donation drive led by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which collected over ₹3,000 crore from devotees across the world. He also shared a personal memory of his mother taking part in shila puja during the 1990s.
The Vice President credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for guiding the revival of the sacred site in a way that reflected India’s democratic values and cultural confidence. He also remembered the Dhwaja-rohan ceremony held on 25 November 2025, calling it an emotional moment for the entire nation.
Speaking about the universal appeal of Lord Ram, Shri Radhakrishnan said that devotion to Shri Ram is not limited to India. He noted that Lord Ram is revered in places like Fiji and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, showing the global reach of Indian culture and values.
Concluding his speech, the Vice President said that Lord Shri Ram’s life teaches humanity the importance of virtue, compassion, and winning hearts rather than ruling kingdoms. He encouraged citizens to follow these ideals in their daily lives. He congratulated the author and expressed hope that the book would reach a wide audience.
The event was attended by several eminent personalities, including Shri Nripendra Mishra, Shri Vinod Rai, Shri Deepak Gupta, Shri Amit Khare, Shri Ashish Gosain of Har Anand Publications, and other distinguished guests.
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