President Ram Nath Kovind sent a congratulatory message on Wednesday as the foundation stone for the construction of the Ram Temple was laid in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya. In a twitter message, Kovind said that laying of the foundation defines the country’s spirit of social harmony.

“Felicitations to all for the foundation laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Being built in tune with law, it defines India’s spirit of social harmony and people’s zeal. It will be a testimony to ideals of RamRajya and a symbol of modern India,” his tweet read.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, after the Supreme Court mandated its construction nine months back in a landmark judgement. The judgement brought into fruition the BJP’s 36-year long campaign pertaining to the construction of the temple, which defined its politics and brought the party to power.

After laying a 40-kg silver brick as the foundation stone and performing rituals, Modi said in a speech that the world was witnessing “history being made”.

“I express gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora across the world and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today’s pious occasion”, said Modi.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among those who attended the event at the site where a large number of devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born. A total of 175 guests were invited at the ceremony, all residents of Ayoshya, keeping in mind the pandemic situation.