Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman recently made a significant visit to Ayodhya, where he met with Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This visit, which took place on a Saturday, was not just a personal pilgrimage but also a moment of cultural significance for Laxman, who has previously served as a coach for the Indian cricket team and is currently the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy.
A Warm Welcome and Meaningful Discussions
Upon arriving at Karsevakpuram, Laxman was greeted warmly by local staff, showcasing the hospitality of the region. Dressed casually in a cap, T-shirt, and jeans, he began his tour in a white car. During his visit, he engaged in discussions about the progress of the Ram Temple construction and sought insights from Champat Rai regarding the overall development of Ayodhya. Since the temple’s construction began in 2020, the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya has surged dramatically. According to Rai, approximately 75,000 devotees visit the temple daily, with numbers reaching up to 100,000 on Tuesdays and Saturdays. In just a year since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, over 40 million devotees have worshipped at the temple. The transformation of Ayodhya is not only significant from a religious perspective but also beneficial for tourism and the local economy. Champat Rai noted that the population of Ayodhya was merely 60,000 until 2011, but rapid changes have occurred since the city became a municipality in 2018. Previously narrow streets and cleanliness issues have been addressed through planned development and daily sanitation efforts initiated by the state government since 2017. This has led to a revitalized Ayodhya, enhancing its beauty and organization.
Laxman’s Legacy: From Cricket to Cultural Engagement
VVS Laxman is celebrated as one of the greatest names in Indian cricket, particularly known for his historic 281-run innings during the 2001 Kolkata Test, where he formed a remarkable partnership of 376 runs with Rahul Dravid. Recently, he reflected on this memorable innings on social media, expressing pride in being part of such a significant Test victory. His visit to Ayodhya represents a new chapter in his life, blending his cricketing legacy with active participation in social and cultural spheres. This journey not only highlights the religious importance of Ayodhya but also marks Laxman’s commitment to engaging with the community beyond the cricket field.
