share
World
Largest crowdfunding project was achieved in Ayodhya
10, Jan 2024
68 Views
This is how world’s largest crowdfunding project was achieved in Ayodhya
Creating a bridge between the sacred and the tangible, a collaborative endeavour between the VHP, the RSS and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust gave rise to an extensive donation campaign that was set to unfold over a period of one and a half months. Thus, the biggest crowdfunding drive of the world—the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan—was launched.
Initially, the estimated cost for constructing the magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya was approximated to be ₹1,800 crore. The core essence of the Samarpan drive initiative was grounded in the unwavering belief that the temple is a devoted offering to Lord Ram, and any financial constraint would not hinder the progress of this divine undertaking. General Secretary Champat Rai too has said that the ambitious scope of this initiative was to traverse every corner of the country, from the northern reaches of Kashmir to the southern tip of Kanyakumari, from the western border to the eastern edge, leaving no stone unturned.
The objective was to not only disseminate information about the Ram Temple but also create a profound awareness among the masses while seeking their invaluable support. Commencing on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on 15 January 2021, this intensive and extensive campaign was meticulously designed to span until Magh Purnima which fell on 27 February 2021. The campaign was set to reach an astonishing 110 million families residing in 400,000 villages across the nation, guided by the dedicated efforts of VHP karyakartas.
In this collective endeavour, the Ram Temple transformed into more than just a place of worship; it took on the significance of a ‘Rashtra Mandir’—a temple that symbolizes the nation itself. It provided a platform for individuals from all corners of the country to contribute to a shared dream that resonated deeply with millions—the construction of a temple at the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram. The actual response was overwhelming, with donations pouring in from citizens, organizations and communities.
The donation drive was initiated simultaneously from 400 different locations. The VHP started its campaign with a donation of ₹500,100 from the first person of the country, President Ram Nath Kovind, on his and his family’s behalf. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu followed suit, along with several state governors and CMs who also made contributions for the temple construction. Within 11 months of it being set up, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust managed to collect a little over ₹100 crore, with the Gujarat-based spiritual leader Morari Bapu contributing the highest donation of ₹11.3 crore, with his followers in the US, Canada and the UK having collected another ₹8 crore.
The funds received by the Trust through this campaign crossed ₹2,500 crore, and the figure was expected to only go up. As per Swami Govind Dev Giri, treasurer of the Trust, it was observed that contributions were made to the fundraising campaign by individuals across various communities and age groups. He mentioned that even children contributed from their piggy banks, while individuals with occupations such as labourers, beggars, vendors and rickshaw pullers donated according to their capacity. Swami ji stated that donations were received from all corners of the country encompassing people of different castes, creeds and religions.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on 6 March 2021 said through a tweet that Arunachal Pradesh had contributed ₹4.5 crore, Manipur ₹2 crore, Mizoram ₹21 lakh, Nagaland ₹28 lakh and Meghalaya ₹85 lakh for the purpose. As informed by general secretary of the Trust, Champat Rai, Rajasthan made the highest contribution in the Samarpan Drive, with a collection of more than ₹500 crore. Amidst heartwarming instances of devotion and selflessness, the narrative of contributions towards the construction of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya takes on a deeply moving dimension.
In a striking testament to the power of faith over material circumstances, a 90-year-old woman, despite her financial limitations, made a donation to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan. Her gesture underscored the belief that the value of the contribution lies not in its monetary worth but in the love and devotion with which it is offered. Similarly, another elderly woman from Telangana, surviving on a meagre pension, donated ₹500 towards the temple’s construction. When questioned about her decision, she expressed that her faith in Bhagwan Ram’s providence was her source of reassurance, stating that her devotion outweighed her concerns about her pensiondependent livelihood.
Take the case of Munnibai Khushwaha, a resident of Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha. She ekes out a living by selling plums. However, her modest means did not deter her from contributing to the grand vision of the Shri Ram Mandir. With a heart full of devotion, she contributed coins, ₹10 and ₹20 notes, totalling ₹100. Welcoming the volunteers with open arms, she offered them tea and plums, while sharing her belief that Bhagwan Shri Ram’s blessings transcend distinctions of wealth, age and gender. Her conviction showcased the unifying power of devotion.
Individuals across India viewed the construction of the Ram Temple not merely as a religious undertaking but as a national project. Zahara Begum, based in Andhra Pradesh and the organizer of the Tahera Trust operating in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, called on the Muslim community to contribute to the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya. This call has resonated with many Muslim families in villages, inspiring them to come forward and contribute. Begum, who is currently in the USA, emphasized that this gesture is a way of reciprocating the goodwill extended by Hindu communities in villages, who have helped the Muslim community by donating land for mosques and other religious structures.
Another example is that of Wasim Rizvi, former chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board, who publicly announced his contribution of ₹51,000 towards the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The contributions received from across regions and religions not only reflected the importance of the temple for many but also showcased the unity and solidarity of the Indian populace.
‘Donors’ devotion is so deep that they continued sending money to our accounts even when the pandemic had brought the entire country to a standstill,’ Prakash Gupta, an RSS member who runs the Trust’s office, told reporters in Ayodhya. In a press release, the VHP stated that the campaign had captured indelible, astonishing and heartwarming moments. The donation drive was, thus, underpinned by a robust organizational structure. The trust ensured utmost transparency in its financial operations by issuing printed coupons and receipts of denominations such as ₹10, ₹100 and ₹1000.
The trust’s transparent handling of funds lent credibility and trustworthiness to the campaign. This sense of assurance encouraged individuals from all walks of life to contribute to a cause that had transcended mere religious boundaries. The campaign’s success was also attributed to the outreach strategy. The drive’s organizers, including the VHP, employed various mediums to reach out to people, from door-to-door interactions to social media campaigns. This comprehensive approach ensured that no corner of the nation remained untouched, making the drive accessible to every willing participant.
This is how world’s largest crowdfunding project was achieved in Ayodhya© Provided by ThePrint
This excerpt from Swadesh Singh’s ‘Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Bharat’s Quest for Ram-Rajya’ has been published with permission from Rupa Publications.
© Provided by ThePrint
share Share now
Related Posts
World
Google Search will no longer show ‘cached’ web pages.
03, Feb 2024
56 Views
World
US approves sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India for nearly $4 billion
03, Feb 2024
45 Views
World
2nd Apple iPhone plant in India.
03, Feb 2024
83 Views
World
Weather Update
03, Feb 2024
73 Views
World
IAF Vayu Shakti 2024.
03, Feb 2024
84 Views
World
All about aim, efficiency, and infrastructure investment.
03, Feb 2024
100 Views
World
Mumbai: PM Modi To Inaugurate Partial Opening Of Coastal Road On February 19
03, Feb 2024
52 Views
World
How Israel is flooding and destroying Hamas tunnels in Gaza
03, Feb 2024
105 Views
World
NLC’s Talabira project promises cheapest thermal power
03, Feb 2024
79 Views
World
Assam: Guwahati airport to get new terminal
03, Feb 2024
59 Views
World
Nirmala Sitharaman lights up rooftop solar scheme with free power pledge
03, Feb 2024
99 Views
World
Union Budget 2024: Key announcements from Nirmala Sitharaman's interim budget speech
01, Feb 2024
54 Views
World
Man follows Google Maps' 'fastest route', car ends up on stairs in Nilgiris
29, Jan 2024
79 Views
World
After 1893, another great day.
23, Jan 2024
63 Views
World
2036 Olympics means for its economy
23, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
RAM MANDIR: AYODHYA
23, Jan 2024
61 Views
World
'They have to send a message': How Houthi 'hornet's nest' may sting US
13, Jan 2024
49 Views
World
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge named INDIA bloc chief, Nitish rejects convenor post
13, Jan 2024
56 Views
World
2 Indians Among 12 Killed in Bus Accident in Nepal's Dang District
13, Jan 2024
55 Views
World
From Diamond Neckpiece To 1100 Kg Lamp
11, Jan 2024
62 Views
World
Over 11,000 VIPs at Ram Mandir's inaugural event. Here are token gifts for guests
11, Jan 2024
55 Views
World
Picturesque golden beach of Puri in for a rejuvenated makeover
11, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
PM to inaugurate India’s longest sea bridge
11, Jan 2024
80 Views
World
The Giant Swing in Rishikesh
10, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
Man protects child with shawl while riding bike. Internet has concerns amid praise
10, Jan 2024
121 Views
World
'Ask Zelenskyy for money': UAE ruler snubs Netanyahu's request to pay Palestinians
10, Jan 2024
65 Views
World
South Korea pledges to help exporters facing Red Sea cargo disruption
10, Jan 2024
75 Views
World
Tamil Nadu guv withdraws notification over appointment of V-Cs
10, Jan 2024
69 Views
World
Bengaluru's Peenya flyover to stay shut for 3 days
10, Jan 2024
66 Views
World
150 armed CISF commandos for Ayodhya airport
10, Jan 2024
56 Views
World
SNOWLESS KASHMIR
10, Jan 2024
71 Views
World
Medigadda barrage sinking
10, Jan 2024
64 Views
World
One litre bottle of water found to be hiding 2,40,000 tiny plastic fragments
10, Jan 2024
70 Views
World
Adani group hands over Drishti 10 Starliner UAV to Indian Navy
10, Jan 2024
99 Views
World
Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 inaugurated: Key points
10, Jan 2024
66 Views
World
Set Guinness record: AYODHYA
10, Jan 2024
98 Views
World
India's first indigenously manufactured UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ flagged off
10, Jan 2024
51 Views
World
PM Modi meets top CEOs, lures investments to boost economy, create jobs
09, Jan 2024
48 Views
World
Jyoti CNC Automation IPO opens for subscription, GMP indicates premium positioning
09, Jan 2024
55 Views
World
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya: One District One Medical College
09, Jan 2024
49 Views
World
The war in the Gaza has destroyed the myth of the power of the Israeli army
09, Jan 2024
69 Views
World
Chokepoints and Non-State Actors: Red Sea Attacks Highlight the Need for Combating Weaponised Interd
09, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
Indian Navy's fast attack craft INS Kabra arrives at Colombo
09, Jan 2024
45 Views
World
Pak army chief feared 'hard action' by India if IAF pilot not returned: Ex-envoy
09, Jan 2024
37 Views
World
HanuMan Makers to Donate Rs 5 From Every Ticket
09, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
Vishal donates food to 500 people after paying his final respects at Vijayakanth's memorial
09, Jan 2024
60 Views
World
FirstCry CEO Supam Maheshwari sells company's shares worth Rs 300 cr ahead of IPO
09, Jan 2024
49 Views
World
Layoffs 2024: E-commerce Major Flipkart Plans To Reduce its Workforce by 5-7 pc; Details
09, Jan 2024
39 Views
World
Infosys loses another veteran as senior VP Binny Mathews joins Accenture
09, Jan 2024
46 Views
World
New Niu XQi3 Electric Dirtbike To Make Its Way To Europe In Spring 2024
09, Jan 2024
119 Views
World
India Logs 605 COVID Cases in 24 Hours
09, Jan 2024
45 Views
World
Supreme Court stays Bombay HC order asking ECI to hold Pune Lok Sabha by-poll
09, Jan 2024
56 Views
World
Bhutan To Hold 4th Parliamentary Elections Today Amid High Inflation, Unemployment
09, Jan 2024
43 Views
World
PM Modi lauds singer Hariharan's Ram Bhajan ahead of Ayodhya temple inauguration
09, Jan 2024
63 Views
World
Manipur: Centre asks state to study delisting Kukis, Zomis from ST list
09, Jan 2024
67 Views
World
Exports from Ayodhya see 150% jump in 2022-23, bituminous coal bring Rs 90.61 cr
09, Jan 2024
43 Views
World
Noida authority’s new building to be ready by November 2024
09, Jan 2024
82 Views
World
Severe traffic jams due to heavy rain in Chennai.
09, Jan 2024
71 Views
World
Indian PM Modi to inaugurate 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit tomorrow
09, Jan 2024
82 Views
World
Maldives In Damage Control Mode
09, Jan 2024
64 Views
World
Chlorine gas leak in Dehradun, residents evacuated amid breathing issues
09, Jan 2024
72 Views
World
Stock Market Today: Zee, Tata Steel, Bajaj Auto, And LIC Shares In Focus
09, Jan 2024
69 Views
World
Check Date, Muhurat, And Significance Of Auspicious Day
09, Jan 2024
80 Views
World
Taiwan ruling party candidate will maintain status quo, engage with China
09, Jan 2024
62 Views
World
New Delhi Declined China’s Offer To Mediated Between Indian And Pakistan After 2019 Balakot Strike
09, Jan 2024
50 Views
World
Ayodhya: Electric buses to ply on Ram Path, Dharam Path
09, Jan 2024
60 Views
World
Flipkart May Reduce Workforce
09, Jan 2024
66 Views
World
Forth Worth Sandman Hotel Explosion
09, Jan 2024
50 Views
World
Tamil Nadu transport workers declare indefinite strike from today. Here's why
09, Jan 2024
54 Views
World
ULFA claims Indian forces carried out drone attacks on outfit's Myanmar camp
09, Jan 2024
46 Views
World
PM Modi lands in Ahmedabad for Vibrant Gujarat Summit
09, Jan 2024
61 Views
World
Bhutan votes today as economic crisis hits 'national happiness'
09, Jan 2024
48 Views
World
Start-up CEO kills 4-year-old son in Goa
09, Jan 2024
64 Views
World
Cong urges people to participate in Yatra, calls for strengthening commitment to justice
08, Jan 2024
51 Views
World
Elon Musk reacts to drug use claims as SpaceX management expresses concerns: ‘Not even…’
08, Jan 2024
43 Views
World
B'desh PM Sheikh Hasina secures fourth straight term as her party wins two-thirds majority in polls
08, Jan 2024
69 Views
World
US government shutdown: Congressional leaders sign $1.66 trillion government funding deal
08, Jan 2024
49 Views
World
Alaska Airlines cancels more than 200 flights after FAA order to ground Boeing Max
08, Jan 2024
51 Views
World
New chip policy
08, Jan 2024
77 Views
World
World Braille Day
06, Jan 2024
55 Views
World
Covid-19 update: India logs 774 new cases, 2 deaths in 24 hours; 619 JN.1 infections so far
06, Jan 2024
71 Views
World
Govt amends PM-eBus Sewa tender, adds 100 low-floor buses
06, Jan 2024
47 Views
World
Why do airlines charge passengers extra
06, Jan 2024
54 Views
World
Govt unlikely to meet highway award target for FY24, working on new strategy for high-speed corridor
06, Jan 2024
47 Views
World
Burj Khalifa turns 14
06, Jan 2024
56 Views
World
England floods
06, Jan 2024
62 Views
World
Kerala guv gives assent to ordinance to amend GST law
06, Jan 2024
74 Views
World
World Telugu Conference from today
06, Jan 2024
53 Views
World
PM Modi's tourism pitch in Lakshadweep than meets the eye
06, Jan 2024
84 Views
World
Newly opened picturesque Munnar-Bodimettu highway leaves netizens spellbound
06, Jan 2024
70 Views
World
Exclusive details of marine commando operation
06, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
Vande Bharat’s 50th Train Ready With Modified Features
06, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
Modi’s dream project to fuel Gujarat’s growth!
06, Jan 2024
51 Views
World
New York Home Built Nearly 240 Years Ago Heads to Market
06, Jan 2024
64 Views
World
PM Modi greenlights PRITHVI scheme
05, Jan 2024
44 Views
World
Navigating Aadhaar Rules
05, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
Drone Attacks Ships In Red Sea Day After 'Final Warning' By US And 12 Allies
05, Jan 2024
66 Views
World
stock up 48% in 6 sessions check target price, bulk deal details & more
05, Jan 2024
42 Views
World
BOMB SCARES AT KOLKATA'S 200-YEAR-OLD MUSEUM
05, Jan 2024
45 Views
World
A GENERIC FORMULATION TO TREAT MIGRAINE
05, Jan 2024
46 Views
World
MAHARASTRA'S FIRST WOMAN GDP
05, Jan 2024
67 Views
World
ANOTHER COVID WAVE SOON
05, Jan 2024
79 Views
World
AYODHYA AIRPORT AS MAHARISHI VALMIKI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
05, Jan 2024
47 Views
World
TAMILNADU IS THE NEW CHINA
05, Jan 2024
53 Views
World
Merchant vessel with Indian crew hijacked in Arabian Sea, Indian Navy operation on
05, Jan 2024
94 Views
World
UK Elections 2024 updates
05, Jan 2024
51 Views
World
ECLIPSE 2024-CHECK UPDATES
05, Jan 2024
54 Views
World
RIGHT TO TRAVEL ON QUALITY ROAD AFTER TAX-PAYING: FORUM
05, Jan 2024
76 Views
World
TWO SPECIAL TRAINSHYDERABAD-KAKINADA FOR SANKRANTHI
05, Jan 2024
50 Views
World
NEW RAILWAY LINE FROM GUDIVADA VIA TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH
05, Jan 2024
72 Views
World
HDFC Bank Q3 update
05, Jan 2024
65 Views
World
17 THEFT ACCUSED AND RECOVERS STOLEN ITEMS
05, Jan 2024
72 Views
World
ALL-GIRL BAND FROM NORTH EAST TO TAKE PART IN NCC REPUBLIC DAY CAMP
05, Jan 2024
54 Views
World
GATE ADMIN CARDS
05, Jan 2024
60 Views
World
INDIA SHIVERS DUE TO
05, Jan 2024
63 Views
World
MASKS MANDATORY IN US IN SOME HOSPITALS
05, Jan 2024
106 Views
World
VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS WOWS AGAIN
04, Jan 2024
69 Views
World
IIT MADRAS,FREE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS
04, Jan 2024
55 Views
World
INDIA LOGS 798 NEW COVID CASES.145 SUB-VARIANT CASES SO FAR
04, Jan 2024
50 Views
World
EXPANDING OILS STORAGE IN INDIA
04, Jan 2024
49 Views
World
EXPANDING OILS STORAGE IN INDIA
04, Jan 2024
58 Views
World
MASK MANDATE IN NEW YORK CITY AS COVID-19 RAISES
04, Jan 2024
108 Views
World
EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE STRIKED 4.3
04, Jan 2024
52 Views
World
PONGAL GIFT HAMPER ITEMS ANNOUNCES TAMILNADU
04, Jan 2024
69 Views
World
Several flights delayed at Delhi airport due to low visibility, dense fog over north India – Check
04, Jan 2024
66 Views
World
Iran: About 100 killed, 211 wounded in blasts
04, Jan 2024
53 Views
World
Coronavirus cases in India: Active Covid cases in country recorded at 4,440
04, Jan 2024
70 Views
World
UK'S NEW VISA RULES WILL IMPACT INDIAN STUDENTS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS
03, Jan 2024
81 Views
World
26 TRAINS DELAYED: LIKELY TO REDUCE FURTHER IN COMING DAYS: SAYS IMD
03, Jan 2024
47 Views
World
TRAIN STUCK IN SRIVAIKUNTAM DUE TO HEAVY RAINS
03, Jan 2024
62 Views
World
RAIL DEVELOPMENT:KEREA GOVT SEEKS RENAMING OF KOCHUVELI, NEMON RAILWAY STATION
03, Jan 2024
48 Views
World
SCHOOLS SHUT TILL JAN 6: LUCKNOW
03, Jan 2024
68 Views
World
ISRO Aditya L-1 Launch
03, Jan 2024
71 Views
World
JAPAN MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE
02, Jan 2024
59 Views
World
FIRE CATCHES A PLANE IN JAPAN
02, Jan 2024
63 Views