Ayodhya: Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who created the Ram Lalla idol for Ayodhya’s grand temple, is shaken and shocked by reports of theft of donations by the same temple staff, who collected and managed crores of cash and jewellery offerings from devotees in India and abroad.
The noted sculptor, however, stood behind the Temple Trust officials, particularly its general secretary Champat Rai, calling him a “symbol of simplicity and uprightness.”
Arun Yogiraj, speaking to IANS, said it was very painful for him to see the unfolding events related to the embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple.
“As a devotee of Lord Ram, I feel this is deeply painful because devotees across the globe donate their hard-earned money to the temple with faith, love, and devotion, believing they are making offerings for Ram Lalla,” he said.
He said that this theft is deeply shocking to crores of Lord Ram devotees and could prompt them to rethink their faith in the temple trustees.
He called for strict action against all the miscreants who connived to steal temple money and brought the temple into disrepute; however, he had some kind words for the Temple Trust members, particularly Champat Rai.
“I have been associated with the Trust for quite a long time, for about eight to nine months. I know Champat Rai and other trust members. For me, they are symbols of simplicity, hard work and dedication,” he remarked.
“They maintained the highest level of transparency and accountability in their conduct, and it’s beyond belief to see things panning out the way they have in the past few days,” he added.
Arun Yogiraj and his team spent around seven to eight months in Ayodhya, tirelessly sculpting the Ram Lalla idol, capturing the delicate balance of divinity and childlike innocence.
He further stated that it is hard to believe that such irregularities occurred at the temple under the Trust’s watch, yet cited its proactive role in initiating the SIT probe.
“It was Champat Rai, who approached the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to initiate a probe into wrongdoings in the Chadhava collection. This shows his utmost devotion to Lord Ram and maintaining the highest moral conduct,” he said, referring to his and other Trustees’ reported resignation on moral grounds.
Recalling his previous association with the Temple Trust, he said that he had always seen the members act with morality and uprightness, adding that they would reach any decision after taking everyone into confidence.
Hoping for quick and exemplary action against the culprits over alleged misappropriation of donations, he stated, “With the passage of time and vast expansion in devotees’ turnout at the temple, some miscreants milked the opportunity to their advantage. But, I firmly believe that all those who colluded to steal the temple’s money will be booked and brought to justice soon.”
(IANS)
