Ram Mandir Consecration: UN General Assembly chief hails 'auspicious day' as 'Second Diwali'

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a five-day visit at the invitation of India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. Upon arrival, Francis expressed his happiness as landed in India amid consecration ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Temple.The UNGA President, who was received at the airport by India's permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said he is looking forward to discussing peace and progress in the country."Namaste, Bharat! Delighted to arrive in New Delhi on an auspicious day when the country is celebrating its 'Second Diwali'. Looking forward to fruitful discussions over the next few days on Peace, Progress, Prosperity and Sustainability!" Francis expressed his feeling on X after arriving in India.Meanwhile, the 'Pran Prathistha' or consecration ceremony was being held on Monday, 22 January, 2024, in the temple town of Ayodhya amid tight security. The historic ritual of Ram Lalla 'Pran Pratistha' took place in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, saints, seers and a host of distinguished guests.The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya Temple was held at 12:30 pm (IST).UNGA President's India visitDuring the visit, the UNGA President will hold talks with EAM Jaishankar on key multilateral issues of mutual interest.Besides holding talks with his Indian interlocutors in New Delhi, the top UN official will also travel to Jaipur and Mumbai.In Mumbai, he will pay floral tributes at the 26/11 memorial. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Saturday, said the visit by the President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (PGA) to India will also be an opportunity to enhance the country's collaboration with the global body.The MEA said Francis' visit will also be an opportunity to enhance India's collaboration with the United Nations on Indian priorities as well as the global challenges being faced by the Global South.In New Delhi, the PGA will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He is also scheduled to attend a round table on India's advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).Francis will also deliver a public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on 'Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability'.On 26 January, the PGA will participate as a state guest in the Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra.Belonging to the diplomatic service of Trinidad and Tobago, Francis has announced his presidency priorities to include peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability. The theme of his Presidency of the 78th UNGA is "Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity."With inputs from PTI