Gorakhpur, Apr 6 (Reporter) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that showing reverence for womanhood is a sacred duty of every individual. While addressing a gathering after performing Kanya Pujan at the Gorakhnath Temple, the CM highlighted the state government's efforts to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment, while also praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and 'Matru Vandana Yojana'. "The recently enacted Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam guarantees women's representation across key sectors, including the legislature," he said. He extended heartfelt wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami and the ninth day of Vasantik Navratri. "This day holds great spiritual significance for Sanatan Dharma followers, as we worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga during these nine days. Today marks the culmination of these rituals with the worship of young girls symbolising the nine goddesses," he said. Highlighting India's deep-rooted cultural tradition of respecting women, Yogi said, "Our Sanatan tradition reveres feminine divinity. This sentiment is beautifully observed during both Sharadiya and Vasantik Navratri through Kanya Pujan." He urged the people to rise above gender bias and ensure that no girl, woman, or sister suffers injustice or exploitation. "This is a collective responsibility. Only when we ensure a safe and just environment for our women, can we move towards building a strong and developed India," he said. The CM highlighted the spiritual significance of Ram Navami, commemorating the birth of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram. He said that devotees across the country are marking the occasion with Akhand Ramayan recitations and devotional singing. He said, "Millions have gathered in Ayodhya for the grand celebrations, where Lord Surya offered the Surya Tilak to Ram Lalla at noon." Reflecting on the monumental event of Lord Ram's Prakatya (reappearance) in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, he said, "Breaking the chains of over 500 years of subjugation, the re-establishment of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya has not only marked a sacred moment for Sanatan Dharma followers, but has also ignited a new light of hope and inspiration for the oppressed and marginalized across the world." He urged people to draw inspiration from the life of Lord Ram, who teaches us to uphold dignity, stay composed in adversity, and fulfill personal, familial, social, and national duties with unwavering dedication. On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, Yogi expressed gratitude to PM Modi for inaugurating India’s first auto bridge, the Pamban Bridge, at Rameshwaram. Calling Rameshwaram one of the holiest sites in India and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, he highlighted how Lord Ram had connected the north and south of India, reinforcing the spirit of unity. He said, "This new bridge in Rameshwaram reflects Prime Minister Modi's vision of development rooted in heritage. It’s an honour for all of us to be connected to such a historic and divine place through this initiative...////...