VARANASI, Nov. 1 -- Vice-president CP Radhakrishnan on Friday noted Varanasi's remarkable transformation over the past 25 years and attributed this progress to the "visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath." The V-P graced the inauguration of the new satram (lodging facility) constructed by the Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram Managing Society at Sigra, as the chief guest. The event was also attended by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who welcomed Radhakrishnan at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport upon his arrival, as per a release. The facility was inaugurated by the vice-president in presence of Yogi Adityanath. The 10-storey Satram, comprising 140 rooms, is the second facility built by the Society in Varanasi. It is aimed at serving visiting devotees and encouraging younger generations to visit the holy city. Addressing the gathering, the vice-president highlighted the time-honoured spiritual and cultural bond between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu. He also shared personal reflections, including his transformation to vegetarianism after taking a holy dip in the Ganga in the year 2000. The V-P praised the Nagarathar community for their dedicated social service and their sustained efforts to promote Tamil culture wherever they go. He appreciated the community for constructing the Satram at a cost of Rs.60 crore, as a symbol of faith, resilience, and collaboration between regions. He highlighted that Dharma ultimately prevails, noting that the land on which the Satram now stands had once been encroached upon, but was successfully recovered through the efforts of the state government. The Satram, he said, now stands as a noble facility for devotees. He also commended the return of the idol of Goddess Annapurani Amman Devi to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex. The idol, which had been stolen from the temple in Varanasi over a century ago, was returned to India from Canada in 2021 due to the sustained efforts of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, in his address, emphasised the unity in diversity that defines India, stating, "Our languages may be different, but the soul of India is one." He also referenced sacred Jyotirlingas such as Rameshwaram and Kashi, underscoring their historical and spiritual connections. After the inauguration, the vice-president visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of all....