The ‘bhoomipujan’, or the groundbreaking ceremony, at Ayodhya on August 5 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi must have made many across the country and abroad happy.
For them, the PM has come good on two of the promises made in the manifesto, the nullification of J&K’s Article 370, and establishment of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
In view of the significance of the event, Tehelka deputed Special Correspondents Mudit Mathur and Rakesh Rocky to do a story on the mood at Ayodhya and in the nation in the aftermath of the epoch making event.
Indeed, the date August 5 could not have been more potent with political overtones. This day marked the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which had given a special status and provisions to the erstwhile state of J&K. The picking of the date proves that there is politics about the construction of Ram temple.
A fine orator that he is, the PM described Ram as a symbol of inclusive governance and popular welfare. What needed to be added to the government’s slogan of “sabka saath, sabka vikas”, is the “sabka vishwas” to usher in pluralism, secularism and harmony.
At a time when Covid-19 has hit the economy and the situation at borders is precarious, there is a need to unite.
The construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya may hold the ruling party good for 2024 election as the temple is scheduled to be built within three and half years.
This would be a sure ammunition for the elections. However, there is a more urgent need to remain united to meet the triple challenge posed by China, Pakistan and even Nepal on our borders. Economy too needs an urgent healing touch.
The fact that Muslims have abided by the rule of law and accepted the Supreme Court verdict in the spirit of closure is laudable. The construction of the temple is the logical result of the apex court’s judgment. It should mark the end of an older, bitter phase of India, and the beginning of a new, harmonious phase.
Lord Ram looked after all people with empathy, compassion and love and it is expected from the PM to extend an olive branch to all citizens and establish a “Ram Rajya”.
In his speech, Modi cited Lord Ram’s adherence to justice, fairness and empathy for the vulnerable. He emphasised the importance of these values for the present. The PM said that Ram is the common thread in our unity in diversity. Ram’s descriptions are found in China, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Ram belongs to all and Ram is in all and as such the grand Ram temple to come up at Ayodhya would symbolize the rich legacy of our culture and inspire the whole humanity.
The PM emphasized that Ram’s life and character are the way to ‘Ram Rajya’. He observed that Lord Ram showered similar love on all his subjects but paid more attention towards poor and downtrodden. The nation is looking forward to this “Ram Rajya”!
