Ayodhya - Beyond the Verdict

The remarkable calm with which the Indian public at large, reacted to the much awaited verdict of the Allahabad High Court on the Barbri dispute, stands out as an unparalleled symbol of maturity, responsibility, and reason with which we the people of India have moved on since 1992.

The most dastardly act on Dec 6, 1992 perpetuated by some so called Ram bhakts and their patrons from some promiment political parties, shamed every right thinking Indian who had held his/her head high in the world community, while cherishing the foundations of secularism and religious tolerance on which our nation state is based.

The Nation awaited with bated breath as the verdict was about to be delivered, and this time the government took no chances where law and order was concerned. Needless to add, not only the government but the Nation as a whole heaved a sigh of relief when no untoward incident was reported from any part of the country.

The debates and opinions expressed by some of our fellow citizens on Televison , the stand taken by some political parties and religious groups, as well as the editorials of various leading dailies on the said verdict, proved it beyond doubt that the notwithstanding the beliefs and sentiments of millions of Hindus and Muslims over the 2.77 acres of disputed land at Ayodhya , the overall interests of our Nation were paramount and non negotiable.

Yes, the said verdict is subject to appeal in the Apex court, and let the constitutional process take its own course.

Over the years, so much of hatred has been generated over this complex issue, so many innocent lives lost in the mindless violence connected with it, and not to forget the political fortunes made by some through shrewd exploitation of the sentiments of Hindus over this dispute.

But then, considering the historical perspectives, facts on record, and beliefs connected with the same, how come no right thinking Hindu aggressively championed a possible amicable solution overall these years on the following lines ?

“ Ayodhya is one of the most sacred cities for Hindus. There is no doubt that the disputed site is revered by millions of Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram. We respect such belief. There has to be a Ram tmple at the disputed site. Nothing wrong in it.

But, if we indeed consider ourselves to be true devotees of Lord Ram, then isn’t it our duty to live upto His ideals as well ? Lest those who choose to forget, the welfare of His subjects was one such ideals for which Lord Ram is revered by millions of Hindus since times immemorial.

The demolition of the Babri mosque, which led to so many innocent deaths subsequently, was an act of grave sin against His ideals, and Lord Ram will never forgive those who committed this sin and that too on His birthplace.

We will build a temple dedicated to Lord Ram on the disputed site, but as His true devotees, side by side we will also ensure the construction of a mosque, and as a major step to ensure he welfare of the residents of Ayodya and adjoing places, we will also ensure the contruction of a medical instttute or a hospital in the adjoining area, which would offer free treatment to the poor and needy cutting across religious and caste lines.

In these efforts of ours, we would seek the cooperation and assistance of our Muslim bretheren.

Certainly, this would be a unique offering by we Hindus to Lord Ram and His ideals”

Remarkably enough today, post the verdict, there is still a debate raging on regarding the necessity of a negotiated settlement on this dispute.

Let Hindus come forward on a proactive basis, mould the opiniion of millions of devotees of Lord Ram on the above lines, and maganimously agree to share half of the disputed 2.77 acres of land with our Muslim bretheren, on which a mosque could be built.

Yes, the government on its part could release a part of the 70 acres of acquired land adjoining the disputed site under its posssesion , to be used only for a hospital or a premier medical institute.

All the three structures – viz the Ram temple, the mosque, and the hospital or the medical institute be constructed jointly by both Hindus and Muslims. Funds would be the last thing to worry about for this unique symbol exemplifying one of the main ideals for which Lord Ram is revered by millions around the world.

But the million dollar question is – which true devotee of Lord Ram would be willing to champion this idea, and make the birthplace of Lord Ram a unique symbol of His ideals, and not merely another place of worship among countless of others around the world ?

The Nation awaits such a true devotee of Lord Ram.