18 years ago, one fine winter morning, a group of religious zealots/activists (depending on which side you support) brought down an old decrepit structure which had been under lock and key until very recently, provoking a series of deadly riots that this nation on fire. Communal discord isn't exactly new to India, I mean, that is what we are known for... That is why India and Pakistan came into existence, but since 1947, till 1992, riots were usually confined to one city or a state and were swiftly brought under control, if the government of the day felt the need. All of this changed in 1992... The destruction of the Mosque provoked a wave of communal unrest that took weeks to control and forever altered the socio-cultural fabric of the country.
I don't think it is fair to question the assumption, as is the practice among modern secular-liberal classes, if Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya or if indeed he was a "real" person. I think it is grossly unfair to treat the Hindus as a rag tag group of superstitious silly people whose beliefs need not be valued since they are not a cohesive group. Likewise, India is not a Hindu nation, inspite of an obvious Hindu majority and accordingly, it is absolutely detestable to suggest that one can ride roughshod over the sentiments of a minority community by demolishing Mosques/Gurudwaras/Churches. All this having been said, the courts are all set to deliver a verdict that will most probably deepen the fissures that already exist between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The Administration sits in a state of suspended animation, expecting the worst and hoping for the best.
The question I wish to ask is, Is it all really worth it? I mean, I for one, refuse to believe that any Hindu God would choose to reside in a place that is the source of so much bloodshed and misery. Likewise, Allah for sure would have forsaken a place that represents Hell on earth. Being able to Install a few idols and worshipping them or reconstructing the Mosque might imply symbolic victory for either community, but in spiritual terms, does it really mean anything? Probably, all Indians would be benefitted better if there were a hospital/orphanage/civic center constructed in its place. I am sure,even God would dwell in such a place. Let bygones be bygones... A Ram temple was demolished by a Muslim invader who constructed a Mosque in his own name which was destroyed by Hindu reactionaries more than 5 centuries later. Historical wrongs (if that is what they are) have already been "righted". A temple to Ram anywhere else, would honour his majesty and grandeur equally.... So would a Mosque in Kashmir or Kerala.
It is time to grow up and cognize for who we are. We are not Rwandans or some silly West African tribe, forever baying for Blood. We are not Hindus, or Muslims or Christians or Sikhs. We are the progenies of a proud tribe of people who made their mark on the world stage. We are the inheritors of a proud, glorious and a cultured past. And we owe it to our future generations to keep it that way.
Jai Hind!
