Subrata Bhowmick
Historicity of Sri Ram is denied by some intellectuals like Amartya Sen and who have called it a myth. It has been described in Valmiki Ramayana that Devi Kaushalya gave birth to Sri Ram having a celestial body on the ninth day in the month of Chaitra. The natal Star was Punarvasu and the Zodiac was Cancer. A research body named Eye survey has compared the relative positions of the Star and planets at that time with the help of the Software used by NASA as follows –
On that very basis the birth day of Sri Ram is Jan 10, 5114 B C. The relative positions of the Planets and Stars according to Valmiki Ramayana and that of the software match with each other at 12 noon on that day. Astonishingly if we convert this date according to lunar-month based calendar, it becomes the day—Chaitra Shukla Navami. Similarly, using planetarium software some other researchers have calculated that Sri Ram was born in the year 7323 B.C. or 9340 years ago.
Therefore, there is no doubt regarding the historicity of Sri Ram. All the Hindus strongly believe that Sri Ram was a historical stalwart who attained the dignity of God through his Karma.
Sri Ram doesn’t belong to Ayodhya or Uttar Pradesh or Hindi region only but to the entire Bharat. For centuries, culture-based national identity has been prevailing in Bharat irrespective of local rulers or political power. As an invariable proof of that cultural unity Sri Ram is the Symbol of ideal behaviour (Sadachaar), while Ravana is the opposite (Durachaar).
Though the Ram–Ravana war is described by the foreign Pandits and their Bharatiya sycophants as a war between Aryans—non-Aryans, there are plenty of Ram centric names in the region claimed to be not Aryan. Normally Ravan—centric names are not in vogue. Not only that, being the king of a tiny State like Ayodhya, Sri Ram has been adored and worshiped from Mangolia, China to Muslim majority Indonesia. That’s why Rabindranath said— Ramayana is the everlasting
history of Bharatvarsha. Therefore, Sri Ram is the symbol of many values that express Bharatiyata even in
modern context.
Democracy & Governance
Sri Ram is the symbol of that
democracy where the opinion of a sole individual is also important, contrary to the present day majoritarian
democracy. The person who expressed his suspicion about Devi Sita’s
chastity was not any sage or a Brahmin but an ordinary laborer. For this, Gandhiji said that “Ram Rajya of my dream ensures equal rights alike prince and pauper.”
‘Ram Rajya’ denotes that good
governance through which that very way of life would be reflected in every sphere such as social, cultural,
political and economical etc. In ‘Ram Rajya’ the position of Dharma (Rule of ethics or principle) was above the Royal Scepter. In this respect Deendayal Upadhyay said, ‘In democracy, at the top level, absence of attachment to power is essential’. His behaviour was judicious even in adverse situation, even at the cost of
sacrificing own happiness.
Inherent Unity
Though Bharatiya society is diverse in terms of Languages, dresses, food habits, way of worship, there is inherent unity in it. At the time of expedition he returned all the conquered States to the respective Kings giving due importance to the
aspirations and expressions of local people. Even though Lakshman wanted to stay back in Lanka, Sri Ram returned the heir ship of that state to Vibhishana. For this, Ram Manohar Lohia called Sri Ram as symbol of unity.
When the people in all other parts of the world were nomadic or in migratory phase, Sri Ram uttered the following words in reply—when Laxman being spellbound at the prosperity of the golden Lanka asked Sri Ram to stay there permanently—“Janani janmabhumischa
swargaadapi gareeyasi” (Mother and motherland are superior to Heaven).
Social Cohesiveness
According to the then Varna-ashram system Sri Ram was Kshatriya. But during his exile Sri Ram ate and stayed with vanavasis of Dandakaranya— made friendship with them. Breaking all the barriers of caste differences, he accepted Guhak’s hospitality. Keeping the prevailing situation in mind, it was a revolutionary step which we should imitate. But it’s a matter of great regret that though we are used to Sri Ram’s eulogy we have not been able to uproot the curse of untouchability from our society following the instances
established by Sri Ram.
Leader with Endurance
He gave shelter to everyone. There were animals, human beings, even demons in his army. He gave all of them the opportunity to develop themselves. He denied the assistance sent by Bharat from Ayodhya. He made contact with the local inhabitants in and around Dandakaranya.
Heorganised and united talented and skilful persons built trained regiments capable of fighting against the advanced and powerful army of Ravana.
Sri Ram was like an ocean with respect to
gravity or deepness of thought and like the Himalaya with respect to patience. Passing of life like a sannyasee after sending Devi Sita to exile is the sign of endurance. Sri Ram kept control over passion, anger, greed and vanity. Sri Ram not only killed the demon king Ravana but also restrained all inner demonic instincts.
Kshaatra Budhi (Martial-intellect)
Countries and societies do not thrive only on the basis of values but people have to stand and if necessary fight for those values.
That’s why in our society, he is worshipped who shows extra-ordinary vigour and capability to transform any adverse situation. They are called era-inaugurator (Yuga Pravartak). Clever people should cherish the desire to conquer. For him annihilation of the evil power was more important than the
established norms.
In the name of liberal, we have forgotten all these virtues. Therefore, Swami Vivekananda said, “We have to arouse this country now, we have to introduce the cult of Sri Ram at every home.’’ We worship him with a thought that he would always save us from any danger without protecting the values and symbol he stood for. That’s why we could do nothing when the
foreigners broke his idols and temple. And let be this our commitment on the auspicious day of Sri Ram Navami every year.
“Na Bhito Maranadasmi, Kevelam Dushito Yashaha!!” (I am NOT (as much) afraid of DEATH (as much) I am of the SUCCESS achieved with the TAINT.)
(The writer is an associate member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)
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