In a bid to foster unity and inclusivity, RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar has called upon Muslims, along with followers of other faiths, to participate in the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya. Speaking at an event held to release the book “Ram Mandir, Rashtra Mandir – A Common Heritage,” Kumar emphasised the shared ancestry of diverse religious communities in India.
During his address, Kumar appealed to Muslims to incorporate the chanting of ‘Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram‘ at mosques, dargahs, and madrassas during the consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22. Asserting that nearly 99 percent of Muslims and non-Hindus in India belong to the country, he stressed that despite changes in religious affiliation, the shared cultural and ancestral roots bind the nation together.
“We have common ancestors, common faces, and a common dream identity. We all belong to this country; we have nothing to do with foreigners,” said Kumar, who also serves as the chief patron of the RSS-linked Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM). Encouraging participation from people of all faiths, including Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism, he urged them to offer prayers at their respective places of worship for peace, harmony, and brotherhood.
“The MRM has appealed, and I am reiterating today, that chant ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram‘ 11 times at dargahs, maktabs, madrassas, and masjids, 11 times. For the rest, you follow your way of worship,” he added.
Kumar’s inclusive message extended beyond the Muslim community, reaching out to gurdwaras, churches, and all religious establishments. He urged them to decorate their places of worship magnificently between 11 am and 2 pm on January 22, coinciding with the consecration ceremony. Additionally, he encouraged non-Hindus to watch the event on television and offer prayers for peace, harmony, and brotherhood in India and across the world. As a symbolic gesture, Kumar suggested the lighting of ‘chirag’ (diyas) in the evening.
Taking a swipe at National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah’s reported remark that Shri Ram does not solely belong to Hindus but to everyone in the world, Kumar expressed agreement with the sentiment. “He said Shri Ram belongs to everyone, not just Hindus. When did we say that it is not so?” Kumar remarked. He urged Abdullah to convey this inclusive message to the groups he associates with, emphasising that Shri Ram belongs to all.
In attendance at the event was Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who highlighted the teachings of India’s ‘gyan parampara’ (knowledge tradition). He emphasised that a broad mind and a big heart recognize the entire world as one’s own family, reinforcing the cultural foundation of India. “To those who have a big heart and a broad mind, the entire world is their own qunba (family). Gyan parampara, on which India’s culture is based, is full of this teaching,” he remarked.
As the nation prepares for the historic consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Indresh Kumar’s call for inclusive participation and prayers from diverse religious communities aims to strengthen the bonds of unity, peace, and brotherhood in the country. The message resonates with the essence of India’s diverse cultural heritage and serves as a reminder that Shri Ram is a unifying force that transcends religious boundaries.
