Ram is not just a name; he is the resonance in the hearts, the essence of mind and soul, the foundation of life. Through him, India finds its true meaning. He is synonymous with and reflective of India, and India is his reflection. In the recitation of his name and the singing of his glory, millions understand the purpose of life. From Ram’s perspective, millions in India analyse and contemplate various aspects, facets, contexts, situations, events, and incidents of life. Ram and India can never be separated, for Ram is the soul of India. The soul and the body can never be separated; one’s existence affirms the existence of the other.
Ram is beyond duality; he has no alternatives. In his happiness, the joy of the people of India finds shelter, and in his sorrow, millions in India feel as if they are sinking in an ocean of tears. In the pure and sacred stream of tears, there is no room for jealousy, ego, greed, attachment, or any sense of mine or yours. The entire world recognises its own existence in that stream. How marvellous is his life story, which remains captivating even after repeated hearings! Those who portray, live, write, and narrate his story become the highest focal point of our profound reverence.
As soon as we connect with that great hero, even an ordinary person among the common folk begins to feel like a hero, gaining respect and dignity. In the joys and sorrows, victories and defeats, honour and dishonour of Ram, we experience our own joys, sorrows, victories, defeats, honour, and dishonour. The world appears to be laughing in his happiness and crying in his sorrow. The state of our minds mirrors our attitude towards that great human being. It is not without reason that millions of people are still deeply moved when watching the rerun of the Ramayan serial or reading a new version of the epic. Millions still engage in the recitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas, experiencing a sense of fulfillment.
After centuries of anticipation, on the auspicious day of Poush Shukla Dwadashi in the victorious muhurat of Abhijit, Shri Ramlala graced his divine and magnificent abode at his sacred birthplace. It is pertinent to question the motives behind the persistent efforts to create confusion and doubt, alternating between attempts to discredit Tulsidas, Ramcharitmanas, and even Bhagwan Ram himself. As a symbol of India’s culture throughout history, Ram, his character, and the literary creators of that character have remained central to the nation’s ethos. Divisive forces, changing their forms and disguises, have relentlessly attacked these entities. Not long ago, despite the abundance of archaeological evidence and proofs, demands were made for evidence of Shri Ram’s existence.
Under the shadow of this conspiracy, continuous efforts were made to erase his memory from his birthplace. Why did certain factions and intellectuals, and even the historic and much-awaited decision given by the Supreme Court in its favour on November 9, 2019 persistently show discomfort not only towards the construction of the Ram Mandir but also towards the victory chants of Ram’s name and discussions about his character? Do they not know that changing religions does not change ancestors, nor does it alter the culture? Is it not true that those political entities who, for decades, nurtured divisive politics based on caste, religion, and separatism found discomfort and complaints only against the symbols of India’s collective consciousness, Bhagwan Ram, the Ram Mandir, and Goswami Tulsidas? Divisive forces know well that the focal point of faith, devotion, and trust, Shri Ram, and the deep reverence and dedication of the common people towards him as portrayed in Ramcharitmanas, act as a counterforce against the divisive tree they have planted.
Hence, by making excuses and complaints, they remain attackers. Divisive forces, aware of the profound inclination of the common people towards Shri Ram and Ramcharitmanas, with their strong sentiments, devotion, and sacred emotions, understand that the possibility of the divisive tree bearing poisonous fruits, blossoming, and spreading is negligible or minimal. Therefore, they persistently attack these symbols by creating some pretext. Hopefully, such unpleasant situations will see resolution soon!
On the sacred occasion of consecrating the murti in the sanctum, it is appropriate to question why, through various conspiracies, a character that has been preserved and revered as a symbol of our collective and glorious heritage for generations is portrayed fictitiously with audacity and shamelessness. Who sowed the seeds of doubt regarding its existence, and why? Why did the current generation harbour suspicions about its existence, considering it a result of some conspiracy? This character, which has been the foundation of the lives of millions, whose breaths are infused with it, and from whom countless individuals draw inspiration, is the one who imparts lessons of resilience, patience, wisdom, and discipline to people of every era and time. This character, whose life struggles make the struggles of millions seem trivial, whose sorrows become insignificant before the mountain of sorrows faced by others, whose cool shade dissipates the heat of millions, and whose personality reflects the best and beautiful thoughts, conduct, courage, fragrance, culture, and resolutions from birth to death. This character, who effortlessly embodies duty and righteousness, imparts a correct understanding of right and wrong, binds humanity with the threads of ideals, elevates society with utmost respect for boundaries, and weaves new patterns in the hearts and minds of individuals with each passing age. To label such a supreme, radiant, valiant, and humane character as imaginary is not just a mockery of the nation but also a derision of its nature and culture. Why not instead scrutinise and question the intentions and policies of those who deliberately delayed the construction of the grand Shri Ram temple in independent India? Those who intentionally hindered its progress or obstructed it with ulterior motives should be held accountable and questioned for their strategy and intentions.
But today’s time and society have moved far ahead, leaving these questions behind. The culmination of a long struggle inevitably led to the triumph of faith and trust. The extraordinary and unparalleled joy, enthusiasm, and zeal witnessed in the hearts of the people after the divine and majestic installation of Bhagwan Ram in the grand temple are exceptional, unique, and otherworldly. This unparalleled glimpse of enthusiasm was witnessed by the nation and the world during the ”Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan.”
The devoted society of this country contributed an amount several times more than the set target to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust with the spirit of selfless dedication. Bhagwan Shri Ram demonstrated his boundless and invincible power not only internally but also universally, reaching the hearts of Vanvaasis, Girivaasis, Kevat, Nishaad, Kol, Bheel, Kirat, as well as beings like Vaanars, Bhaloos, and Reechs. He accumulated, preserved, and cultivated the power of the divine within and around him, achieving victory over demonic and arrogant forces. The consecration of the murti in the form of Bhagwan Ram’s divine image is a unique effort and celebration of establishing and honouring the internal and collective powers.
This festival signifies the resolve to triumph over demonic powers with collective patience, wisdom, discipline, courage, and discipline, nourishing and nurturing the venomous powers that divide and sow discord. Festivalism is the fundamental identity of the Indians. Even in adverse situations, we continue to sing the songs of life’s invincibility, faith, and trust. Our culture is a culture of creation. We will continue to weave every phase and blow of time into a melody. Based on our collective faith and trust in Bhagwan Ram, we will face and combat various divisive, disruptive, and terrorist forces in the future with courage, vigilance, and alertness, emerge victorious, and even after winning, remain humble. Bhagwan Ram, the Bhagwan of Ayodhya, teaches us to be concerned about the last person in society and adhere to the principles of public decency in every situation. Therefore, in this time of celebration and festival, let the concern for the last person and the Lakshman Rekha of decency remain vivid in our vision!
