A section of so-called intellectuals dub Ramayan and Mahabharat as a myth or fiction. May Bhagwan bestow wisdom on us so that we do not make the mistake of demeaning the supreme Shri Ram as a fictional character. Our ancient civilisation, tradition and culture, known to the world as Hinduism and which even the Supreme Court has referred to as a way of life, and not a narrow, communal one. Shri Ram is actually an embodiment or condensed form of that way of life.
Symbol of Cultural Nationalism
Shri Ram belongs not only to Ayodhya, or Uttar Pradesh or even the Hindi heartland, but to the entire nation. Cultural nationalism has been prevalent in Bharat for ages, irrespective of political power. As irrefutable proof of that cultural unity, Ram is a symbol of virtue and culture throughout Bharat, while Ravana is a symbol of wife-abduction and vices. Thus, when naming children throughout Bharat, most names are Ram-centric and not Ravana-centric.
Not only that, even though Prabhu Shri Ram was the king of Ayodhya, He is revered and worshipped as the supreme being in a number of countries including Mongolia and China to Muslim-majority Indonesia. Even Genghis Khan, who conquered almost 2/3 of the known world during his lifetime, is not venerated in his own country, Mongolia, in this manner. That is why Tagore said, “Shri Ram is more beloved to us than our own family members.”
A Symbol of True Democracy
Shri Ram is a symbol of true democracy where the opinion of an individual matters. Rather, in today’s democracy, of every 100 people, 51 stupid, dishonest or selfish persons’ opinions hold dominance over the opinion of 49 wise, honest or selfless persons. That’s why George Bernard Shaw once said, “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” When a commoner cast doubts about the character of Devi Sita, Shri Ram did not punish him severely, but rather accorded importance to his opinion and sent Devi Sita into exile. That is why Gandhiji wrote in Harijan that “The ultimate limit of democracy in our country is Ram Rajya.”
Prior to the establishment of the RSS in 1925, Dr Hedgewar participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921, launched by Gandhi ji, and consequently endured a year-long imprisonment
Bharat is a land of diversity or plurality. Shri Ram has honoured that diversity. During Digvijaya, he honoured the hopes and aspirations of the local people and returned the kingdoms of all the defeated kings. He even returned the legacy of the golden Lanka to Vibhishana. Thus, Shri Ram was the pioneer of the Bharatiya state with a strong centre as well as strong smaller kingdom states. That is why Ram Manohar Lohia called Shri Ram a symbol of unity.
Rise of Nationalism
When people from other parts of the world were nomadic or wanderers, Lakshmana was fascinated by the splendour of golden Lanka and wanted to settle there. The immortal words, Api swarnamayee Lanka na may rochatay/ Janani janmabhumishcha swargadapi gariyasee by Shri Rama in response to Lakshmana’s desire informs us about his love for homeland. This adoration towards the homeland has developed into a sense of nationalism at a later stage.
Symbol of Samajik Samarasta (Social Cohesiveness)
Despite being a Kshatriya according to the Varnashrama, Shri Ram did not spend his exile period only in the company of Kshatriyas, but also Brahmins, sages and too hermits. He ate and lived with the so-called lower castes of Dandakaranya, and made friends there. He broke the barrier of untouchability and accepted the hospitality of Guhak Chandal and Shabri.
Symbol of Suppression of Evil
On one hand, Shri Ram killed Ravana and Bali, and on the other hand, He protected the sages and hermits and their ashrams (which are akin to any modern educational center) from the tyranny of the demons.
Although killing women is against the Kshatriya principle, He killed Taraka. He killed Bali because to restore peace and tranquility by killing the aggressor, irrespective of gender and the destruction of unrighteousness is Dharma by default. Following this example of Shri Ram, Shri Krishna later killed Jarasandha, Chanakya slayed Dhanananda, Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, etc. without giving them a chance. Bharat had to concede defeat in the war with China because Nehru, who was full of fantasy, did not follow this example of Shri Ram.
Seeing the plight of Hindu, Vivekananda once urged countrymen to start worshipping Shri Ramchandra and Mahavira. “The country must now be uplifted, the worship of Mahavira must be continued, the worship of Shakti must be continued, and the worship of Shri Ram must be performed in every household.”
Today, China is trying to surround Bharat from all sides, even within the country, the “Deep state”, China-Pakistan’s agents and the leaders, are indulging in caste and other separatist politics.
Maoists and Communists, Islamic militant groups, and ISI agents are trying to harm the country. So, let us strive to win this Dharmayuddha at home and abroad by imbibing a little of the qualities of Shri Ram and applying the values and virtues of a true Kshatriya. May the celebration of Ram Navami become more than just another festival this be our pledge on this holy occasion of Ram Navami.
