A Moment of Civilisational Pride
I was born in 1955 in independent India. When I look back today, without hesitation, the best moment in public life I witnessed is the construction of a grand temple and the consecration of the idol of Shri Rama Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. That it took nearly 76 years after Independence to build a temple that invaders destroyed is a disgrace to the civilisation of more than a billion people. However, some say it is a celebration of democracy where the majority waited with patience.
There have been devious designs to distort the history of India. First and foremost is the theory of Aryan invasion, declaring Vedic Civilization itself as an imported idea as if to justify the later invasions. The historical fact of magnificent temples in Tamil Nadu had been ignored. Which Aryan king made these temples? Germans created the Aryan theory to hide their barbarian past, but some Indian leaders bought it to disown their ancestors. In the modern era of DNA sequencing, would anybody bother to bust the myth of who came from where? It can be done quickly but won’t be done as certain myths matter more than facts.
Every civilisation is proud of its symbols of pride and identity, and who are these detractors to deny that while they themselves practise all forms of false consciousness? Powerful lobbies have, for decades, arrogated to themselves the right to define Hinduism as they deem fit and only as they deem fit. It has been fashionable to call Shri Ganesha an elephant god and Hanuman a monkey god, and Shri Rama was declared as fiction in an affidavit in the Supreme Court. These people seem oblivious to the mass awakening of a billion people.
Shri Rama and Shri Krishna are India’s identity. If some leaders and people do not understand this, their sensibilities are questioned. A little show of generosity would have done immense benefit to the spirit of secular India to have allowed the two temples of the birthplace of Shri Rama in Ayodhya and Shri Krishna in Mathura, free from later constructions, which were obviously carried out after the destruction of the temples that stood there. But a path of confrontation was chosen. Western Press has reminded readers in their headlines that a new temple has been created at the site of the razed mosque. The Indian Supreme Court has settled this issue, and every issue must be resolved at some point.
At every stage, hurdles are created, and malicious people vacillate the atmosphere. All sorts of people said all kinds of things. But the Ram Mandir finally happened and ensued so marvellously. Most appropriately, it was also decided that the Ram Mandir shouldn’t be built by the government or by any businessman like the Laxminarayan temple in New Delhi, known as the Birla temple. The construction of the Ram Mandir represented a grassroots movement, a democratic effort to resist dominant interpretations of a misrepresented history. People donated money, the best engineering companies got involved, and finally, a grand temple is now there. The city of Ayodhya will be the epicentre for Hindu pilgrims as the Vatican is for Christians and Mecca for Muslims. The airport and other infrastructure have been thoughtfully constructed with that in mind.
But now, not reflecting upon the reasons for the decadence of the Vedic Civilization would be a significant error. How come a few hundred invaders from Central Asian barren lands created such massive destruction and established their rule for such a vast land, manifold of their original territories? A false notion of societal stratification was at the root. With extraordinary efforts for social inclusion over the last few decades, Indian civilisation has naturally regained its vitality.
Let us not see Ram Mandir as a culmination but a beginning of a just society where all people are equally treated and provided with opportunities befitting their talents, including helping those who had been disadvantaged. Ironically, certain families continue to be beneficiaries of incentives meant for the poor sections of society even after gaining stature and affluence. It is a travesty of justice when the poor of the higher castes languish without support that is extended to the poor of the other sections.
In Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna says He repeatedly intervenes to restore order. I see the emergence of democracy, the advent of the Internet, and finally, the coming of Artificial Intelligence as these interventions. One can see that no single individual, company, or government is using these powerful technologies. They exist beyond anyone’s control and define a new kind of world.
As I foresee, wealth is concentrated in a few hands – say, less than 100 technology companies will own most of the wealth. Now, these companies will have to circulate this money in the economy so that people can buy their products. So, people will be credited specific amounts in their accounts in whatever name, and everyone will thus have a basic income. The problem will not be about the livelihood; the problem will be to live purposefully.
It is time to start working in this direction, and honing soft skills would be crucial as machines will increase the number of routine jobs. Most of us need not go to a grocer’s shop anymore as whatever is needed is delivered to our doorstep. Even food is served piping hot at your doorstep, and you pay more if you go and sit in a restaurant. Schools will be more for socialising and playing together than lessons, available online on the TV screens. These screens can be community-owned or donor-provided in poor regions.
But what is most important is the emergence of a more humane society. The history of humanity is all about lies, fraud and exploitation. Sections of people created jargon and justifications to plunder the weak and ignorant people wherever they were. Patients were given dubious medicines, farmers had bad seeds, and spurious products were sold, exploiting people, especially the poor. Records were fudged, taxes were evaded, and falsehood prevailed as it was rewarded in every walk of life. Not anymore!
Anyone can now see the profiteering by the doctors when diagnostic tests are ordered, and medicines are prescribed. No wonder the medical fraternity lost the awe it enjoyed. YouTube videos make politicians chew their words. Crimes are caught, punished, and captured on mobile phone cameras. Next in line are Blockchains weeding out fraudulent land records and sales. Thus, I celebrate the Ram Mandir and the fact that major technology companies of the world – Microsoft, Google, IBM, Adobe, Micron Technology, to name a few – are headed by people of Indian origin.
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Dear Sir, January 22,2024 will be remembered by most of us, as we were waiting for the temple to come up in its rightful place, hoping against hope. I would rate myself very lucky to have seen two very important things happen in India. Removal of Article 370 ,35a and construction of Ram temple.
This will be likeTirupati of the north. There will be continuous flow of Ram Bhakts and this place will be included in ChardhamYatra. Every South Indian(believer)definitely would like to visit this at least once.
Definitely Ram temple construction is the pride of the civilisation.
Your way of seeing Lord Krishna in AI is very interesting sir
The idol of Balak Rama in Ayodhya is very special. A look at the picture creates a goosebump; such is the power of its aura. I can feel it.
God has incarnated as Shri Rama. He was born, lived and ruled Ayodhya. A temple there is not only a fitting tribute to the ideal life of Rama and gives people an opportunity to worship and pray in the very land he lived and ruled.
Live and let live. May peace prevail on this land.
Despite technological and scientific progress, the moral sense of good and wrong remains at the heart of humanity; nothing can remove or modify it. And the universe has its methods and schedule for executing its moral laws. As a result, some 500 years later, after witnessing the fall of two empires and the establishment of a modern democracy, this major historical error is being corrected.
On 22 January 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a concertation ceremony leading to the installation of Shri Ram Lalla’s idol in Ayodhya, it was a day of immense satisfaction and pride for all right-thinking Hindus in India; a vindication of their faith and nonviolent way of life in a world where religions fight wars and forcefully dominate one another.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is not just a temple but a symbol of faith, unity, and cultural heritage. The temple’s construction is a landmark event in the history of India, signifying the triumph of truth, justice, and righteousness. The temple is a testimony to the enduring spirit of the Hindu community and their unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir has been the centre of a long-standing religious and political dispute in India. However, with the construction of this temple, the dispute has been settled, and the site has been restored to its rightful owners. The temple will act as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the power of faith and the strength of the Sanatan Dharma.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful blog Sir!
Jan 22, 2024, was indeed a surreal day for everyone. To witness the unity and devotion of the country as a whole was mesmerising. Not just in the country but here in the US also, the celebrations were so heartwarming.
May we all follow his teachings and his light be our guide.
There is nothing more powerful than the idea whose time has come, says a quote attributed to Victor Hugo. For Hindus , Shri Ram represents much more than an idea. He is the very essence of our civilization.
While Shri Krishna is always aware of his divine status, Shri Ram comes across as someone who is very human despite his stature as the lord of three lokas and fourteen bhuvans. His life encourages us to be a better version of ourselves. That is what makes him so relatable to us.
The whole of India has turned into an Ayodhya. Every single heart has turned into an Ayodhya. Or perhaps he was always there and we are returning back to him. Again. It is the return of a civilization to its ancient roots.
Why does the Hindu religion have so many Gods? So many places of worship? It is important to note that all the Hindu gods were once humans. They lived everyday lives, and few were even rulers. They were blessed souls who lived as humans and died but continue to live as Gods to bless and protect us.
This is a continuous process, and supreme souls are born across generations. The most recent is Shridhi Sai Baba. That is why places of worship assume significance. When we visit these places, we get a sense of belonging, a vibration in our inner self, and a soul-stirring feeling.
The building of Shri Rama Mandir is indeed a matter of Civilizational Pride. If the temple of Shri Rama is not there in Ayodhya, then where?
Our great country’s history is shrouded in many lies, but I am proud of our people for fighting and succeeding in resurrecting a valuable cultural symbol.
Jai Shri Ram!
Sooner rather than later, what we see as disruptions will be the new norm!
Dear Prof, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on symbols that are valuable to cultures and civilisations. I am very happy about the restoration of your symbols.
Ayodhya has regained its status of a prime pilgrimage.
This resurrected Devsthan is mark of pride for every citizen.
The idea known as the Law of the land is in vogue in all parts of this world. Shri Raam and Shri Krishna are not just Hindu Gods, they are Gods of the Land and they belong to every citizen and thats how pilgrimage Ayodhya and Mathura is to be treated.
लोकाभिरामं रणरङ्गधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम् ।
कारुण्यरुपं करुणाकरंतं श्रीरामचंद्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥
I take Refuge in Sri Rama:
Who is pleasing to the people, who is calm and composed on the battlefield, whose eyes are like blue lotuses, and who is the Lord of the Raghu Dynasty!
Who embodies compassion and showers His compassion to all; I take refuge in the lotus feet of Shri Ramachandra.
What a celebration of your religion, Prof Tiwari!!!
A more humane society where each cares for the other is the difference harmonious existence is waiting to experience in the world today, my prayers are that we all learn that none is as strong as all of us; the Ubuntu spirit is our heritage as a human race only that it was put in words in the continent of Africa!
May we live to be a source of happiness to others and benefit ourselves in the process!
जनमानस, मान्यता ,धारणा, धीरज का वैज्ञानिकता से विश्लेषण है, ज्ञानवर्धक जानकारी के लिए आभार है।