Taking a step forward

Intense security measures were set up in anticipation of the Supreme Court of India's judgment on the long-pending Ayodhya mandir-masjid dispute. It was indicative of the level of sensitivity associated with the issue. It was also heartening to note that there were encouraging solemn assurances from both the communities that whatever be its nature and award, the SC judgment would be accepted.

The Day of Judgment itself brought a great sigh of relief and there was a considerable appreciation for the ingenuity with which the Five-Judge Bench had achieved a unanimous verdict. There was a genial expectation that enhanced social cohesion and religious amity would take more concrete shape in future. Yes, India urgently needs regeneration of mutual trust amongst its multi-religious society. Right from village Chaupals to centres of intellectual churning in New Delhi, everyone was full of high hopes. It was so nice to hear from all quarters that the nation has won. Within a week, the realisation dawned upon concerned citizens that not everyone would like such a quiet settlement of an issue that was all-along exploited by certain vested interest to further communal tensions, mutual distrust and hatred to further their personal gains. They got worried, if this verdict is accepted, they would be nowhere! Disturbing voices began emanating from expected quarters and individuals. Some want their Mosque back while others have begun to blame each other just to emerge as the front runners to gain control over the proposed Temple Trust and all that would be associated with it. For such elements, nothing is bigger than one's own 'business' which includes deceit, deception and exploitation without any hesitation. Pondering over the situation, I was reminded of the words of eminent jurist and intellectual Nani Palkhivala that "The timeless lesson of ancient Indian culture is that man is more than man and there is more to the world than the world. Every age must take a step forward in evolution but unfortunately, India has been taking several steps backwards."

The current issue pertains to the birth-place of Lord Rama. The entire world knows that Rama has shaped the cultural advancement, ethical practices and emotional mind of India and this is acknowledged by every informed Indian, irrespective of his religion and faith. Of course, there would always be a small ideologically-constrained, intellectually-deficient and religiously illiterate fringe that would refuse to see the obvious. They probably do not realise the damage they inflict on the core of ancient Indian culture that insists on "Truth is one, the wise call it by various names''. It was further articulated by Lord Krishna in Gita that "through whatever path men come unto me, I receive them through these very paths: all paths lead unto me."

In the continuity of ancient Indian culture, every religion deserves equal respect from everyone who is expected to be committed to his own religion in its true spirit. It was in this spiritual light that Gandhi could talk of communal harmony and Ram Rajya in one go to heterogeneous audiences without anyone lifting even an eyebrow! Was Ayodhya judgment not an occasion to ponder over such strengths, instead of combing for the ignition points and make attempts to fuel the communal fires once again? Serious errors of judgment have been made in past, as has been pointed out by the Supreme Court. India must learn from the past experience and ensure that no blunders shall be committed anymore. None shall be permitted to bring in their hidden agenda in this arena anymore. India cannot afford more communal strife and distrust. Its focus must shift to social cohesion and religious amity. That alone constitutes the very basis of inclusive growth and comprehensive national development.

India learnt to live cohesively much before other civilisations. Traditionally, it adores the diversity of every conceivable variety, religious beliefs included. Even the usage of terms like Jihad and Kafir could not disturb the mutual trust. For over millennia, if not more, religious communities in India had learnt to respect the beliefs of the others, fully realising that every faith deserves equal respect. Selfish fringe elements have always been there and these would be invariably countered by the social cohesion. The evolving nature or degradation of Indian politics has contributed to encouraging divisive elements. 'The best and sweetest in the national character' comes from Rama and Ramayana. It is this India that led Mahatma Gandhi to articulate, "Everything in India attracts me. It has everything that a human being with the highest possible aspirations can want."

In post-independence India, the highest positions in prominent sectors have been held by individuals from different faiths. Their Common Dharma was the service of the nation and its people. Everyone agrees that social cohesion and social harmony are critical to ensure progress and development in a multi-religion society. This author is convinced that children must be made aware of the basics of all religions of people of India at an appropriate stage in schools. They should know the commonalities and learn to respect differences wherever these exist. No rituals or dogmas are to be taken up in schools. It would strengthen the social fabric and traditional secularity of the country. Let the Ayodhya judgment trigger this kind of debate.

JS Rajput works in education and social cohesion. Views expressed are strictly personal