Author: Surendra Ullal & Ramesh Soparawala
Publication: IndiaPost.com
Date: October 7, 2007
URL: http://indiapost.com/article/communitypost/1116/
The Ram Sethu episode has generated a lot of heat and discussion not only among Indians back home but also among Indian Americans. It is not only Hindus, who expressed dissatisfaction at this unsavory controversy but many non Hindus too feel that a non issue has been spun into a "big" issue.
The Hindu sentiment is hurt and non -Hindus proffer a lot of sympathy. The consensus is that politicians should have a common standard of behavior for the Indians as a whole and not seek to create a wedge among them for their own narrow objectives.Frank Fernandes a journalist from Mumbai, opined that the controversy of Ram Sethu has more a political connotation than religious one in as much as a group of politicians would like them to be seen hammering majority Hindus so that they can easily class themselves as champions of minority.
There was no need to touch upon this subject as one cannot offer a categorical answer one way or the other. There was really speaking no recorded history at that time. It was something that has been passed from generations to generations. Why harp on it?According to Madhu Patel, Senior community activist, the name of Sri Ram should not have become an issue of scientific validation.
The Ram Sethu, the bridge build by Lord Ram to go across the sea to Lanka and free his wife is not a story, but a real event recorded by sage Valmiki thousands of years ago. Spiritually, it still plays a paramount role in the life of people, does not matter what religion one adheres to. Moderate Hindu beliefs permeate the length and breadth of the country, because names of Lord Ram, Krishna and Ganesha among the others dominate the Hindu psyche, but in the most positive and noble manners. Unlike most of the other traditions, majority of the Hindus believe in God in all forms and thoughts, most of the children pay obeisance to Allah or Christ as well.
It is not only in Hindu majority. In India all forms of worship, prayers and people of different opinions lived in an atmosphere of cordiality for centuries. There have been occasions of violence, but then they have always been seldom and sporadic over events which were humanly uncontrollable.Recent events highlighting extremely asinine behavior of the government both at the Center and the state of Tamil Nadu have become eye opener for the Hindu population of the country and overseas.
This unfortunate degradation of their culture and values by people in authority is absolutely wrong, especially their attempts to negate the history, legend and highly regarded remnants of Rama Sethu, which every devout Hindu firmly believes as being built by Sri Ram with the help of his Army. Many events cannot be scientifically proven.
This should not mean that those things did not exist or happen, especially when such beliefs have become part of the life of a community of people. Nand Kapoor, National Vice President of the Association of Indians in America lambasted the politicians reigning in New Delhi as incompetent and unqualified to hold the good offices they are presently holding. "Leaders, who are insensitive and blind to the age-old noble traditions of the majority of the people should be debarred from holding the office by an act of Parliament," Kapoor continued.
''In this case the people at the helm of affairs at the top are like the head of the families and when they commit such irresponsible as negating the sanctity of an emotionally and spiritually revered symbol or icon, whether real or imaginary, must be removed from the office. "I would say rather they must resign. Person behind all these evil who designs as the President of the Congress, Sonia must resign instead of taking credit for withdrawing the case," Nand Kapoor insisted.Iqbal Akthar a social activist from Desplaines said that he was sad at the state of affairs in his native country, India where some conniving politicians were trying to create disharmony in the otherwise peaceful society.
Referring to an email he received from Feroz Bhakt Ahmed, Great-Nephew of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, he said that he was in total agreement with Feroz Bhakt when he said, "Historical evidence of most of the religious figures would be difficult to find. In fact applications of their life and principles are universal. Rama's reality cannot be doubted as numerous places in India and Lanka are closely linked to his life including Ayodhya, Janakpuri, Dhanushkodi and Rameshwaram.
" He added that Ram is entrenched deeply in the minds of a vast majority of people of all faiths including Muslims of Indonesia.Prof. Dr. Ghanashyam Pandey of the University of Chicago, Illinois Campus said that "It is inconceivable to believe that people claiming all kinds of educational background including P.M. Man Mohan Singh, Chidambaram and others who have known history at least understand the spiritual and literary traditions of India can even think of the stupidity they fell into by doubting the historicity and his relevant to the Hindu Social and cultural firmament. It is grievously wrong," he said.
Inder Mohan Singh producer of Sikh TV in Chicago and a long time photo-journalist was extremely vociferous when he said he was indeed shocked and aggrieved at the short sighted policies of the high-ended people like the P.M., Sonia Gandhi and many so called illustrious members of elite families, most of them claiming themselves Hindus. In a democracy, especially, sentiments of the people must be held in highest reverence. Character, Nobility and Spirituality do no seek to be confirmed or scientifically proven.
They are the domain of spirit and mind, the depth of which the science has seldom reached. "Is it a plot to blow up one of the most revered icon of Hindu spirituality?" he wondered. If so not only all Hindus in India and across the world along with brethren Sikhs, Muslims and even Christians of India must rise up as one man and fight this bankruptcy of those minds," Inder Mohan stated.Thakar Singh Basati, a Sikh community activist was not uncertain in his affirmation at condemning the government action at creating a huge barrier with the majority community, who have been historically patient, tolerant and liberal to their fellow citizens.
He was glad the situation has been brought under control by the government withdrawing their case against destruction of the Sethu. He however wondered that this action was needed. Challenging an age old icon he felt was nothing more than playing with the fire.
There was consistency and unanimity in the views expressed by the community as everyone felt that the government action was wrong ab initio and it would be the responsibility of the people of India to see that they do not approve of such leaders, who have no concept of public opinion in a democracy like India.Dr. Nayeem Shareef, former President of Association of American in India, also joined the other members of the community who had disapproved the govt. action as wrong and extremely hurtful. She said no government had any right to get into the sensitive subjects like culture and religions unless the reason for interference is overwhelmingly beneficial and helpful without any way hampering the emotional and personal involvements.