PM Modi is right Ram belongs to everyone, look at Indonesia

In the heart of ancient India, where the river of time flows through the epochs of Bahudha, a cultural tapestry woven over five millennia stands resilient, embracing the principle of universal acceptance. This cultural ode, rooted in the ethos of Swami Vivekananda’s profound words, finds its expression in the sacred land of Ayodhya, where the saga of Lord Ram unfolds as a beacon of civilisational and cultural pride. In the sanctum of Indian secularism, the term transcends political theories imported from the West. It is an intrinsic part of the Bahudha culture, a culture not defined by religious boundaries, but by the very essence of the Spirit that permeates every soul. Swami Vivekananda’s assertion echoes through the ages, proclaiming the oneness of all beings and the unity of the soul with the divine. Amidst the ongoing narrative in Ayodhya, where the stones bear witness to history and devotion, it is not merely an event tied to one religion. It is a testament to the overwhelming acceptance of Lord Ram as more than a religious figure—a symbol of ideals worth emulating. In the throbbing heart of democracy, can any government dissociate itself from promoting its own culture and civilization? The embodiment of Dharma, Lord Ram, is not confined to religious dogma but resonates as an ideal son, warrior, king, and husband—a beacon of righteousness. The Ram Katha, intricately woven into the fabric of Indian culture, forms the sacred thread binding the nation together. The essence of Lord Ram was aptly described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech after the iconic consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on 22 January. “Ram is not fire; Ram is energy. Ram is not a dispute; Ram is a solution. Ram is not just ours; Ram belongs to everyone. Ram is not just present; Ram is eternal,” Prime Minister Modi said. “Ram is the faith of Bharat; Ram is the foundation of Bharat. Ram is the thought of Bharat; Ram is the constitution of Bharat. Ram is the consciousness of Bharat; Ram is the contemplation of Bharat. Ram is the pride of Bharat; Ram is the glory of Bharat. Ram is a continuous flow; Ram is an influence. Ram is an idea; Ram is also a policy. Ram is eternal, Ram is perpetual. Ram is pervasive, Ram is universal. Ram is the soul of the world,” he said. Incorporating the importance of the ideologies of Lord Ram towards nation building, Prime Minister Modi said, “Ram’s thoughts should be in the mind as well as in the mind of the people, this is the step towards nation building.” Now cross over the seas to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where a colossal statue of Krishna Arjun Samvad stands proudly outside the Presidential Palace. Here, culture transcends religious confines, and the people proudly proclaim, “Of course, we are Muslims, but this is our culture.” Indonesia, with its rich tapestry of 2,000 cultural groups, celebrates diversity, embracing Hindu symbols as national emblems. In the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, the epic of Ramayana is not merely a story; it is a philosophy of life. The Indonesian people have not only romanticised the narrative but have also imbibed it as a guiding light for modern existence. For them, Ram and Sita are not just heroes but torchbearers of timeless values. As Indonesia, with its 25 crore Muslims, uses Hindu symbols as national insignia, it raises a poignant question: should their faith be scrutinised? Must they face a fatwa and be excommunicated from Islam for celebrating their ancestral culture alongside their religious beliefs? Is it not normal to practice one’s faith while celebrating the rich tapestry of one’s culture and ancestors? In a world divided by religious and cultural boundaries, Indonesia stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of faith and heritage, reminding us that embracing our cultural roots does not weaken our beliefs but enriches the very essence of our existence. In the heart of a bustling city Washington D.C., where nations converse through embassies adorned with the echoes of their history, a peculiar sight unfolds before the Indonesian Embassy. One might anticipate the stoic presence of Sukarno, the founding father of Indonesia, casting his authoritative gaze upon the diplomatic landscape. Yet, in a twist of fate, it is not his visage that commands attention; instead, the ethereal form of Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of learning, stands resplendent in white and gold, her four arms gracefully upraised. This unexpected manifestation raises an intriguing question: why would the world’s most populous Muslim nation, where Hindus constitute a mere 1.7 per cent, choose a Hindu goddess as its emblem? The answer reverberates through the hallowed halls of Indonesia’s commitment to religious freedom. In this nation, secularism is not a mere political doctrine; it is a lived reality, anchored in the profound philosophy of “Pancasila”—a pluralistic tapestry that weaves together the diverse threads of Indonesia’s soul. Hinduism’s enchanting forms permeate every facet of Indonesian life, an indelible mark that transcends numerical proportions. The very wings that carry passengers across the archipelago bear the name Garuda, the celestial bird and divine vehicle of Vishnu, etching Hindu mythology into the fabric of daily existence.  Garuda is the National airline of Indonesia. The national emblem proudly displays Garuda Pancasila, an emblematic synthesis of secular ideals and cultural richness. India, with its rich tapestry of history and cultural diversity, can draw profound inspiration from Indonesia’s exemplary embrace of different religious traditions. As Indonesia stands as a beacon of harmony on the global stage, India could benefit from incorporating a similar ethos—a nation where diversity is not merely celebrated but intricately woven into the fabric of everyday life, fostering an enduring legacy of peace and unity. In the radiant shadow of Saraswati’s statue, Indonesia beckons India to embrace cultural pluralism, drawing strength from its historical roots, and to weave a narrative where unity and diversity coexist in harmonious resonance. For Hindus, Ayodhya is not merely a city; it is the very cradle of their faith, the birthplace of Lord Ram. The conviction runs through the veins of millions, a belief etched in the depths of their souls. Yet, in embracing this historical reality, does the faith of 20 crore Indian Muslims teeter on the brink of jeopardy? Amana Ansari, a discerning columnist, paints a poignant canvas with her words: “What Mecca Medina is to Muslims, what the Vatican is to Christians, what Jerusalem is to Jews, Ayodhya is to Hindus.” In these echoes, Ayodhya transcends the realm of a mere temple; it is the embodiment of Hinduism—a resounding testament to a civilisation’s heartbeat. The looming question arises: as the sands of time sweep away the layers of denial, as the facts, evidence, and data reveal the historical reality, does it cast a shadow on the faith of our Muslim brethren? In the aftermath of the Babri Masjid issue, I ask for a reflection—a call for Muslim youth to grapple with the civilisational truth that Ayodhya symbolises. It is not a call to erase history but an opportunity for peace, a bridge to traverse the storm sown by leaders in the fertile minds of the Muslim community. The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya signifies more than the reconstruction of bricks and mortar; it stands as the embodiment of India’s transformation—a shift from a constitutional state to a civilisational state. This is a government that perceives itself not just as a contractual entity with its citizens but as the guardian and promoter of a nation’s culture and traditions. The Ram Mandir becomes the cornerstone, a tangible expression of a collective identity that transcends temporal boundaries. The blood-stained chapters post the Babri Masjid demolition, where Hindus and Muslims suffered, are not justified in this narrative. Yet, in the face of this historical reckoning, should denial shackle us? Should a victimized mindset be allowed to build walls between us and our Hindu brethren? I pose the question with a sense of urgency, urging a collective introspection. Should Communists and Islamists continue to hold us hostage in an eternal confrontation with our Hindu majority and our shared Hindu past? In the swirling currents of emotions and history, Ayodhya emerges as a crucible of transformation. It beckons us to confront our truths, reconcile our past, and forge a future where the shared tapestry of faiths can coexist. In the shadow of the Ram Mandir, there lies a narrative not of division but of an opportunity—an opportunity to rebuild not just bricks and mortar, but the bridges of understanding and unity that connect the hearts of a diverse nation. In the echoes of Ibn Khaldun Bharati’s poignant words, a stark reminder emerges of the missed chance of Truth and Reconciliation with Babri, a historical crossroads where understanding could have paved the way for unity. As the shadows of Kashi and Mathura loom, let us not weave another monumental blunder into the tapestry of our shared heritage. The time has come to unravel these civilizational flashpoints, to untangle the threads that bind us to the past, and to embrace a new dawn for India, a new Bharat that beckons us all. In the symphony of diversity, where the chords of Hinduism resonate as the guiding melody, let us resolve these lingering issues once and for all. Beyond the confines of history, a new India awaits—an India that cradles all its children, regardless of their faith. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, Atheist—each is a unique note in the grand composition of our nation. India’s secular fabric finds its strength in the tolerance and inclusivity inherent in Hinduism, a testament to its greatness. As the long-awaited return of Lord Ram to his home unfolds after years of battle, the joy is not confined to a single heart but resonates in the collective spirit of the nation. It is a victory that transcends religious boundaries, a triumph that unites every soul under the vast sky of Bharat. At this moment, I, a believer in the greatness of Lord Ram, am filled with hope—a hope that the new generation of Muslim youth will chart a different course, steering away from the self-destructive patterns of their parents and grandparents. May this new India, this resplendent Bharat, rise above the scars of yesteryears and soar towards a horizon where unity is not just a concept but a living reality. Together, let us weave a future where the colours of diversity paint a tapestry of strength, resilience, and love. The author is a practising Advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics and law. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .