In the face of the deliberate distortion of the image of Lord Ram, it is particularly imperative now for ordinary people to understand who he is and what he really stands for. These lumpen elements do not know that Ram is maryada purushottam, the epitome of rectitude, the touchstone of impeccable behaviour, the role model of the perfect human being, and the very incarnation of saumya rasa, harmonious equilibrium.
Illiterate bigots have weaponized the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ for wanton acts of violence, crime and hatred, which are anathema to what Ram actually stands for. However, Ram has been in the news for all the wrong reasons too.
This is good news, since it not only ends the sterile communal acrimony on this matter, but because a befitting temple for Rama in Ayodhya would be an appropriate way to inspire Hindus to the compassionate, caring, loving and benevolent persona that one of India’s most loved deities represents. After decades of dispute, the Supreme Court has finally enabled the building of a Ram temple at the assumed place of birth of the Lord.