Editor,
The inauguration of the most important place for Hindus just turned traumatic and scary for Christians in the country. A day which was meant to be full of joy and happiness, took a communal turn when a “Bhagwan flag” was hoisted on the Sacred Cross of a small Church in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. And the even more horrifying fact was, that it was just ‘One out of the Four’ incidents that took place in Madhya Pradesh. 4 villages, 4 incidents and tribal dominated areas. It is very disheartening to see all this, despite the immense support showered by the Christian community. In Jhabua, Bishop Peter Kharadi took out posters and banners congratulating the Hindu community for the Ram Mandir “Pran Prathistha” on behalf of the entire Catholic Community in Madhya Pradesh. And the Christian Association and Alliance for Social Change even called for lighting candles in solidarity with the Hindu Community in hope and expectations for ‘Democracy’ and ‘Secularism’ to prevail.
Considering all these events that took place, it is very important for the citizens of this country to be reminded of the Constitution of India, especially the Preamble where it clearly states that “India is a Secular country”. If these kind of mis-happenings continue to take place in the future, then a very big question along with doubts will arise in the minds of the “Religious Minority Communities” especially the Christians as whether India is really safe for us?” or “Are we subjected to being second class citizens just because of our faith?”
In remembrance of Graham Staines and his sons who were murdered 25 years ago.
Yours etc.,
Elandina Kharsyntiew
Via email
Occasion marked by elitism
Editor
The Jan 22, 2024, consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya raises profound spiritual questions about the nature of God and the futility of elitism and pomp in religious matters. Such pomp and elitism have always existed. They are hardly new. Religion has always been plagued by both. The grandeur of the Vatican is but one example. Although they contradict the essence of religion, such examples abound and afflict many religions. I once visited a gigantic Hindu temple built by a very rich man. Mere brick and mortar can never compensate for absence of ambiance. To this day, its chilling coldness haunts my mind.
In TST (Jan 23, 2024), it was reported that “India’s crème de la crème … attended the grand consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Monday.” The list of invitees included “prominent politicians, leading industrialists, top film stars, sportspersons, diplomats, judges and high priests.” To some, this penchant for elitism is inherent in Hinduism, given its bane of the ancient caste system. But this is lower Hinduism. The highest Hinduism teaches that all beings (not just human beings) are nothing but varying manifestations of the only Reality that is God.
It is for a number of reasons that we question the pomp and elitism surrounding this consecration ceremony. Not only because too many Indians are still poor and dispossessed, not just because this temple was built on the site of the Babri Masjid, which was deliberately destroyed in 1992, so that it is an unholy and inauspicious site of violence – but because such pomp and elitism raise fundamental questions about the very nature of God. From the lives of divine Incarnations we know that more often than not, they are born to poor unlettered (but pious) parents. Sri Ramakrishna was born to humble villagers – in a hut – not a palace. Jesus is said to have been born in a manger – not a palace.
So, the undue pomp and elitism of this consecration ceremony begs a few questions. Where was Rama during the ceremony itself? In the hearts of all beings, of course. For, the heart is the real temple, of which, external temples are mere symbols. But was Rama present at the ceremony held in His honour? Or, had He fled the scene to bestow his grace on all who are poor, ordinary, and suffering – regardless of who they are and which religion (if any) they follow? Chances are, He fled Ayodhya that day. For, the worldliness of pomp and elitism obscure divine presence in the human heart. Chances are, Rama was with Bilkis Bano, wiping her frozen tears and restoring her faith in mankind. Chances are, Rama was with all rape survivors in India and all who suffer from class-caste oppression. Lost in the revelry of the moment, and in the abyss of egotism, not too many of those who attended may have noticed Lord Rama’s absence.
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email