Vox Populi: We better deserve a “RAM- BABAR UNIVERSITY”

After Supreme court of India on 8th March referred the historical Ram mandir – Babari Masjid case for mediation by a panel, extending it furthermore,

My constant mood was:

First things first I'ma say all the words inside my head I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh ooh The way that things have been, oh ooh

(-Sincerely imagine Dragons.)

Before commenting on the moot issue, let’s do some math:

• Acc. to census, India has more than 2 million temples (2001 census) catering to 96.2 crore Hindus (2011 census).

• Google officially said there are more than 3 lakh mosques in India catering to 17.22 crore Muslims (2011 census) Aaaand....................

• Acc. to an article by TOI (2012), India needs 2 lakhs more schools and 1500 universities\colleges and we have not even reached halfway till now.

Did it tickle your grey cells too?

We have been sacrificing a lot of human resources and human blood over a “minor land dispute” which thereafter became an aid to communal politics or a subject for some agenda driven individuals who claim to be the saviors of a respective community/religion, to satisfy their own sense of superiority over others.

For now let’s think in a bigger perspective , even if we come to meet a conclusion to this, assuming that the land is equally divided amongst the three beholders , namely the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, Islamic Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining 1/3 going to a Hindu religious denomination Nirmohi Akhara.

What would it change in India?

1. Will it ensure to fill the stomachs of Over 20 crore Indians who sleeps with an ardent desire to have a proper one-time meal?

2. Or Will it be able to increase the income bar of 836 million Indians who survive on less than Rs. 20 a day? {Figures by bhook.com}

3. Will it cause a resurge in our religious beliefs?

4. Is our faith in our respective religions, so dependent on the construction of so-called God’s Home?

Diving a little deeper, the questions that pops in my mind are sufficient to support my argument,

1. How many of us (Adults) visit a temple/mosque even once every month or frequently in a year (with our own consent, excluding festivities)?

2. In the upcoming decade or so, what percentage will be visiting it?

Going by the millennial “I don’t care” attitude, I can say that majority of us would agree on the fact that figures are gradually decreasing every year.

However, the most appropriate logic which I am able to comprehend behind the construction of a temple or mosque is to propagate our religious belief, to propagate the good values, to leave behind a legacy of our culture, our rituals etc.

But my question here to you is, does it anyhow give you any assurance that your children will know about teachings of lord Ram or almighty Allah?

And even if they know, Will they prevail their footsteps or preach their teachings?

I can conclude this by stating that majority of us would nod their heads NO!

Moreover, it would be the correct time to throw some light on a research done by Professor Ajay Verghese, University of California in which he had stated:

“Going to temple and attending religious services are valid metrics of Hindu religiosity. My survey work, however, indicates that this is not what many Hindus think of as the constituent elements of their religion”.

In a diverse country like ours, it is really difficult to come up with a solution for such a sensitive issue, therefore we need to be flexible with our ways, what if we change the angle of the picture and view it with a different perspective, seek the solution with a fresh approach, more inclusive, healthy and development friendly.

What if we build a roof under which we will teach our countrymen to be like both Ram and Allah, to do good as they did, what if we lead the world by an example by building a world class hub or a university which inculcates the goodness of both the religions and educate them about valor and grandeur of our cultures along with basic education.

I shouldn’t be misunderstood anywhere above for being anti something, I am not devaluing the importance of temples or mosques, but I feel it has been too hyped because it had people’s faith manifested in the affair, it could have been solved way earlier if it had been understood with greater sense of maturity

The choice is still in our hands, it’s never too late to state and accept what we really want. As they say it “An idea can change the world”.

I don’t know whether I was right or not, with my minimalistic knowledge I have just put together some thoughts which were bothering me. You may or may not resonate with my opinions, but even if you think it is somewhat relevant, do make sure that you talk about it with others or share it. Share it so much so that it reaches to the eyes and ears of power bearers and law makers of the country.

Feel free to counter question/correct me.

Awaiting your responses.

Thanking you for your constant love and support

This blog was made more meaningful & was edited by Tanya Jain(tanya@pendriveindia.in)

*(Vox populi is a Latin phrase that literally means "voice of the people". It is used in English in the meaning "the opinion of the majority of the people".)

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