Jai Shree Ram — Is it the dawn of a new era?
Countries across the world undergo era defining events which can turn the history pages of a nation. Often such events are associated by some sort of revolution or introduction of a new form of political party/ideology which is desired by the people. The people of the country define the era and their preference for a certain style of governance and lifestyle dictates when the era transition in a country happens. 22nd January was a historic day in India as the Ram Mandir was inaugurated in Ayodhya on the same land where Babri Masjid was contentiously destroyed. This event sparked great interest and all public offices were closed to celebrate the event. The event was celebrated across the country with such gusto and fanfare that the ushering of a new era is a foregone conclusion now.
The era defining event sparked great interest within the nation and across the globe as the Who’s who of India’s multifaceted industry were invited for the inauguration. Public holiday was declared in public offices for the inauguration of the temple. In fact. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was on a 11 day fast before unveiling the Ram Lalla deity at the temple at a particular time on 22nd January. All this for a mere inauguration of a temple indicates something is missing the eye and indeed it is. This is a deliberate attempt to usher in the new era where people can blindly follow the ruling government of BJP. Let’s analyze how the new era is being indicated by a mere inauguration of a temple.
1. Display of religious domination: The inauguration of temple on the land of Babri Masjid is indicative of the domination one religion plays over the other in the country. The event was a celebration of victory of one religion and an establishment of the fact that Hindutva and its associated facets are here to stay in India and drive the country and its engine.
2. New Narrative in the country: The level of festivities for the Ram Mandir inauguration was no less than Diwali or Eid. It was an indication of the new narrative that India is set to adopt where any victory for Hinduism as a religion will be celebrated with aplomb and support most of the citizens who, even if not polarized, will join the celebrations and treat it as their victory.
3. Linkage to gods and their offering: Humans are god fearing and this celebration has indicated that god has a way to bind people together. The inauguration of Ram Mandir has strongly indicated that all Hindus can come together during the need of the hour. This is synonymous to India building an additional non secular army on top of the existing Indian Army.
All this indicates that a new era is coming in where the BJP narrative of creating a secular India by driving the Hindutva agenda will be the force to reckon with. While India will remain an inclusive society with multifarious cultures, the religious aspect is all set to be dwindled with time and be translated into a saffron led deluge of celebrations and idol worship which give hope to majority of the bhaktas for a better future in India. Let’s hope that new era is coupled with greeted doses of secularism.
