Lord Ram is not only a religious symbol. He today epitomises a cultural renaissance that was long overdue. The Indian subcontinent, the Aaryavrat, has been one of the most invaded lands in the history of the world. The result was a civilisation battered, a culture desecrated and a psyche bruised. Ancient India was a prosperous society and an acclaimed seat of learning. But the many onslaughts by foreign invaders impoverished the rich Indian land and culture. The continued subjugation of the country at the hands of Mongols and Moguls and subsequently the Europeans, particularly the British ingrained a deep rooted inferiority complex in the Indian minds. Centuries of alien rule destroyed the richness of the civilisation to such an extent that most Indians considered themselves to be a second rate citizenry born only to be ruled. There was a deliberate design in the plundering and destruction of the places of religious worship by the alien Islamic invaders. They wanted to establish the superiority of their own religion over that of the Indians and demoralise the people. The temples of India not only possessed huge wealth, they also stood for the civilisational and cultural pride. The later British conquest of India, though largely for economic and commercial purposes, further accentuated this trend, even if it was perpetrated far more systematically and cleverly. They wanted a thoroughly demoralised India for tightening the British strangle hold and continued hegemony. All these alien rules left a lasting impact on the Indian psyche. For those who have reasons to agree, the elaborate account given by American Historian Will Durant as early as 1930 may suffice. The Case for India is an eye opener in which he describes the cruel and scheming British rule as a conscious and deliberate bleeding of India. Freedom from the colonial yolk did mark the birth of an independent nation but it did not heal the wounded psyche which continued to carry the baggage of centuries old alien rule. Certain sections of the western press were also adding to this psychological loading with their myopic stories. The indelible mark of inferiority in their minds needed a strong cultural symbol to wipe this and boost the morale. After mental struggle of several decades post independence, the Indian pride could find a succor in Lord Ram. Restoring the national pride is what leads to a cultural renaissance and Ram symbolises that. Ram and Ram Temple signify many things today. It is not about a Hindu God, it is a sustaining force, a means to strengthen the Indian psyche that was awaiting a realisation for a long time. However, it is important to understand that Ram stood for universal values that are relevant not only to all generations but also to people across ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. Ram’s life was an example of ethics in practice. Truth, compassion and love, and most importantly, values driven leadership. Ram was an embodiment of Raj Dharma, a virtue that is almost non existent today. It is important to understand what was Dharma in the eyes of Ram. Succinctly stated in Ram Charit Manas by Goswami Tulsidas, it is — par hit sarasi dharam nahi bhai. Which means the greatest religion is to serve others.

Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com