Develop internal peace to be strongSpirituality

In the debate about the Sethusamudram Ocean Link project, one wonders how Lord Ram would have reacted were he to be present among us? Public interest would have been paramount to Him so he'd have heartily approved the project. Of course, this begs the question of his 'existence': whether he is a mythical figure or was a real-life hero and an ideal king whose exemplary life ennobled him to Godhood.

But such questions should not be raised. For, in my opinion, the defining of Lord Ram and his message as 'mere myths' is a rude shock for the entire Indian community, no matter to which religion they belong. It's our national duty not to hurt religious sentiments or the faith of any community. Never mind if this is done by atheists or those belonging to the same religion, let alone by those from another faith.

In this context, casting personal aspersions on a cultural icon like Lord Ram by politicians is saddening. They are first of all elected representatives of the people, under oath to uphold the rule and dignity of law. Can this be achieved by hurting deeply-held cultural beliefs and convictions of a people? Indeed, hurting religious sentiments can never be viewed as a 'fundamental right' guaranteed under the Constitution. Free speech has limitations, even in these pluralistic modern times. And there ought to be a legal cap on blasphemy masquerading as modernity. If we want our nation to be strong, we must develop internal peace and harmony. And this can only be achieved by fair treatment of all communities.

When I was a boy growing up in rural UP, I remember reading the wonderful dohas of the Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsidas. It was sheer verbal music. At that time, I marvelled at not only the faith but also the noble principles and functions of Lord Ram, which had been systematically and logically documented by Goswamiji in his magnum opus. Surely, this couldn't have been done without having the basic facts at the time of composition. Otherwise who or what magic could have conceived such a grand canvas for such a perfect character?

In a similar context, recall what an enlightened editor of The New York Sun said (he was talking about Santa Claus) to an eightyear-old girl in 1897: "He exists as certainly as love and generosity exist and you know that they abound and give your life its highest beauty and joy!"

(The author is chairman of Interconnected Stock Exchange of India)