Hindu Dharma is at a crossroads with the recent Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir, bringing about some Dharmic revival and reawakening among Hindus. How we harness this to benefit Hindu Dharma will depend on our chosen path.
Hindus worldwide were immersed in celebrations before and after the Pran Pratishtha. In many places, the celebrations continue as Hindus of all ages have connected with this once-in-a-lifetime memorable moment. From village folks to those in cities, people, irrespective of caste, social status, and economic status, participated in the celebrations. Bhagwa flags and lighting were put up everywhere, there were bhajans and kirtans, Shobha yatras, and people were distributing sweets after the Pran Pratishtha.
The image of teary-eyed Uma Bharati and Sadhvi Ritambhara is representative of Hindus. There was hardly any Hindu who wasn’t emotional and teary-eyed as Ram Lalla became Virajman at Ayodhya ji. These emotions are the overflowing of generations of suppressed Hindu identity pride. We have also read stories of vows and unwavering devotion. All of these highlight the revival of Hindu Dharma and an assertion of Hindu identity.
This is probably the first time in a long time that Hindus have proudly asserted their identity. A weight that bogged down the collective conscience of a samaj was finally lifted off Hindu shoulders. This renaissance is an apt opportunity to bring about a dharmic awakening. Furthermore, this journey underscores the importance of linking Indian politics to Dharma.
We cannot overlook the fact that the Ram Janmabhoomi (RJB) movement gathered steam in the 80s, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) forming the Bajrang Dal (BD) in 1984 to up the ante. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) movement brought the RJB struggle into the political mainstream. The stage was set when BJP passed a resolution asking for RJB to be handed over to Hindus in its 11 June 1989 Working Committee meeting at Palampur. The subsequent famous Rath Yatra of Former Home Minister and then National President of BJP, Shri LK Advani, gave the final push to Hindus to reclaim what was rightfully theirs and had been overrun by Islamic forces.
This movement brought together across the spectrum irrespective of regional and caste divides. Since independence, Hindu Samaj has been bearing the double burden of secularism and minority (mainly Muslim) appeasement. This resulted in a generation of Hindus, a majority of whom were cut off from their Dharma and looked down upon it. The shackles were loosened during the RJB movement in the eighties and broken on 22 January 2024.
Actress Revati’s post reflects how the majority of Hindus felt and behaved. They kept their beliefs confined to themselves for fear of ‘hurting’ others’ beliefs. While Hindus had to keep their religious beliefs private, it was acceptable for Muslims and Christians to openly display their religious beliefs without fear of being labelled ‘communal.’ Politicians are to blame for the plight of Hindus because their appeasement politics forced the so-called majority to go on the defensive.
Like everything else, Bharat’s politics aped Western secularism, which separated religion and state. However, Dharma is not the same as religion. Politics bereft of Dharma is a body without a soul. Dharma is the guiding principle that helps one be righteous and work for the greater good. After Ram Lalla’s homecoming, Hindus gave up their defensive attitude and proudly chanted Jai Sri Ram. Here, mention must be made of PM Modi, who proudly wears his Dharma. He is unlike those politicians who take pride in giving and attending Iftar and Christmas parties, but reserve temple runs for election seasons.
Hindus have the right to be proud of their Dharma and wear it openly. If Hindus do not get ‘hurt’ when others practice their religion, then why should the so-called majority be pushed to be defensive of their own Dharma? The awakening has come long after ‘independence’ and through many struggles. It is now up to us to keep the Dharmic flame burning and hand it down to our future generations.
