It was a gloomy dawn. The sky laden with dark clouds were acting as precursor to the events to unfold during the day. A slight drizzle wet the already dampened spirit expecting the outcome of a case which has had a roller-coaster ride for 60 years, dividing the citizens of this country; polarizing their opinion like no other issue has ever had. I unfold the newspaper to see spooky headlines and channel surfing to News channels throws out spookier and much scarier ones. The day was 30th of September, the D-day for the Allahabad court’s verdict on Ayodhya.
Wishful Media
Following the media, be it print, audio or video, was better left to the strong-hearted; ones with less cholesterol and those who were less susceptible to heart-attacks. There was a collective effort by the media, especially visual, to create an impression that the whole country was about to explode after the verdict. Meek requests for peace were drummed down by the superficial tone and coverage of the Ayodhya news. When the verdict was pronounced, the ethos of the proud people of this great country was on display. They, with their matured reaction, proved every theory about violence; loss of reputation of the country; vindictive measures etc., by their peaceful acceptance of the pronouncement of the system that they strongly believe in. We might have our differences, but our faith in the system transcends everything else to bring a sense of justice to its citizens.
Faith in the Constitution
The admirable restraint shown by the Muslims in accepting the judgment gracefully is the undeniable fact for today’s peace. They had every reason to feel disappointed; their fringe elements could have easily justified any destruction and violence. These unscrupulous elements seem to have been reigned in by the objective understanding of the ground reality. Muslims follow a faith which directs and demands discipline in every walk of life. Maybe, that is why it is easier for them to extend that unquestionable faith towards constitution too. It may also be the realization that constitution and judiciary provide the best options to achieve their ends. Any violent means may never justify, and in fact blemish, the end. Their acceptance of the constitution and dignified response to the judgment is commendable, unlike the failure of the majority community to reign in its fringe elements which resulted in bringing down a place of faith. The failure to protect its weaker sections of society would always be an indelible stain on the standing of the majority.
No time to beat the chest
The judgment has led to un-muted voices about building a grand temple. We may have to think if times like this warrants whether a dignified acceptance or loud war-cries. The preceding events prior to the judgment are not something we can be proud of. While the majority religion professes peace, the action by some of its members showed a contradictory, even militant, view about religion. Events of the past have adequately demonstrated that we have achieved far bigger means by the way of non-violence and restraint. A position of strength warrants magnanimity in success and graciousness in defeat. It is time for the majority community to demonstrate both – to remove any apprehension in the mind of the minorities. Appreciation of their magnanimity and readiness to meet them more than half way to dispel their insecurities would be the obligatory steps to build a mutually beneficial and tolerant society.
Not a precedent to be proud of
The nation has to understand that the act of destruction of a place of faith should be condemned with the disregard that it truly deserves. Let us not leave an impression that such unscrupulous acts will go unpunished. Let the judiciary demonstrate that it is ready to extend the most serious punishments to those who disrespect faith. Destruction and violence in the name of religion has to stop. Let the judgment in the case of demolition clearly demonstrate to the civil society that any means to the end will not be tolerated. It should act as a dampener to anybody who thinks about demolishing another place of faith as a way of establishing their own. Such act only reflects an insecure mindset and wobbly beliefs.
Challenging times ahead
With Ayodhya being dealt with élan, Sedhu is in the pipeline. It is only a matter of time before more items will be added to the list, by those who might believe that they are bigger than the system. We, as a civilized society, have to decide where faith has to take a backseat for the want of growth. Faith should infact act as a catalyst, instead of impeding our development. After the reaction for the verdict, we can be rest assured that we are capable of transcending our differences of religion, caste or creed to work towards a common cause.
While the dawn was gloomy, dusk was much brighter. The appreciable behavior of the citizens has brightened my faith in the system; constitution and importantly, the mankind. With this fantastic maturity and understanding, we have collectively demonstrated to the world how to handle difference of opinions. We might have our differences, but what glues us together is our ability to rise beyond the differences and find acceptable solutions, for the good of the whole nation. It is to be seen how we can repeat these acts of understanding and compromise, for the sake of peace. With fellow Indians in the vicinity, we do not need angels to assist us.
