R.N.Patel’s letter covers many aspects of current condition prevailing in India. He draws parallel between Gandhiji and Jesus, but there are marked differences as well. Gandhiji believed in non violence-ahimsa, and Jesus preached love, compassion and forgiveness. But Christians have added “tooth for tooth and eye for eye,” which is conveniently hidden by clever preachers. Love, forgiveness and compassion are practiced after opponents are severely dealt with, defeated and exterminated. Thus hostility is pushed underground but not wiped off. Peace is just a mirage.
But when ahinsa/ nonviolence practiced before, during and after any campaign, by the aggrieved against dominant parties, both remain friends after the end of campaign. Statues of Gandhiji are ample proofs of amicability between freedom fighter, Gandhi and rulers the British.
As for Ram Rajya in India, there cannot be one as India is secular. Also, please note that there was no competitive religion during times of Ram. One dissident, Ravan was exterminated. Today there are many great religions in India; of which 5 have foreign roots. Even 4 Indo originated religions do not unite under one vedic banner, how can we expect foreign rooted religions to accept Ram Rajya? Indian government have not been able to convince all and any religion about safety enshrined in India’s Constitution. Pseudo secularism suppresses religion of the majority.
Ram rajya is further deterred by “unremitting spite and hatred between two major political parties”( vide Editorial). Instead of highly improbable Ram Rajya, India must stop in its track to “destroy itself”(vide Editorial.)
Ramesh Jhalla
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