A Useless Exposition

Fr. Gaurav Nair Fr. Gaurav Nair
22 Jan 2024

Preparations for the consecration of the idol at Ayodhya on January 22 are in full swing, with the Hindutva legion forcing its celebration down the throats of the whole country or at least where it holds sway. Many in the opposition are not invited or plan to boycott the event, which will be presided over by the nation's prime minister, not a pujari. Does the devotee seek to be deified?

The proponents of the temple aver that those raising their voices against it seek to thwart the coming of the Ram-Rajya, including some who would claim the mantle of the educated while whipping up such obnoxious contentions. The notion that these vociferous individuals are the ones desperately seeking its advent evades the imagination of the multitude. The pro-Temple champions would appreciate that the Temple's construction or consecration does not perturb the decriers even vaguely were they to even care to hearken to the laments of those they calumnise. Instead, they would prefer to villainise those who prophesy the impending apocalyptic scenario deucedly awaiting to ambush us should religion tango with politics.

The prana pratishtha bestows life on the idol and the Temple where it resides. Ironic! Since it will be the vanguard of claims employed by the unscrupulous in their rise to the throne and suffocate those who do not cower to their whims.

Arguments abound that the Muslims have Pakistan and other countries which subscribe to the Mohammedan creed, but have the fans of the Hindutva ideology ever read about the condition of these countries? Do they ever wish to reside or work in them? Instead, they look to the Americas or Europe, where secularism, albeit, I must admit, in its extremity, thrives. They crave for their children to reside there.

Could our great nation not have been brought up to par or its degree raised superlatively? But where is the capital and energy allocated to such endeavours? Diverted towards gaining collective acclaim by playing an emotive motif, I would venture, while those who should have been oppugnant slept because, for them, the designs were kindred superficially, and the sentinels bought off.

Rahul has recently embarked on a march to unite the nation from end to end, appreciably from the strife-torn state of Manipur, where the national leaders have yet to materialise. But are the attempts at the liaison a little too late and too little? Its potency to sway the electorate is up in the air—a glance at the dissatisfaction within the ranks of the Congress bespeaks of its bleakness.

The banality of these postulations might have bored many a reader who would wish to peruse something more upbeat to death. Many wonder at the constructiveness and pragmatism of pursuing these irking issues incessantly. However, they need to see that the denizens of countries that have pursued such courses suffer.

The democratic framework of our motherland has provided us with the capacity to change what we will. Unfortunately, illiteracy, misinformation, nescience and apathy, among other reasons, have led to a disuse of this faculty. Akin to Tagore, I implore, "Let my country awake", lest that potential is lost forever.

Recent Posts

Kejriwal's political journey from anti-corruption crusader to Delhi CM ended in defeat as AAP lost the 2025 election. His ambition, corruption allegations, soft Hindutva approach, and refusal to ally
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
17 Feb 2025
Delhi's glaring contrasts reveal the struggle between affluence and homelessness. While the CM has made a "Sheesh Mahal" for himself, inadequate shelter facilities, apathy, and exclusionary practices
apicture M L Satyan
17 Feb 2025
Akbar Road's potential renaming reflects the current tendency to erase all Muslim heritage in India. Akbar exemplified secular governance, embracing diversity and justice, promoting education, and res
apicture A. J. Philip
17 Feb 2025
Manipur's tragedy highlights two years of inter-community violence, claiming hundreds of lives, displacing thousands, and destroying properties. Leadership failures, political opportunism, and complic
apicture George Plathottam
17 Feb 2025
Trump's deportation of 104 chained Indian immigrants highlights the desperation of those who paid agents lakhs for illegal entry. Despite India's purported "vikas," the actual vast economic gap with d
apicture Isaac Harold Gomes
17 Feb 2025
Support can uplift the genuinely needy but risks being exploited by the corrupt by moulding it into revadi culture to woo voters. True justice requires tackling socio-economic disparities, not offerin
apicture P. A. Chacko
17 Feb 2025
In Air Becomes Breath, Fr Dr Jacob Naluparayil crafts a symphony of spiritual inquiry, weaving homiletic tradition with the fresh, invigorating rhythms of Pope Francis' vision for preaching.
apicture Fr. Gaurav Nair
17 Feb 2025
Edward Berger's 2024 film, Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris' 2016 novel of the same name, is a riveting and thought-provoking thriller that delves into the insulated and inscrutable world of the V
apicture Sacaria Joseph
17 Feb 2025
Indian weddings are shifting towards mindful, intimate celebrations prioritising sustainability, authenticity, and financial prudence. Rising costs, ethical concerns, and personal expression drive
apicture Anantha Padmanabhan
17 Feb 2025
Use the court, or use the vote, and see the Toothpicks flee..!
apicture Robert Clements
17 Feb 2025