Interview/ Kiren Rijiju, Union minister of earth sciences
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is being marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet as a reclamation of India’s rightful civilisational authority. Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju told THE WEEK in an exclusive interview that the construction of the temple was the perfect example of establishing the country’s civilisational heritage by following all the principles enshrined in the Constitution. He added that Hindu awakening was extremely important for India’s global embrace. Excerpts:
Q \ How do you view the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya?
A \ Lord Shri Ram is a symbol of India’s heritage and civilisation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself says, [the temple] marks a new chapter in India’s history. It represents India’s civilisational history, which in many ways is a fulfilment of the expectations of the entire nation. The construction of the Ram Temple reclaims India’s rightful civilisational authority and inspires India’s growing position in world affairs.
Q \ The opposition alleges that it creates a divide between Hindus and other religious communities.
A \ The allegation is political in nature. Indians rejected it by joining the pran pratishthan whether in India or abroad. Every Indian feels that this is not an event for Hindus alone and that they are all part of it. It is a positive development coming after more than thousand years of occupation by foreign powers.
Q \ Do you see India becoming a Hindu state without changing the Constitution?
A \ India is a democracy, governed and guided by its Constitution. The construction of the Ram Temple is a perfect example of establishing the country’s civilisational heritage by following all the principles of the Constitution. Hindu awakening is extremely important for India’s global embrace. Hinduism or hindutva never tends to dominate other people. It is based on the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means the whole world is one family.
India being a Hindu majority nation is based on the Hindu philosophy, which is non-discriminatory and non-expansionist. It is all-embracing since it is built on inclusivity. For example, I am not a Hindu by definition. I am a Buddhist, but it is because of this very inclusive nature that everybody feels comfortable under the present system we have in India.
Q \ Will the Ram Temple become the seat of Hinduism?
A \ Symbolically, the Ram Temple is not confined to one location or one belief system. Hindus don’t convert other people so the religion is not a threat to anyone. Rather, it joins everyone.
Q \ As a Buddhist, how did you mark the occasion?
A \ I was with people in my constituency in Arunachal Pradesh. The best part of the event was that people from all religious groups―Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, the tribals and those who believe in the indigenous faith―were part of the grand celebration. This is what made the event unique. The consecration ceremony has once again brought the country together.
Q \ How do you see Hinduism percolating down to governance and policy-making if the BJP retains power?
A \ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s philosophy of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ in his governance model is already known to all. The world is accepting his ideas and thought process which is in the interest of the global community. It is not a parochial approach. Whatever the prime minister does is for the good of India as well as for humanity. That is why there is no need to examine whether there will be a change because the same leader will continue with the same thought and style of functioning. Today, India occupies a central position in the comity of nations. Whether it is the leaders of the western countries or the global south, everybody has accepted that Modi’s approach is the right way forward.
Swami Vivekananda said that the 21st century would be India’s century and we are witnessing it happening. It is in this light that the consecration of the Ram Temple has been accepted by all communities, demonstrating that the time has come for India to lead the world.
Q \ The Ram Lalla idol combines the religious sentiments of south India and north India. Was there a considered thought behind it?
A \ Lord Ram belongs to all. However, an interesting fact is that all the ancient temples, grand structures and other symbols of Hinduism are located in south India. During the thousand years of foreign invasion, all important and precious structures were demolished in north India. But the invaders could not reach south India, which proved to be a blessing as all beautiful temples and symbols are standing tall there.
Q \ What about the frenzy and acts of jingoism among your cadres over the issue of the Ram Temple?
A \ The happiness and the excitement for the temple is there everywhere, not only within the BJP. I have interacted with political leaders of different parties and everybody is equally excited, except Rahul Gandhi and some communist leaders who deliberately try to portray it as a political event. Even many leaders from the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress and other political parties have spoken in a unified tone and supported the consecration. The only problem is that they cannot speak openly. If any leader of the Congress says he is proud of the Ram Temple, he will be punished by the family-run party.