Modi address from Ram Mandir will be a defining speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the plaza adjacent to the east gate, the main entrance where devotees will enter the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, on January 22 after the consecration of the new idol of Lord Ram, is likely to be one of the most important speeches he has made. He can be expected to explain the significance of the Lord’s return to his place of nativity and what it means for the cultural soul of the nation and how it views itself in the current epoch.

As he did on August 5, 2020, when the foundation stone of the temple was laid, Modi will likely explain the importance of Lord Ram’s “homecoming” after centuries of dispute and contestation. The liberation of his birthplace will, however, be accompanied by an invocation of unity and national spirit. “Ram belongs to all and is in everyone,” he had said. Ahead of the January 22 ceremony, the Prime Minister stressed an upbeat message, asking people to celebrate the event like Diwali and light diyas (earthern lamps) in their houses.

The message of social harmony through devotion to Lord Ram will not be far from his message. Modi provided a glimpse of his thinking when he said on January 15 that the story of Ram would be incomplete without the exiled prince’s encounter with Shabari, a tribal woman who bit every berry she gave him, in order to ensure the fruit was not bitter. His remarks to representatives of PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) were far from casual, reflecting an inclusive message never far from his mind.

The temple planning envisages seven temples surrounding the main complex that will be dedicated to Valmiki, Vasistha, Vishwamitra, Nishadraj, Shabari and Ahalya. The religious-social messaging is obvious with Lord Ram identified with every section of society rather than “Brahminical” traditions alone. As he has on previous occasions, Modi will look to make the connections between the fulfilment of a long-denied destiny and various aspects of Lord Ram’s life that make him a figure of piety and reverence for every section of society.

The inclusion of saints from more than 150 traditions in prayers that are part of the consecration ceremonies are a pointer in this regard. “Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Shrimahants, Mahants, Nagas as well as leading figures of more than 50 Adivasi, Girivasi, Tatavasi, Dwipavasi tribal traditions will witness the Pran-Pratistha (consecration) ceremony on the premises of the Temple of Nativity,” the Vishwa Hindu Parishad said in a statement on January 15. The participation of sants from dispersed traditions is neither random nor impulsive.

The Prime Minister has shown he can rise to the occasion whether it is a combative speech in Parliament or while presenting broader themes from the Red Fort. The setting on January 22, with the Ram Mandir behind him, will be an inspiring backdrop to outline a vision of India’s past and future.

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Rajeev Deshpande

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