Saswat Panigrahi
By denying the authenticity of the Ramayan, the 'secularists' have not only hurt Hindu sentiments, but also rebuffed history. They have questioned the existence of an icon of Hinduism whose exploits have been woven into the epic by Valmiki whose account can be corroborated from other sources.
The method of time measurement on the basis of the movement of the Sun and other planets of the universe, in vogue in the ancient period, were recorded by the scholars of that era. When we flip through the pages of the Ramayan, astronomical references to the datelines related to the life and times of Lord Ram are found. Valmiki mentions the location of planets vis-?-vis the zodiac signs, on the basis of which it can be concluded that Ramayan is a true story.
A large number of places replete with historic and scientific evidence bear testimony to the events of the epic. Ram Setu is a bridge that connected Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka. The vaanar sena constructed the bridge to reach the island in order to rescue Lord Ram's abducted wife Sita from Ravan.
The unique historical incident is also backed by evidence brought out by the Department of Earth Sciences of India. A report dated March 2007 states that near Rameshwaram, the 'teri' formation supported a rich compilation of mesolithic and microlithic matters, which is evidence of human activity in these areas as early as 8,000 to 9,000 years ago and as recent as 4,000 years ago.
Ramayan is a part of that history which talks about the culture not only of our country, but also Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Bali, Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar. But political fundamentalists like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi are questioning the very existence of Lord Ram, thus justifying a proposed destruction of Ram Setu - a structure symbolising the essence of our culture. By saying, "We see only Adam's bridge, no Ram Setu", these leaders wilfully ignore the sacred tradition that has woven the diverse cultures of the sub-continent since time immemorial.
As per section 295(a) of the Indian Penal Code, no one can hurt the religious beliefs of any community, and failure to comply with the law may lead to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fine or both depending upon the seriousness of the issue. Why shouldn't the offenders be punished on the charge of violating the law?
-- Published in the Edit page of The Pioneer on October 10, 2007
By denying the authenticity of the Ramayan, the 'secularists' have not only hurt Hindu sentiments, but also rebuffed history. They have questioned the existence of an icon of Hinduism whose exploits have been woven into the epic by Valmiki whose account can be corroborated from other sources.
The method of time measurement on the basis of the movement of the Sun and other planets of the universe, in vogue in the ancient period, were recorded by the scholars of that era. When we flip through the pages of the Ramayan, astronomical references to the datelines related to the life and times of Lord Ram are found. Valmiki mentions the location of planets vis-?-vis the zodiac signs, on the basis of which it can be concluded that Ramayan is a true story.
A large number of places replete with historic and scientific evidence bear testimony to the events of the epic. Ram Setu is a bridge that connected Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka. The vaanar sena constructed the bridge to reach the island in order to rescue Lord Ram's abducted wife Sita from Ravan.
The unique historical incident is also backed by evidence brought out by the Department of Earth Sciences of India. A report dated March 2007 states that near Rameshwaram, the 'teri' formation supported a rich compilation of mesolithic and microlithic matters, which is evidence of human activity in these areas as early as 8,000 to 9,000 years ago and as recent as 4,000 years ago.
Ramayan is a part of that history which talks about the culture not only of our country, but also Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Bali, Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar. But political fundamentalists like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi are questioning the very existence of Lord Ram, thus justifying a proposed destruction of Ram Setu - a structure symbolising the essence of our culture. By saying, "We see only Adam's bridge, no Ram Setu", these leaders wilfully ignore the sacred tradition that has woven the diverse cultures of the sub-continent since time immemorial.
As per section 295(a) of the Indian Penal Code, no one can hurt the religious beliefs of any community, and failure to comply with the law may lead to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fine or both depending upon the seriousness of the issue. Why shouldn't the offenders be punished on the charge of violating the law?
-- Published in the Edit page of The Pioneer on October 10, 2007
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