If this is "Excellent work", its about time rediff gets someone new to write a column. This article is an example of how not to write a column in a news paper. a) just because other countries show case the story of Ram does not prove that Ram existed - it shows that the story had spread through the countries around Asia where Buddhism has spread - could this be because of Asoka spreading buddhism and in doing so spread the story of Ram?? something to think about ex: most of the world knows about Harry Potter.
b)If we have to accept that Ram is after all a greak King who lived and ruled India - then is he a King or God; mind you, you cannot have it both ways. If he is a King, since India is a democracy there is no need to bow to Kingship any more.
So, please get your perspectives straight and do some real research and think about what you want to achieve before writing contentious articles such as this. The only outcome of this article is to instigate responsible people into emotional debates on religion and faith, and that is some place we do not have to go.
Note: I am an Indian who was born a hindu and I do believe in God, please do not tarnish the image of hindus and indians by publishing these kind of narrow minded articles.