A good article, echoing the sentiments of most of the believers in Hindu mythology. To put things in perspective, I am not much of a believer in Ram being an avatar of Vishnu or some of the other things that Ramayana says. It is possible that there was a prince called Ram and it was common for many kings and princes to be perceived as divine incarnations. The story could have been about this prince and may have been jazzed up by the imaginations of the original author, by such things as pushpaka vimana, vanara sena etc. On the other hand, the story could have been entirely fictional. Ram may or may not have existed, Ramayana may or may not be just a fictional story. However, all of this does not matter at all. The point is that there are millions of people in the country who strongly believe that an avatar of Vishnu called Ram existed and constructed this bridge on his way to Lanka. The Govt in Tamil Nadu may be composed of atheists (pseudo, in many cases), but most of the people they govern are not. Therefore, the Govt simply has to respect the sentiments of the people and leave Ram Setu project alone. In case of a dispute over the truth and validity of Ram, Ramayana or Ram Setu bridge, the right thing to do would be to allow the issue to be tackled by historians, archeologists and scientists from relavant disciplines - not by the Govt., courts and politicians. Till a date when a clear account of history can be made available to the public, there could be no sensible option
RE:RE:excellent article
by Devavrata Satya on Aug 03, 2008 12:20 PM Permalink
Ms. Nandini Venkat,
Millions of people believing in something does not make it true or correct.
Millions of Muslims and Christians believe that Hindus are worshipping false gods, and they will go to hell if they don't convert to Islam or Christianity. Will you "respect their sentiments" and do as they say?
Any opposition to the project should be only on the basis of ecological and environmental considerations. When religious considerations come into any decision of importance, all logic and rationality go out of the window. Under those circumstances, how can one make an optimal decision?
I agree that historians, scientists and archaeologists should decide if the Setu was indeed built by Ram or not. But supposing their findings say that it is just a natural formation, can we appeal to respect for religious sentiments and disregard science?
Hindus should take the lead in rational religion. I doubt if the composers of the Upanishads would be gravely concerned about ancient formations, man-made or natural. Hindus, as opposed to dogmatic faiths, have a long tradition of questioning and seeking for oneself, and the essence of Hinduism is not belief, but truth. Respecting truth should come naturally to Hindus.
RE:excellent article
by Nandini Venkat on Aug 05, 2008 12:16 AM Permalink
Totally agree that millions of people believing in something does not make it true. The same argument holds for belief in the existence of God, performing many kinds of rituals and so many things related God, sometimes religion. I fail to understand your argument on "going to hell":) People are free (or atleast, should be free) to practice any religion they want and believe anything they want if they think it gives them some kind of an anchor in life. However, believing in "going to hell" or heaven is not an argument put forth today to form any public policy. If it is historically and scientifically proven that Ram Setu is only a natural formation and has nothing to do with Ram, then we have NO basis to appeal for respect to religious sentiments. The Govt. is free to do what it wants. However, we are not there yet. Yes, the essence of Hinduism is believing in truth - my argument is that we do not know the truth and hence all the unrest, because every person, with all his heart, believes that he has the correct perspective of the world around him. Also, my personal feeling is Tamil Natan is wrong in that vast majority of people in Tamil Nadu support the project. I have no statistical evidence, but I am sure he has none either. So, we are both free to air our views. So just chill :)
RE:excellent article
by Nandini Venkat on Aug 03, 2008 01:44 AM Permalink
The point is that there are millions of people in the country who strongly believe that an avatar of Vishnu called Ram existed and constructed this bridge on his way to Lanka. The Govt in Tamil Nadu may be composed of atheists (pseudo, in many cases), but most of the people they govern are not. Therefore, the Govt simply has to respect the sentiments of the people and leave Ram Setu project alone. In case of a dispute over the truth and validity of Ram, Ramayana or Ram Setu bridge, the right thing to do would be to allow the issue to be tackled by historians, archeologists and scientists from relavant disciplines - not by the Govt., courts and politicians. Till a date when a clear account of history can be made available to the public, there could be no sensible option other than to put the project on hold or abandon it/look for alternative routes.
RE:excellent article
by Tamil natan on Aug 03, 2008 03:23 AM Permalink
The majority of Tamils donot care about Ram - and the majority of Tamils wants the project to be sucessful. If the majority was against this projects - Politicians will have to be dummed to go ahead with this project.
Millions of people also believe that Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu, but not Ram.
TN is part of India and ram setu is revered by billions of Indians and people around world - so go and propogate not to destory the bridge! I as a Hindu would support the cause if there was a real benefit - but alas its pseudo-secular and more threats than benefits hence oppose it.
RE:excellent article
by Guest on Aug 04, 2008 10:12 AM Permalink
Its not about what Tamilians think. Its about what Indians think and what the HIndus all over the world think. Come out of the well and see the world around..
RE:excellent article
by S Ramanathan on Aug 03, 2008 06:17 AM Permalink
Sorry! You are wrong on both counts! Majority Tamils would not support it. Your "Millions" seem to be hiding in your imagination.
RE:excellent article
by Pradip Parekh on Aug 03, 2008 06:46 AM Permalink
tamil natan talks like a monotheist missionaries who make statements of assertion flat out to people they think are gullible. the monothiests, which include the atheists too, will always be a huge ever present problem for the hindus in india unless the hindus really know their designs full well. the hindus can no longer afford to be petitioning and fighting the govts in courts on such issues all the time.
