Though I am a muslim, Ram is our ancestor & we are proud of his character. Indian govt. should protect the Ramsethu & hence safeguard the feelings of not only Hindus but also non-Hindus like me. Let me make it clear that the muslims like me have the history of only last 1500 years. Since Ram is an ancient figure with great character, this is an issue of national heritage & not only the heritage of Hindus. BJP has no business to hijack this issue. Ram belongs to all & not only to the BJP/RSS.
Some of my muslim brothers have questioned my identity as a muslim. I feel pity for them. I can say with evidance that my ancestors were not norn in West Asia & they were the local people here. Why should I believe in the Adam theory? I believe in Islam & I always try to link it with spirituality & peace. Let us use RamSethu as a bridge between our present & our past. I strongly urge the people not ot make Ram marginalised to a specific religion. Let us treat him as a national figure.
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by Fried Yakov on Jan 23, 2008 01:28 AM Permalink
Dear Madam,
Your words bring joy to my heart as I have rarely seen a Muslim who respects others faith. May your tribe increase and end the senseless mayhem in this world. I wish you Godspeed.
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by JGN on Jan 22, 2008 06:32 PM Permalink
Dear Rehana, there is no proof that Ram existed. The story of his birth cannot be true (like that of Jesus Christ). Even if he existed, he was a Noble King. The author gave him a larger than life image and made almost a model person.
However as a mark of tolerance, let the hindus believe in him (just like the followers believing in their respective gods or prophets)rather than abusing their faith.
Apart from faith, the Project is technically and economically viable. The same will benefit only the dredging companies and those who can get kick-back!!!!
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by Demo-crazy on Jan 22, 2008 07:43 PM Permalink
JGN, just to mention couple of points. 1. Rama was called Maryada Purushottam - the best among human beings, as known to those at that time, based on his principles of fairness, bravery, etc. 2. Krishna also existed. The excavations in Bet Dwaraka show the submerged Dwaraka City.
In Hinduism, we have the pratice of defining a role model - anyone who has achieved something that is beyond the capability of a large mass of people, is deified (or demonized based on whether it is good or evil act).
If we can call Shirdi Sai Baba or Puttaparti Sai Baba, as an incarnation of God and worship him, why not Rama or Krishna.
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by JGN on Jan 22, 2008 08:22 PM Permalink
Dear Demo-crazy, I have not told that they should not be worshipped. Let the believers worhsip him. I have no quarrel. Though I do not believe in any god, I do have respect for the sentiments of the believers. Btw I do not consider Shirdi Sai Baba or Puttaparti Sai Baba as incarnations of God. According to world renowned Rationalist, Puttaparti Sai Baba was a juggler. ( Btw I have some respect for him only out of numerous godman/godwoman in our country for the Water Supply Project and Hospitals he had constructed)
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by sivasubramanian on Jan 22, 2008 08:42 PM Permalink
Dear JGN, Man are made with only a tiny brain, that also don't work for some person like you/Karunaithi. You belive you are fathered by your DAD, even without proof, If so why our forefathers whose might and inteligence can never attained by you and me Built so big tEmple in Tamil Nadu,thousands of year before. Why all your fore father worked so hard to establish the Gopuram(TOwer) Which all world astonish as Engineering miracle. You with small eduaction and littile brain thinks those genius are fools,then it is up to you, we can't help you.
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by Demo-crazy on Jan 22, 2008 10:23 PM Permalink
JGN, we have no objections to anybody being atheist. Charvaka, a sage, was an atheist. Still he is respected and his views are revered. That is the real strength of Hinduism.
There are many who saints who are serious on the social upliftment. Many have initiated projects in healthcare, education, running orphanages, etc. These kind of services are also service to God.
So, when a person rises above the average scale, does something extraordinary, he or she is considered God. I have no problem with that thought process.
There are many things that science has not been able to explain. So, there is something beyond the visible, beyond normal mechanisms of generally known laws of science.
An open mind will always try to search for the truth. That is a journey we all should undertake or at least be aware of.
However, let me tell you that I liked your comments.
For all those researchers on the net. A bit of advice - there is much more beyond search engines. We should make an effort to read some quality books.
RE:RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by JGN on Jan 22, 2008 06:33 PM Permalink
Pl read as............the Project is technically and economically NOT viable.......
RE:Ram is our ancestor also.
by rediff reader on Jan 23, 2008 03:18 AM Permalink
Dear JGN, Maybe you do not believe that Jesus is divine.
However there is more than enough proof that He existed. You might not accept the biblical proof. So check out other historical facts.
There is more than enough evidence outside the bible(Roman historians, Jewish historians like Josephus who lived in the first cenury, Talmud)
Overwhelming Evidence that
1. He existed
2. He was crucified by Romans
3. His followers believed that He rose again. They were willing to stick to this belief even when threatened with death.
If God is who he claims to be, supernatural things like resurrection / virgin birth or creation should not be impossible for Him. I will be suspicious If God cannot resurrect a dead person / do supernatural things.
Should He not demo His power over everything ..even death for me to trust HIm?
For someone to claim to be God - He shd have full power over life and death.
