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Title: Stop Secular Talibanism
Author: Tarun Vijay
Publication: India Today
Date: March 25, 2002
The temple reflects our vision of a prosperous and proud Bharat,
which sheltered all those driven out by fanatics of the world. Like the Statue
of Liberty.
In the Ramayana, the chapter on Ayodhya gives a majestic description
of Ram Rajya, where peace, prosperity and tranquillity reigned, for there was
no one to challenge the seat of Ayodhya, literally the land without wars. Ironically,
Ayodhya is now associated with struggle, anger and challenges abound. The Supreme
Court, whose supremacy we saw being challenged amidst full media glare with
the payment of a token fine of Rs 2,000, has stopped a puja and pilgrims are
banned from entering the birthplace of Ram. So much hate has been heaped on
the Ayodhya movement in the media that the real issue has got totally drowned.
The Marxist-Mullah combine has used the media in a manner that a Hindu would
feel ashamed at the mention of Ayodhya and would say, how does it matter to
me if no temple is built there. Please maintain peace!
A typical Hindu reaction. How does it matter if the nation is
partitioned and Pakistan created amidst an unparalleled massacre of Hindus,
if that brings peace? How does it matter if a few terrorists are released to
bring air passengers home safe? How does it matter if Agra is decorated and
we get a little romantic with the villain of Kargil? And how does it matter
if we lie low and let peace prevail ... after December 13 ... and after February
27?
Now, if a large section of Hindus decide that it really matters
to say no to humiliation, they are the hoodlums of Hindu society, known for
its "tolerance". The message is: as long as you continue to accept
humiliation, you are a good secular Hindu. But the moment you stand up for your
dignity and faith, you are bad.
Defending Ayodhya is like defending Bharat. Bruised, humiliated
and condemned, we stand just for underlining what we are and what we have been.
The temple is a symbol of a civilisation waking up. It stands for our vision
of a glorified, prosperous and proud Bharat, which sheltered all those driven
out by fanatical rulers the world over. Like the Statue of Liberty. It's like
unfurling the tricolour over the regained Tiger Hill.
They ask us to obey the court, and yet justify amending the law
to stop payment of Rs 25 a month to an old woman. All the big temples have been
taken over by the government and Hindu religious funds are misused. Can it dare
to even suggest taking over Haji Ali or St Xavier's? Compare how the government
treats Hajis and Hindu pilgrims? Should we recall Meenakshipuram? The past 20
years have seen more than 50,000 Hindus killed by Islamic jehadis and more than
2,00,000 driven out of their homes. And still, Hindus get sermons to "keep
restraint". Ayodhya is against this secular Talibanism
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