RSS To Revive Ram Temple Issue

[viking]

No violence, but Ram temple will be built: RSS chief

Last updated on: September 15, 2010 15:01 IST

Sheela Bhatt meets Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha chief Mohan Bhagwat at a media interaction in New Delhi [ Images ]. She says that while he was rigid on his stand on the Ayodhya issue, he impressed with his simplicity and clarity of thought.


"Hindu society in India [ Images ] wants to see a Ram temple in Ayodhya. I can give you my response to the court's judgement only after September 24. There is legal option available too. It will all depend on the judgement. But, our response will be within the limits of law and constitution. It will be in a democratic way. We will be striving to see that there will be a grand Ram temple on that site," said Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh speaking on the much-awaited Ayodhya verdict.

In an interaction with journalists of the Indian Women's Press Corps in New Delhi, he not only explained why he wants the Ram temple in Ayodhya but also conceded that they demolished the Babri mosque and explained why did they so.

He said, "The Ayodhya issue is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. Ram is worshipped in millions of Hindu houses. But, that's why we are not running the movement for a Ram temple."

He explained further that there is centuries old lifestyle, which has certain codes, which appreciates Ram as an ideal entity. Bharat's emotion (bandhu bhav) for his brother Ram is appreciated and understood not only by Hindus, but common Muslims as well. These values are national in character. Our country is surviving on those national values.

He said, "To uproot (free) those values we demolished the mosque. (Un mulyo ko udhwast karne ke liye humne masjid ko toda hai). Now, we are freed so we should re-establish something like a national museum in the form of a Ram temple."

He even said that if a temple is built in Ayodhya, it would reduce the distance that has been created between Hindus and Muslims over other issues. "We want the temple on the birthplace (of Ram). There was a temple there. That temple was demolished to break the will of the people. While disrespecting values, they demolished the temple."

He thinks that re-establishing a temple will reset those values that were hurt at the time the of rule of Mughal emperor Babar. "The opposition to the temple is not justified."

There is not an iota of change in RSS's stand on building of Ram temple at the site in Ayodhya where the Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992. But, Bhagwat, the all-powerful leader of the 85-year-old outfit, is promising that there will be no violence whichever way the Ayodhya verdict goes.

Bhagwat is the sixth sarsanghachalak of the RSS. His father was a prant pracharak (branch leader) and he himself had been pracharak for more than 25 years. No doubt, he breathes and lives on the philosophy of the RSS. In spite of prodding by women reporters, he gave no concession to the liberal view over the Babri mosque-Ram temple issue which will suit 21st century India, which wants development first and doesn't want to remain mired and divided over religion, caste or class.

When the journalists argued with Bhagwat that if the RSS wants to unite India and wants to see it on path of progress then the solution to have joint structure at the site in Ayodhya could serve both purposes of unity and development, he stuck to his views.

When asked specifically what is his precise problem to have some kind of joint structure or all-religion structure on that site to solve the issue forever, Bhagwat said, "Ayodhya is not about the religion, it's about the re-establishing national values. Why should anybody object to it?"

He insisted that construction of the Ram temple would integrate India in a big way. He said, "The basic problem is that people are opposing the Ram temple."

In the comment that can offend the secular people, he argued further that, "If tomorrow, Muslims say that let the temple be built then nobody will be able to say in India that Indian Muslims are 'foreign-bound'. (Bharat main koi nahin kahe sakega ke yahan ka Muslman videsh-parsat hai)!"

He said from the side of RSS there should be no apprehension of violence. Peace should be maintained because Ayodhya is not the issue of conflict, he said.

More than an hour's engagement with media proved that RSS don't change its stand even a century passes by or a new one arrives. He said, "Why should one change views with the change of time? Roots of a tree remain same and firm even with the changing of time."

When asked about his view about the divisive character of the Ayodhya issue that has created distance between Hindus and Muslims in the country, he said, "We don't want any division in Indian society. If some issues create distance it's our duty to fill the gap." He said that till some time back RSS was not into dialogue with the Muslims. But, since the last seven years RSS is having regular dialogue with Muslim leaders.

When asked repeatedly about the dialogue to maintain peace with the Muslim community after the Ayodhya verdict, he said that the Saints Committee, which is leading the Ram Janambhoomi movement, has dialogue with the Babri Masjid [ Images ] Action Committee and he doesn't have any clue about it.

He thinks that when the Bharatiya Janata Party [ Images ] joined the temple movement it helped it but he said the RSS is not dependent on anybody over the issue. It stands firm on the demand that a grand temple should be built there, whether the BJP is with it or not.

While he refused to budge from his rigid stand on Ayodhya, he did impress by his simplicity, dignity of language and clarity of thought.

On the issue of radical Hindutva outfits like Abhinav Bharat and the Shriram Sene, he completely distanced himself from them. He said that he doesn't have much information on those organisations. And, then he said, "The RSS doesn't believe in violence and it's written in its constitution."

Bhagwat said he doesn't believe that there is anything-called Hindu or saffron terrorism in the country. There is politics behind it to defame the RSS.

When asked how he can object to words like saffron terror when they have been using words like jihadi terrorism, he said "Jihadi terrorism is a phrase used all over the world. Jihadi terrorism has got sanction by a 'particular philosophy' which supports violence. Hindu society doesn't sanction violence. So, saffron or Hindu words can't go together with terrorism."

He reminded that whoever believes in violence and whosoever is motivated by external forces cannot join the RSS.

He was in a denial mode when asked about the RSS's grip over the BJP.

While smiling he said that he did not handpick Nitin Gadkari [ Images ] as president of the BJP. He said three-four names came forward that included Gadkari's name.

Showing his maturity, he was very restrained in his criticism of the Manmohan Singh-led government in handling the Kashmir [ Images ] crisis. He said it's not RSS's job to criticise the government. "We are not an opposition party."

However, he repeated RSS stand of 'integrating' Kashmir with rest of India and reiterated its opposition to Article 370, which gives special status to J&K. He said he doesn't like words like 'autonomy' and 'azadi'.

He repeated the RSS views that Kashmir must be integrated with the rest of India. The policy of the government should be aiming for it. "How is it possible that by mere stone-throwing they want to dismiss the government?" He said that government should work towards making Kashmir an inseparable part of India in all senses.

Earlier, while opening the dialogue, he said that, "I have come here to spread the understanding of the RSS."

Then, in the typical RSS way, he explained that what the organisation stands for. He said that a country becomes great and contributes to the world when its ordinary society is united and virtuous.

He said Dr B K Hedgewar founded the RSS in 1925 because he saw that awareness has spread in Indian society so independence will follow; but after attaining independence to run the country and to retain 'freedom,' one requires a society, that is united.

He said , "The RSS's work is of uniting the Hindu society. It is not the reactionary work nor is it in opposition to any community."

He said, "Whoever wants to see 'Bharat mata ki jai' in this world can join any branch of the RSS." He claimed that the RSS doesn't believe in caste and nobody is asked about it when they come to join. He said the RSS has emerged as the strength of nation in the last 85 years.

He was defensive about lack of women in the top leadership of the RSS. He said they have many programmes conducted jointly. The RSS wanted that caste census should not be conducted along with the census. He hoped that the caste census remains for planning purposes and not for politics.

He also said that the 'Brahimin leadership' of the RSS is changing slowly. The dominance of the Brahmins has to do with its origin in Nagpur. In Nagpur, now the so-called scheduled castes are more than the Brahmins in RSS. At the zonal level, the caste combination is rapidly changing, and it will change at the national level too, he hoped. "We don't force the change," he added.

http://news.rediff.com/special/2010/...dhya-issue.htm

RSS To Revive Ram Temple Issue
Replies:119 Views: 1,102 Original forum: Taaza Khabar - Breaking news
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[PeaceSeeker]

Mohan Bhagwat is really impressive in this choice of words and clarity of thought. Without people like him, India would go to the dogs sooner than later.

[echarcha]

Thank you for starting my day with a good laugh!

Ram Mandir? Today? 2010? 2011? 2012? When?


Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ....

I really think BJP and their cohorts RSS and others have gone mad. Offcourse with old age comes senility, and I can understand ...

Let BJP and RSS start again on this stupid agenda and I gurantee that even the hard core BJP supporters will think twice before inviting the same old riots and mayhem.

The best slap in BJPs face was after Mumbai attacks. They used the Mumbai attacks as an election propaganda in the Delhi state elections... What happened? Sheila Dixit won her third term!!

As Narayan Rane had remarked about Shiv Sena and BJP - they should wind down and close shop!!

[Sane Less]

The Babri masjid was built in the era of real men... today we live in the age of wimps.

[viking]

Originally Posted by echarcha

Thank you for starting my day with a good laugh!

Ram Mandir? Today? 2010? 2011? 2012? When?


Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ....

I really think BJP and their cohorts RSS and others have gone mad. Offcourse with old age comes senility, and I can understand ...

Let BJP and RSS start again on this stupid agenda and I gurantee that even the hard core BJP supporters will think twice before inviting the same old riots and mayhem.

The best slap in BJPs face was after Mumbai attacks. They used the Mumbai attacks as an election propaganda in the Delhi state elections... What happened? Sheila Dixit won her third term!!

As Narayan Rane had remarked about Shiv Sena and BJP - they should wind down and close shop!!

A long gap has allowed a new generation of young Hindus who had not seen the temple movement Part 1. We may be bored about it since we were enthused about it when we were much younger. The guys who are 20 and younger now will most definitely be enthused.

I still believe that Narendra Modi should be made PM candidate and Varun Gandhi should be made CM candidate for UP.

The court verdict on Ayodhya is around the corner. I'm sure it will be in favour of the Muslims. May hell break lose thereafter.

Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai!

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by viking

A long gap has allowed a new generation of young Hindus who had not seen the temple movement Part 1. We may be bored about it since we were enthused about it when we were much younger. The guys who are 20 and younger now will most definitely be enthused.

I still believe that Narendra Modi should be made PM candidate and Varun Gandhi should be made CM candidate for UP.

The court verdict on Ayodhya is around the corner. I'm sure it will be in favour of the Muslims. May hell break lose thereafter.

Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai!

I wish BJP and RSS all the best in elections, but the youth of today - even from rural areas - have had a taste of what 'mall life' is all about - Cineplexes, hanging out in malls, more income from so many job varieties like credit marketing, call centers, et-al, more exposure to western things and brands, more availability of consumer goods and in short all means to enjoy instant gratification. Do you think the youth of today - barring a few die hards - want to give up all this and go for this Ram Mandir which will definitely ensure riots?

Even those who are young, say about 30 years, are working at jobs which have good jobs than what their fathers made at their age or even others made 10 years ago. The economy is booming. Do you think the educated professional skilled class young man wants riots?

[AmthaLal]

Originally Posted by echarcha

Thank you for starting my day with a good laugh!

Ram Mandir? Today? 2010? 2011? 2012? When?


Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ....

I really think BJP and their cohorts RSS and others have gone mad. Offcourse with old age comes senility, and I can understand ...

Let BJP and RSS start again on this stupid agenda and I gurantee that even the hard core BJP supporters will think twice before inviting the same old riots and mayhem.

The best slap in BJPs face was after Mumbai attacks. They used the Mumbai attacks as an election propaganda in the Delhi state elections... What happened? Sheila Dixit won her third term!!

As Narayan Rane had remarked about Shiv Sena and BJP - they should wind down and close shop!!

And what happened in Maharashtra?

After all these attacks kaangress won.

Even in Bombay all the seats went to Kaangress in parliament.

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by AmthaLal

And what happened in Maharashtra?

After all these attacks kaangress won.

Even in Bombay all the seats went to Kaangress in parliament.

You know what Amtha ... people generally avoid such nonsense which leads to closure of cities, businesses, offices when they are either worried about their daily wages and providing for family based on daily earnings OR when people are doing well and are enjoying the fruits of the wealth they earn by way of good salaries at good jobs, good business returns, etc.

In India, when the Ram Mandir issue had erupted almost 2 decades ago, there were far too many unemployed youth and it was easy to rile them up. Today the youth have many more avenues to make money. There is much better opportunity to make money and enjoy.

So I dont think anyone - except die hard BJP and RSS fanboys - will indulge in all this Ram Mandir brouhaha.

I wonder which educated college going or just started working young man is going to pick up a stone and throw it at his favorite mall or cineplex?

Maybe in rural areas, where there is extreme poverty, the 'fugga chaddi' brigade can promise a vada pav and bottle of booze to come join some rally and throw stones. Thats about it.

[badriprasad]

Originally Posted by AmthaLal

And what happened in Maharashtra?

After all these attacks kaangress won.

Even in Bombay all the seats went to Kaangress in parliament.

This is what confuses. What makes Mahratha manus dedicated to kaangress? Why? What has Kaangress done for Maharashtra that residents are die-hard kaangress loyals?

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by badriprasad

This is what confuses. What makes Mahratha manus dedicated to kaangress? Why? What has Kaangress done for Maharashtra that residents are die-hard kaangress loyals?

Marathi manoos wants progress just as any other manoos from any other state. Fortunately progress has been coming quite well in Maharashtra. So no one wants trouble makers and apple cart rockers in Maharashtra. Congress NCP combine winning with a comfortable majority all over the state is proof of this.

[badriprasad]

Originally Posted by echarcha

Marathi manoos wants progress just as any other manoos from any other state. Fortunately progress has been coming quite well in Maharashtra. So no one wants trouble makers and apple cart rockers in Maharashtra. Congress NCP combine winning with a comfortable majority all over the state is proof of this.

There are three prongs to continues progress in Maharasthra. Hard working locals. Immigrants from all over filling in the slack in jobs which locals no longer wish to do. And entrepreneurs from all over India who have made Maharasthra home. What has Kaangress got to do with progress? Maharashtra progresses inspite of Kaangress and its divide and rule corrupt policies, noh?

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by badriprasad

There are three prongs to continues progress in Maharasthra. Hard working locals. Immigrants from all over filling in the slack in jobs which locals no longer wish to do. And entrepreneurs from all over India who have made Maharasthra home. What has Kaangress got to do with progress? Maharashtra progresses inspite of Kaangress and its divide and rule corrupt policies, noh?

Congress may not be directly responsible but people still vote for them because Congress knows how to let business thrive and let people generate wealth. Shiv Sena and mainly BJP is into nonsense like Ram Mandir and what not.

No body wants riots and instability.

People of Mumbai have accepted the fact that no party can prevent or act on terrorist attacks, so they have selected the better of the known devils. Congress is any day better for Mumbai to function than Shiv Sena or BJP who are only into shutting down businesses and cities for protesting anything sundry. In Mumbai time is money and no one can afford 'Mumbai bundhs' and such crap.

And I dont have to prove this to anyone because the actions of the voters prove it very well.

[badriprasad]

Originally Posted by echarcha

Congress may not be directly responsible but people still vote for them because Congress knows how to let business thrive and let people generate wealth. Shiv Sena and mainly BJP is into nonsense like Ram Mandir and what not.

No body wants riots and instability.

People of Mumbai have accepted the fact that no party can prevent or act on terrorist attacks, so they have selected the better of the known devils. Congress is any day better for Mumbai to function than Shiv Sena or BJP who are only into shutting down businesses and cities for protesting anything sundry. In Mumbai time is money and no one can afford 'Mumbai bundhs' and such crap.

And I dont have to prove this to anyone because the actions of the voters prove it very well.

So its the people is what you are saying, Sutradarji. Why do you give credit to Kaangress? Are kaangressees in Maharashtra any different from ones in Bihar, UP and rest of India?

[chitrala]

मेरी समझ में यह नहीं अाता कि मंदिर बनाने से क्या मिल जाएगा.... बाबर नरक में चला जाएगा...या फिर किसके अात्मा को शांति मिल जाएगी.... जो हाथ में है, वो तो संभलता नहीं है, चले हैं एक अौर मंदिर बनाने.... इस देश के ९९% प्राचीन मंदिर अाज इस हालत में हैं, कि वहाँ पवित्रता की बात उपहास लगती है । rss वाले अपनी रोटी सेंकने में लगे हैं.... सालों ने एक ढंग की संस्था नहीं दी है देश को.... देखो मिशनरियों को.... कम से कम इंस्टीट्यूट्स तो देते हैं देश को.... घंटा हाथ नहीं अाने वाला मंदिर बना कर.... इतिहास को अाप वर्तमान में हुए परिवर्तनों से बदल नहीं सकते।

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by chitrala

मेरी समझ में यह नहीं अाता कि मंदिर बनाने से क्या मिल जाएगा.... बाबर नरक में चला जाएगा...या फिर किसके अात्मा को शांति मिल जाएगी.... जो हाथ में है, वो तो संभलता नहीं है, चले हैं एक अौर मंदिर बनाने.... इस देश के ९९% प्राचीन मंदिर अाज इस हालत में हैं, कि वहाँ पवित्रता की बात उपहास लगती है । rss वाले अपनी रोटी सेंकने में लगे हैं.... सालों ने एक ढंग की संस्था नहीं दी है देश को.... देखो मिशनरियों को.... कम से कम इंस्टीट्यूट्स तो देते हैं देश को.... घंटा हाथ नहीं अाने वाला मंदिर बना कर.... इतिहास को अाप वर्तमान में हुए परिवर्तनों से बदल नहीं सकते।

Exactly! What has RSS given anyone except parading with fugga chaddi on a open air ground?

I am not ashamed to say that I went to a Catholic school run by Roman Catholics (Salesian brothers). It was a superb school, and I am proud of my alma mater. I got superb education and it paid me rich dividends!!

Now there are Hindu run schools like Arya Samaj schools but I hardly see RSS Fugga Chaddi schools anywhere.

RSS is again full of people who think they can bring back Hindu rashtra. Yeah right! When it was time to do something, they shut up. Like when BJP came to power, they could have squeezed Vajpayee's balls to keep the promise of Ram Mandir. But did not.

And now they want a Mandir?

I am quite happy that the youth in tier 1 and tier 2 cities are against these VHP and RSS and Bajrang Dal morons who thrash them on Valentine's Day and beat up girls and boys just because they went to a pub.

I am a staunch Hindu and will remain so but not at the cost of freedom of expression and thought like these VHP, RSS and Bajrang Dal and their weakest cousin BJP