STATEMENT AGAINST THE CELEBRATION OF THE INAUGURATION OF AYODHYA RAM MANDIR IN CHS
22 January 2024 | Issued by Alumni of CHS, JNU
"If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will, no doubt, be the greatest calamity for this country. Hinduism is a menace to liberty, equality and fraternity. On that account it is incompatible with democracy. Hindu Raj must be prevented at any cost."
On 6 December 1992, the trail of communal violence precipitated by the Sangh Parivar led Rath Yatra culminated in the barbaric destruction of the Babri Masjid. The episode signalled a significant departure from the commitment to religious tolerance and equality, tearing apart the fabric of secular ideals that had been integral to the constitutional founding of the nation.
32 years later, the spectre of communalism is now on the verge of consuming the nation
The BJP-led state has strategically deployed the contested concept of Ram Janmabhoomi as a political agenda, leaving behind all pretence of maintaining separation from religion. Invitations to actors, influencers, and Supreme court judges who passed the Ayodhya judgement, while declaring 22nd as a public holiday, and crediting the Prime Minister as the harbinger of 'Ram Rajya' is a naked and unabashed display of majoritarianism that must be condemned. Alongside, In keeping with this destruction of democratic ethos, students at HCU were arrested for simply organising a screening of Anand Patwardhan's 'Ram ke Naam, which unmasks the vulgarity of this political project in the name of Ram.
We earnestly appeal to the JNU students and staff to recognize and resist the agenda that seeks to polarise society along religious lines, especially in light of recent attempts to legitimise the temple Inauguration. We urge everyone to refrain from engaging in practices that directly contradict the foundational principles of our long-cherished democracy, secularism, and the core spirit of the Indian nation, and foster an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and unity.
As alumni of CHS, we strongly condemn the celebration of the inauguration of this political project within CHS premises. We call for the reconsidération of this decision, emphasising the Importance of maintaining democratic norms. Our concern also stems from the fact that the decision to host this celebration displays a lack of inclusive decision-making process and subversion of constitutional values, adding to an atmosphere of crude majoritarianism. Also, as future historians, it is Imperative for us to discern and challenge inaccuracies in historical claims. In this context, we recall Prof. Supriya Varma's principled opposition to the ASI report, outlining the distortions and malpractices that led to its dubious conclusions. We must, therefore, oppose all efforts to manipulate and mangle history to serve a political agenda.
We reiterate our call for a reconsideration of this decision, emphasising the importance of maintaining democratic values within the institution. In doing so, we hope to preserve the inclusive and tolerant ethos that has been a hallmark of CHS, and nurture an atmosphere that respects constitutional values.
CONCERNED ALUMNI OF CHS