Hindu awakening important for India's global embrace

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is being marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet as a reclamation of India’s rightful civilisational authority.

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju told THE WEEK in an exclusive interview that the construction of the temple was the perfect example of establishing the country’s civilisational heritage by following all the principles enshrined in the Constitution. He added that Hindu awakening was extremely important for India’s global embrace. Excerpts:

Q \ How do you view the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya?

A \ Lord Shri Ram is a symbol of India’s heritage and civilisation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself says, [the temple] marks a new chapter in India’s history. It represents India’s civilisational history, which in many ways is a fulfilment of the expectations of the entire nation. The construction of the Ram Temple reclaims India’s rightful civilisational authority and inspires India’s growing position in world affairs.

Q \ The opposition alleges that it creates a divide between Hindus and other religious communities.

A \ The allegation is political in nature. Indians rejected it by joining the pran pratishthan whether in India or abroad. Every Indian feels that this is not an event for Hindus alone and that they are all part of it. It is a positive development coming after more than thousand years of occupation by foreign powers.

Q \ Do you see India becoming a Hindu state without changing the Constitution?