Temple reflects desire for good governance

A whole new generation of young India has emerged ever since the demolition of the Babri structure in Ayodhya more than 18 years ago. This two decade-long intervening period witnessed India's renaissance and its emergence as a key global player.

The period also saw a change in the nation's mood. From being a nation of angry and despondent people, our disposition has become decidedly confident and positive. People across all castes and communities are now craving for progress and development. At the core of the Ayodhya-Babri issue is not a legal or historical question. Not a political question in the least.

But it has been a source of communal discord for many years. In tune with the nation's upbeat mood, the issue needs to be settled amicably by the communities. This is particularly crucial at a time when the spectre of separatism is raising its ugly head again in Kashmir and our inimical neighbours are eager to accentuate communal discord in the country.

In most parts of the country, Hindus and Muslims live together in neighbourhoods and in perfect harmony. They even celebrate many religious festivals together. For Hindus, Ayodhya is sacred and the birthplace of Lord Ram. Lord Ram is a symbol of good governance and building a Ram temple is actually reinforcing the nation's desire for good governance.

I believe that ordinary, progress-minded Muslims will be willing to forget the acrimonious past and cooperate in a spirit of brotherhood if a proper atmosphere is created for discussions. The real problem is with the pseudo-secular political parties chasing minority votebanks that want to stoke communal trouble to shore up their politics.
The world looks at India today with much greater respect and awe than ever before.

We would be sending a very positive message to the world if both the communities resolve this dispute amicably. The initiative of the Allahabad High Court ahead of next week's judgment over the land title to arrive at an amicable out-of-court settlement is welcome . One hopes that this effort helps resolve the vexed issue amicably.