Ram Rajya for the 21st Century

 Sri Ram better known in the Indic civilization as "Maryada Purushottam Ram" lived by the highest standards of principles and virtue. In India also known as "Bharat" or "Hindustan", believers of Sri Ram swear by his conduct, morality, and ethics. The kingdom of Lord Ram manifested in his mind and heart. Ram Rajya thus began well before Lord Ram was crowned the King of Ayodhya. 

 

Over four millenniums, people have worshipped Sri Ram for his conduct and principles that he stood for in times of adversity. His life has been narrated as a shining example of values an individual must aspire to attain. One of the cornerstones of Sri Ram's value system was justice. 

 

The virtues of Sri Ram in the minds of believers has traversed through millenniums in the Indian sub-continent and across rest of the world. In pursuit of public recognition of the name of Sri Ram, the principles of justice of Ram Rajya (rule of Lord Ram) are being blatantly compromised in contemporary India. 

 

Therefore, the questions to ask ourselves is what does Ram Rajya for the 21st century really mean? Ram Rajya is an embodiment of the highest values of ethics and morality. It would be justice for everyone, social, economic, and political. Political justice would include the right to pursue any religious path and spiritual faith in realizing the truth of our existence. 

 

Ram Rajya would mean not oppressing the weak and especially those who are destitute. It would mean not causing any harm to the poor. It would mean sheltering those who are being needlessly persecuted in the pursuit of power anywhere on the planet. It would mean honest and truthful conduct.

 

The rule of law in such a society would be based on sound and ethical principles. It would mean, rulers and administrators are fair and just. The rule of law in society would be administered impartially. The system of justice would protect the weakest and the most vulnerable from any tyranny and oppression. Such rule would not divide people to achieve narrow aims of staying in power. It would be a society where those who rule do so with a spirit to serve.

 

Ram Rajya would be achieving emancipation from poverty, ignorance, and hatred. It would mean protecting the earth and natural endowments from human greed. Such a rule would ensure the air and water are the true commonwealth to be cherished by everyone.

 

The pursuit of such lofty goals is extremely difficult. Therefore, the name of Lord Ram most of all should not be used for unjust oppression while those highest standards of virtue remain unmet. Ram Rajya would be in existence when the last person has been adequately taken care of and does not live in perpetual state of fear for survival. 

 

We should ask ourselves whether we are living in Ram Rajya. I certainly believe witnessing contemporary events that we are far from the exalted principles of Ram Rajya. Furthermore, it must begin in our collective minds and hearts before it can really be translated in a functional society and Institutions of governance. We would have achieved Ram Rajya, when we put the truth before our narrow interests and principles before short term gains. 

 

We are yet to strive sufficiently to achieve a just world for everyone. Merely building an edifice in the memory of Lord Ram is not enough, we must restore virtue and truthful principles in society. We must do it in a manner that paves the path for peace, amity, and a better existence for everyone. 

 

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