Battle of narratives over Ram temple inauguration

January 31, 2024

NEW DELHI – The inauguration of the Ram Mandir by the Prime Minister last week was witnessed by millions across the globe. The Indian diaspora celebrated the occasion with gusto in their home countries. This made the globe aware of the significance of the event. Within India, it bound the nation as one, bringing nationalism to the fore. Rarely has the nation witnessed the kind of euphoria as it did during the inauguration. Its acceptability received a boost with almost no violence on religious processions celebrating the occasion across the country.

For days, Ayodhya has been packed with lakhs of peaceful devotees seeking darshan; managing it has been a challenge to state and temple authorities. Repeated requests to the public to delay their visits has had little impact. The inauguration gave a boost to the ruling BJP as national elections draw close. Its boycott by the opposition will be played up in forthcoming campaigns. The event was closely observed and commented upon across the world. Comments varied depending on how the nation or publication views India. The fact remains that there are organisations and institutions unwilling to accept that a former colonial Asian state is challenging the authority of the grand old West. Taiwan’s foreign affairs minister, Joseph Wu, mentioned that the world is divided into two categories, “those who are going to fall in love with India and those who already have.”

Good wishes on the inauguration flowed in from Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Nepal. New Zealand Minister David Seymour, sent a congratulatory message mentioning, “I wish to congratulate everyone in India, including PM Modi.” UN General Assembly President, Dennis Francis said, “Delighted to arrive