The verdict - have we really moved on?

Last week has been a little edgy for the people in India. Whole nation was waiting for the verdict on Ram Janma Bhoomi temple site dispute with anxiety. Print and electronic media as well as social networking sites were abuzz with peace messages. There was strange restlessness in air beneath the eerie calm that engulfed everyone! Perhaps, that was result of some unhealed wounds of past, caused by pervert politics of religion which has been seminal part of Indian politics since decades.

What one observed in last few days was very interesting and reflects how Indians have moved on since 6th December,1992. In general, people showed immense maturity and exercised restraint before and after the verdict was announced. However, some political leaders indulged in elaborate rhetoric devoid of any facts from the judgment when media honchos tried every possible antic to extract some sensational reaction from them. But what baffled me most was the sheer chaos created by some lawyers soon after the verdict was pronounced. For a complex and highly sensitive issue of this nature, wasn't it required to assign the job to a spokesperson and convey the verdict to entire nation in much more professional manner?

If one looks within the precincts of the democracy like India, governed by its constitution, the verdict certainly is a "win-win" and fair to my mind. However, considering the uniqueness of the issue that involves history, faith, jurisdiction and sentiments of people from different religions, it needs to be treated in extra ordinary manner.

From the reactions that have emerged so far, we all know that one of the litigants, Sunni Wakf Board plans to approach the Supreme Court of India, challenging the High Court Judgment. The verdict pronounced on 30/09/10 is just the beginning in the direction of finding solution to this issue. I hope and pray that the Supreme Court is able to give a permanent closure to this, at the earliest.

India has changed post 1992 far way beyond anyone could envision in 1992. With economy growing towards a very promising future, Indians seems keen to reach newer heights of growth. After having paid a very heavy price and learned from the painful lessons, influence of politicians, expert in playing religion card has diluted and it was evident the way Indians gave their verdict by showing maturity in last few days. The most remarkable thing to observe was how irrelevant the issue seemed to the most of people that I observed and interacted with.

History of any nation should be respected and so should be any faith, especially in world's largest democracy like India. But let's think for a moment, is there any point in revisiting past mistakes? We need to continue showing maturity it in all areas of our life, everyday! We have enough temples and mosques. It is time to build confidence and trust amongst each other. And if we unite, there is no country in world that can beat us in any area. Don't you agree with me?