6 Alternative Solutions for Ayodhya Issue

It is very obvious that Allahbaad High Court’s verdict on Ayodhya is not going to be the final one. There are always very strong chances that this case will reach to the Supreme Court. This means that the ‘final’ verdict will take a long time. Even after getting the ‘final’ verdict, it is going to be extremely difficult to build either a Temple or a Mosque. So does it mean that this issue will still remain sensitive…as it has been forever?

Yes, I have a strong belief that this won't be the end of it. Our Esteemed Politicians and Religious leaders will use this as an opportune topic to impose their powers! Yes, I strongly believe that this is a ‘non ending’ issue for politicians and religious leaders. So does that mean that we fall prey to such situations as closing down the city every time the Verdict has to be made? We can’t live in constant threats of violence with thousands of CRPF, Police and Army men deployed at sensitive places. Is there no end to these "politicians" and "Dharam Gurus" from taking advantage of the common man's vulnerability?



So what do we do? We can’t live in constant threats of violence with thousands of CRPF, Police and Army men deployed at sensitive places. We can’t close our offices, schools, markets etc on the day of verdict every time!!! Basically, this is just a fight for ‘piece of land’ which has been polarized with religious sentiments. Therefore let me suggest 6 alternative ways of using this land which will provide permanent solution of the issue without hurting any religious sentiments and, also can be used for betterment of people of Ayodhya.



1. Build a school for poor children who can not afford education. All expenses including hostel, school fees, books and tuition fees will be taken care of by the school authorities.

2. Build a Centre for Higher Studies in Communal Harmony and Conflict Management.

3. Build a ‘Gandhi Peace Museum’

4. Ayodhya city does not have a permanent Municipal Corporation Office hence build a permanent Municipal Corporation Office.

5. There is only one Government Hospital in Ayodhya hence build a Government Hospital.

6. Build a world class Multiplex Theatre. Every year UP Government can organize ‘Ayodhya International Peace Festival’ in this Multiplex.

(All expenses of above solutions will be taken care by Hindu Maha Sabha and Sunni Wakf Board equally)

I am sure that all readers of this article will have more creative ideas to offer.

Let us hope and pray that religious leaders of both communities will accept ‘at least one’ solution and work out implementation strategies soon.

In peace,
Gaurang

Note: There are no hidden agendas to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments behind this article. Still if this article has hurt anyone’s sentiments directly or indirectly, please accept the ‘anticipatory apologies’ by the writer.

Myanmar Elections: A mockery of Democracy

Myanmar’s first election in 20 years will be held on November 7, 2010. The military’s junta has been ruling the country since last two decades and this dicission has not come as a surprise. The fact is that junta is feeling the international condemnation for the human rights violations taken place in Myanmar over the years. Hence, in 2002, military’s junta had promised seven steps to roadmap towards disciplined – flourishing democracy in which fair and free election is the fifth step.

But it just seems to be a well scripted propaganda of military’s junta to avoid more sanctions by USA administration and to avoid immense pressure from human rights organization across the globe against its human rights violations in Myanmar.

To keep ‘democratic’ leaders out of power, Myanmar’s election commission has recently dissolved 10 political parties, including the National League for Democracy. More than 2000 political activist were under house arrest including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a leader who supports true democracy and also the Nobel Peace Price laureate. The Political Parties Registration Law, introduced by military’s junta, forbids electoral participation by any member of a political party who has been convicted in court.

It is pretty clear that the Myanmar Election 2010 will be a mockery of Democracy if all political leaders are not allowed to take part in peaceful political activism.

(In support to campaign by Amnesty International)

Gaurang Raval