Rebuilding Bharat - About Faith and Resilience

This month’s column contains two stories from two different corners of Bharat. Both serve as wake-up calls for the Indian populace, a reason to rebuild Bharat on civilisation values, with a clear need to put India First..Faith: Defiled But Not DestroyedOn 18 September 2024, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, raised concerns about the ghee used in the preparation of laddoo prasadam at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, alleging it had been adulterated. To support this claim, a document containing the results of a sample test was released, stating that the ghee had been mixed with impurities, including animal-derived fats. This news caused widespread concern across the country, especially amongst Hindu devotees.The incident has raised important questions about the management of Hindu temples and places of worship. Especially in large pilgrimage centres, the temples have been reduced by the management and trusts to profiteering operations, wherein trustees, board members and vendors have often been persons of other faith, or no faith at all. This essentially leaves the sanctity of day-to-day operations and rituals in compromised hands..However, the united response from devotees has been an inspiring demonstration of the resilience and devotion within the Hindu community. The incident, seen as a significant breach of trust, has led to collective action to ensure that those responsible face appropriate consequences and that the sanctity of the holy prasadam is preserved.In response, the community has undertaken several actions, including raising awareness about the issue, pursuing legal recourse, and engaging in acts of atonement. Although the incident has caused distress, it has strengthened a broader call for reform. There is now a growing demand for the Government of India to establish a 'Satvik Certification Board.' This Board would be responsible for certifying ingredients used in the preparation of prasadam at religious institutions across the country, ensuring they meet the required standards.The proposed Board would include prominent members of the Hindu community with expertise in food safety and theological knowledge, alongside government representatives. Regular certification and scrutiny from such a body would not only prevent future incidents but also provide reassurance to devotees..Shagun: A Story of ResilienceDuring the sacred festival of Navratri, symbolising the victory of good over evil, the people of Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated another victory—the electoral win of 29-year old Kum. Shagun Parihar. Shagun, whose father and uncle were tragically killed by terrorists in 2018, emerged as a beacon of courage, determination, and hope by securing a victory from the Kishtwar constituency in the recently concluded Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the strength of democracy in India, where the people's voice has the power to shape the future.Shagun entered the political arena not to avenge her personal loss but to bring about meaningful change and development in Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout her campaign, Shagun faced numerous hurdles, including threats from her political opponents. These threats were not only physical but also psychological, aimed at discouraging her from standing for the election. Her resolve in the face of these challenges made her campaign stand out. In a significant departure from the conventional belief that ‘demography is destiny’ in politics, Shagun being a Kashmiri Pandit, won from a constituency where the majority of voters belong to the Muslim community. This was no small feat, as it challenged the notion that people vote solely based on communal or demographic lines.The key to her success was her ability to convince voters that development should be the primary focus in elections. She highlighted the transformative changes that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed since the abrogation of Article 370, particularly in terms of increasing tourism and investments in the region. Jammu and Kashmir has seen a surge in both domestic and international tourists, leading to economic growth and new opportunities for local businesses. By focusing on these positive developments, Shagun was able to shift the narrative from demography to development. She stressed the importance of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all communities, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds..Her message was simple yet powerful, that only through development can the region achieve lasting peace and prosperity. As a newly elected representative, Shagun’s focus on development will undoubtedly benefit the people of Kishtwar, and her victory will serve as an inspiration to many others across the country. Her victory also underscores the growing role of women in Indian politics.Shagun Parihar’s courage and leadership are a reminder that India needs more women who are willing to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger. Her journey is a call for more women to step into leadership roles, as they bring a unique perspective and understanding of the issues facing society today. Only such leaders, who prioritise development and the well-being of all citizens, can ensure that India continues to progress and stand tall on the global stage. In an age where politics is often seen through the lens of division, Shagun Parihar’s win sends a clear message that India’s future lies in unity and progress. As the country moves forward, it is leaders like Shagun, who believe in development over demography, who will help ensure that India stands first.