Prayer and Reflection on the Babri Masjid - Ram Temple

The 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid and the rise of the Ram Temple mark more than historical events; they symbolize India's shift towards authoritarianism and religious nationalism, straying from its core values of pluralism, democracy, and secularism. These celebrations represent a troubling weaponization of religion against minorities, challenging India's inclusive ethos. Our faith leaders offer reflections that advocate for unity, peace, and democratic integrity, urging respect for all faiths. As we observe these events, we're reminded of the importance of our diverse, secular heritage. Join us in this vital conversation on our website.

The video compilation includes prayers and reflections by Hindus for Human Rights board and staff members Sunita Viswanath, Urmila Kutikkad, Vijay Kadalabal, Swati Garg and Rohan Narine; and Hindus for Human Rights advisory board members Pandit Anantanand Rambachan and Rev Abhi Janamanchi:

Reflection by Deepa Iyer, social justice activist and author of We Too Sing American: South Asian, Muslim, Arab and Sikh Communities Shape Our Multiracial Future.

“I grew up in a Hindu family in Kerala, India, and much of my daily life was filled with people practicing the many vibrant faiths in India. I went to a Christian school, my friends were from different backgrounds, and the streets of my beloved Trivandrum were dotted with mosques, churches and temples.

The India of today stands in sharp contrast to my cherished memories. Over the years, it has been painful to watch the growth of Hindu nationalism in India and in the US.

It's an issue that all of us who are Indian Americans must address.

This weekend, as the Modi government consecrates a temple built on the ruins of a medieval mosque that was destroyed by a Hindu nationalist mob in 1992, many in the US are celebrating. But what is there to celebrate?

Instead, we must speak out against the weaponization of Hinduism that has led to grave human rights violations targeting Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, Kashmiris and minority groups in India. And we must push back against the spread of Hindu nationalism, caste bias and Islamophobia here in the US.

While the India of my childhood no longer exists outside of my heart, we must not give into forces of hate and division. This is the time to take a stand, grounded in love, solidarity and justice.”

Swati Garg - Board Member at HfHR

Quote from Pandit Raja Bhattar, Hindu priest

“In the last few decades, 'Jai Sri Ram' has become synonymous with the BJP's Hinudtva mobilization and harm of other religious communities, and now with the new Ram Mandir on top of a Mosque seems to be nothing much more than another political maneuver to 'make India Hindu again'. India has been a safe place for multiple faiths and communities due to the Hindu philosophy of religious pluralism.

Now with this celebration of the Ram Mandir, not only is Hinduism being weaponized by having the Prime Minister lead the ceremonies blurring the lines between faith and state but they are also making mosques and other faith communities light lamps and chant 'Jai Sri Ram' which is against their own religious guidelines.

The weaponization of Hinduism towards harming Muslims, Christians and other faiths is dangerous and may lead to unsafe conditions for many minorities. This political spectacle should be named for what it is, BJP's election rally cry which threatens the foundations of Indian democracy and civil rights”

Rohan Narine of HfHR

Quote from Pandit Sanjai Doobay, Hindu priest

“Shri Ram welcomed Banwas (exile to the forest) in order to protect the stability of a nation and society at large, instead of providing unnecessary fragmentation that would have only been in furtherance of egoistic designs. Furthermore, upon return, Shri Ram did not attempt to banish those that had challenged his legitimacy. Instead, he welcome all in a fair Ram Rajya (kingdom of Ram).

Before celebrating the installation of a building that could have been a world heritage site that would have honored the rich history of that site by truly accepting the complex scars there while pointing toward healing a society, consider whether Shri Ram would truly want instead a building that bears his name which, even in the slightest, separates instead of brings together.

Quote from Pandita Pratima Doobay

“Jai Seeta Rama. While the world celebrates “Sri Rama returning to JanmaBhumi,” I affirm that JanmaBhumi is home to every living being. If Sri Ram were here walking with us, he would advocate for every person to be treated with respect and dignity.”

Quote from Pandita Sapna

“We stand watch today as Hindutva leaders consecrate an unfinished temple in the name of Hinduism in Ayodhya, India.

The violent demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, which once stood in this spot, sparked a number of subsequent horrors which made a person like me decide to take off my ‘Om’ as I felt to my core that these acts of violence are NOT in my name.

Let me tell you about what a person like me means – - born as a Gujarati, Vaishnava Brahmin - me as a young woman in 1992 includes a Bharatanatyam dancer trained in a gurukul, raised with a strong sense of identity as a Hindu. I began attending Hindu literature circles when I was in high school and volunteered at Hindu youth camps, even starting a scholarly Hindu group later in university for those of us raised Hindu to go beyond the text and study the teachings of various texts, and finally majoring in Theology after deep study of Vedic tradition and Sanskrit.

But the events leading up to the demolition of the Babri masjid and the ripples of violence that have followed after - these are not, in my understanding being done following the guidance of Sananthan Dharma.

They were done only for political gain by those who wish to destroy the idea of an India for all.

Why do I say this? If we believe, as we are taught to, that Ram is the epitome of dharma – that to have Ram in your heart is to follow a righteous path - then what is that dharma? I’ve always been taught one of the central tenets of Hinduism and indeed almost a synonym to dharma is ahima - nonviolence. Sri Mahavira, the central Jain teacher, himself teaches “ahimsa parama dharma” – nonviolence is the ultimate dharma.

So how is violently destroying a house of God ahimsic? It is not.

How is subsequently murdering Muslims in a state-sponsored pogrom in Gujarat ahmsic? It is not.

How is denying those who - like myself - wish to call themself Hindu and are taught to believe that Hinduism can stand for egalitarianism, equality, love for all, - the right to actually see those things in practice ahimsic? It is not.

On the one hand, politicized Ram bhakts will kill in the name of marking this site as a janmabhoomi for Bhagwan - and on the other hand say that Ram is beyond time, beyond measure, beyond this earthly realm? How does this make sense? It does not.