It was 1990, I was put into this famous Hindu-ideology based school in Salem. When some of my friends were to Christian-based schools in Yercaud, my mom thought other way. Starting from year 1990, major events happened in the world- Breaking of Berlin wall, collapse of Soviet Union, Gulf War... India was not behind- religious tensions were brewing between Hindus and Muslims, which was headed by RSS, VHP and BJP.
This documentary by Anand Patawardan covers the period of late 1990 and through 1991. It covers the events which lead to the Demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. From the history that I have unlearned, Hindus and Muslims had fought sometimes\some places and also had lived in harmony at sometimes\some places. This film, covers the innocence of ill-informed people, when motivated by the political parties and groups with false propaganda can be turned as a mindless-mob.
Example, this scene when a sword carrying kar-sevak is interviewed, he is asked about Rama’ birth, he replies that its history, as he is studying Law, he don’t know much about it. It is ironic to see, when there were tensions across the country, local Hindus and Muslims living in and around Ayodhya didn't show any hatred until the 3rd party (VHP, RSS & BJP) stormed to demolish the temple.
I’m not a kind of secular, who talks against Hinduism and praise other religions. For me, irrespective of any religion, if you don’t treat other person as how you would like to be treated, then you have to be in the shit-hole.
Why did I mention about my school, at that time RSS was closely associated with the school management (Not sure now!). So we used get this rathas (chariot) as you see in this film near the school. Worst, I paid Rs. 1, they will give a stamp, which will have Ram on it with the proposed temple. Most of my friends bought the stamp. As a kid, I didn’t realize then, but we were small pawns in the big dirty political game.
Full Movie in YouYube
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