The Union government has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new law called VB GRAMG. In doing so, it is symbolically
replacing Mahatma Gandhi, who was a strong devotee of Ram, with the version of Ram
promoted by right-wing politics today. The Ram who once fought the powerful Ravana
in ancient times is now being used in modern political battles. First, he was made
to fight Babur. Now, he is being placed against Gandhi. Ram is being turned into a
tool for winning votes.
When Gandhi was shot and fell to the ground, he is believed to have said “Hey Ram.”
He was deeply devoted to Ram. In his prayers and bhajans, he asked Ram to give wisdom
to all, saying “Ishwar Allah Tere Naam,” showing his belief in unity among religions.
One of Gandhi’s favourite songs described a true follower of Ram as someone who
understands others’ suffering and helps those in pain.
There are many versions of Ram in Indian culture, but Gandhi’s Ram was special.
Gandhi shaped his idea of Ram to match the values of the freedom movement and the
needs of modern India. His spirituality was closely connected to his politics.
Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi and whose name also included “Ram,” was also
a devotee of Ram. Like him, there were others who hated Gandhi and believed killing
him was justified. As such people grew stronger and gained power, their intolerance
spread even to Gandhi’s memory.
They wanted to remove Gandhi, who gave his life for the nation, and also push aside
his followers who came to power after independence. In their place, they wanted to
replace national symbols with new figures and ideas.