Rāma Rājya for Today

Draw on Rāma Rājya to go forward.

You would have heard the phrase Rāma Rājya. Perhaps, several times since your childhood. From your grandparents, parents, teachers and others. That means the idea continues to be relevant.

It is still seen by many as an ideal model of Good Governance, by the government, in any country. During the Indian Independence movement, Gandhiji was not just for the departure of the British as rulers, but the welfare of all our people, especially the poor.

He called for Rāma Rājya. He also said Rāma Rājya is not only for Hindus, but all the people of undivided India, belonging to any religion. It is good for the whole world. Indeed, some or more elements of Rāma Rājya are visible in some of the economically advanced countries.

You may also be aware that Tattvāloka has launched a new campaign called ‘Onward March to Rāma Rājya.’ Some distinguished lectures have been delivered in the beautiful Tattvāloka auditorium. A few special articles have been published. The movement is growing. Join it.

I recently gave the Keynote Address and moderated a panel discussion of experts, at a Tattvāloka seminar, in Delhi, on the theme––Rāma Rājya Vision and Values for Today. I am sharing with you, below, the main elements from my Keynote.

Vision of Rāma Rājya

The Vision of Rāma Rājya has several beautiful components. Let us look at five of the more important ones.

First, what kind of society, community does Rāma Rājya help to build? It is a society where people experience śanti, peace; ānanda, Joy; and bandhutva, brotherhood. There is no significant conflict, deprivation or alienation. In any society, while many citizens may be peace-loving, a few bad elements can disturb the peace.

Second, what does government do that brings about the above feature? The government is not top-down, by the rulers, officials and staff. It is people-centred government. Not authority-based rule.

The people are considered the most important stakeholders. Government is there to serve them. We do now have terms like ‘Civil servant’ or ‘public servant,’ but, often people feel that the incumbents of those positions act not like servants, but as masters.

Role of Citizens

Third, is it entirely government's responsibility to establish Rāma Rājya? Do the citizens have a role? Of course, yes. What is that role? In one word, to be ‘responsible’ citizens. They have to perform their prajā dharma, citizen's duties.

A core duty is to perform, in their respective roles and domains, kuśal karma, efficient action. This will raise their own personal productivity; followed by the productivity of their organisation; sector; and the nation. As the world grows and changes, newer duties come. Today, these include cleanliness; conservation of energy, water, the environment, etc.

Fourth, how can Rāma Rājya reduce crime? By taking the following steps, consistently.

Support the majority of law-abiding citizens. Ensure that they do not suffer in the hands of a few potential or actual criminals. Provide for the livelihood, health and education of all citizens, so that no one is left out, and is compelled to take to the path of crime.

Finally, in Rāma Rājya, scholarship, art, culture, etc. will flourish. It will not pursue material prosperity for its own sake. Beyond a point, an excessive material consumption craze can erode the individual, family and community. There will be simpler living, and higher thinking.

The material prosperity surplus will be used to support institutions like gurukulas, paṭhaśālas, vidvat sabhās and to foster scholarship and its transmission. Through this a rich saṁskṛti, culture will be built, enhanced and internalised.

In a future article, we will deal with what are the underlying Values, which will help us attain the above Vision of Rāma Rājya.

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(Published in Tattvāloka of October 2019)