RĀMA RĀJYA IS ETERNALLY RELEVANT!

After Three Centuries Of Industrial Development, the World is Ready for Rāma Rājya .

By Padma Bhushan Dr. M.B. Athreya

In the previous two articles we have dealt with the Vision; and the Values of Rāma Rājya, respectively. Now, we take up its ‘relevance.’ Is it relevant for today, in the second decade of the 21st century?

The answer is, yes, it is, ‘eternally’ relevant. But, the issues for which it is relevant, and how it is to be implemented may change with each era.

During our freedom struggle, approximately, 1857 to 1947, many freedom fighters reminded our people of our glorious past, before the invasions, divisions and colonisation made us struggle for survival.

After assuming moral leadership of the freedom struggle in the 1920s, Mahatma Gandhi reiterated the desirability of re-establishing Rāma Rājya, for the good of all Indians and, indeed, of all mankind.

The passage of time, since Gandhiji's passing away, has not reduced the relevance of Rāma Rājya. Indeed, the need keeps growing. It becomes more urgent. How? The world can now reflect on its three centuries of experience with technology and industrial development.

Till about 1960, people were noticing mainly the positive side of mass-production-jobs, rising incomes, consumption and material prosperity. But, since then, gradually, we are becoming painfully aware of the attendant problems and harm.

The single biggest problem is climate change. It is no longer in some distant future. It is here and now. It is visible in the form of global warming; melting of glaciers; droughts; floods; storms; decrease in wild life; flora and fauna.

The latest UN Report on Climate stresses the dangers from rising sea levels. People, cattle and other wildlife are at risk in coastal areas. Some island nations may disappear under water. The youth is angry at the older generation for not acting adequately, even now.

Another major problem is rising inequality and unemployment. The gap between rich and poor; capital and labour; regions; nations; rural areas, etc. has been increasing. The above two, and other political problems, have led to mass migrations. New technologies like Artificial Intelligence are leading to more automation and mass unemployment.

Some of these technologies have military applications, raising the threat of wars, including, especially, cyber wars. There is rising agreement that the solution lies in value-based global, national and local governance.

India is even more ready, and in dire need of such value-led central, state, local governance. Some problems of climate change have to be solved at the village, district levels with the responsible participation of all citizens, in prevention and reduction of damage, and in mitigation of the unavoidable damage.

Beyond government, value based leadership is required for better corporate governance in business. It is also needed in the governance of NGOs, which are growing in numbers and size.

The Values of Rāma Rājya are available for us to draw upon. Let us recall some of them, from the previous article—Dharma, as the core value. Its important components such as satya, ahiṁsā, niṣkāma karma, svadharma, etc.

Every leader, at all levels, should try to emulate Sri Rama as a maryādā puruṣottama, to become revered leader among people. A fine blend of care and concern from above; and self-discipline, responsible work and mature behaviour from below.

As we look at the emerging environment, Rāma Rājya can be a valuable model for India and the world in this 21st century. After dealing with Rāma Rājya vision, values and relevance, we have to confront the difficult question of how to implement it. This we take up in the next article. Keep thinking about it, and send me your suggestions and questions.

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(Published in Tattvāloka of December 2019)