Lyricist Javed Akhtar, speaking at the Deepotsav program organized by MNS President Raj Thackeray, said Bhagwan Ram and Devi Sita are not only Hindu gods and goddesses but the “cultural heritage of India”. He also said that he is proud to have been born in the land of Rama and Sita.

 

 

“Rama and Sita are not only Hindu gods and goddesses. So it is the cultural heritage of India. Although I am an atheist, I consider Rama and Sita to be the wealth of this country. That’s why I came here. Ramayana is our cultural heritage. It is the subject of your interest. I am proud to have been born in the land of Rama and Sita, when we talk about Maryada Purushottam, it is Rama and Sita that come to mind," Akhtar said.

 

During his speech, Akhtar also asked people to chant 'Jai Siya Ram' slogans. He recalled his childhood days in Lucknow and said that as a child, he used to see people who were rich and they used to say good morning. But a common man passing by on the road used to greet people with 'Jai Siya Ram.'

 

"Therefore, it is a sin to think of Sita and Rama separately. The word Siya Ram is a symbol of love and unity. Siya and Ram were done by only one. His name was Ravana. So the one who does differently will be Ravana. So you chant Jai Siya Ram three times with me. Say Jai Siya Ram from today,” he said.

 

Javed Akhtar also asserted that democracy in India is preserved because of Hindus but added that people are rapidly becoming intolerant. "In the past there were some people who were always intolerant. But Hindus were not like that," he said.

 

"The special thing about Hindus is that there was always a greatness in their hearts. But if you finish it, you become like others. We have learned the way you have lived. It won't work if you're going to leave that quality," he added.

 

 

Talking about how India has preserved democracy at present, Akhtar said, "Even if you don't believe in anyone, you are a Hindu, that is Hindu culture. It has given us the attitude of democracy."

 

Akhtar’s comments come as Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22 next year. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said PM Modi will perform Prana Pratishtha of Shri Vigraha of Bhagwan Shri Ramlalla Sarkar in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on January 22, 2024.