From: ck@csug.cs.reading.ac.uk (Chandrasekhar Kambhampati)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian
Subject: The solution to RJB/MB problem? -Armchair Radicalism is not the
Date: 26 Jan 93 11:12:27 GMT
Organization: University of Reading


Lets face a few facts guys.

Fact 1.
 For god knows how long ( in my case for some 20 odd years) it
really didnot bother us much that there was a temple out there
in Ayodha in times long gone by.

Fact 2.
 The mosque has not been in use for a long time, and I bet this
not led many muslims to go to hell just because they did not
offer prayers there.

Fact 3.
 It really doesnot matter if there is a mosque there or a temple
there. For ultimately, what really matters is whether the
quality of life of the average human being is improved or not.
This the Singhals, the Puri Sankaracharyas, the Bukharis, the
Sahhabuddins, the secularists (or is it psecularists these days), the
Marxists, the assorted lefties and righties, etc are not bothered about.

Fact 4.
 There are always going to be hot heads around - look around and
see for yourselves. These guys are narrow vissioned, and rarely
do they change their perspectives. And when they do are fanatical
in the extreme.

Fact 5.
 What ever we do, we cannot change History. History is afterall
the story of the victors. Indians lost their chance to write
their story way way way back. So let us make the best out of
what we have and move forward in a constructive manner. 
ATTEMPTING TO REWRITE HISTORY doesnot really accomplish
anything, other then to massage some (already) over bloated egos.

Fact 6. 
The mosque has been demolished. We really cannot change much
there. All we can do is to prevent such a thing from happening again.

Fact 7. 
Money (and hence power) is what makes the world go round. We
(indians in general) donot have the wherewithall. So its time we quit
pontificating, and get on with the business of making money, or as
Economists would say, creating wealth. 

Way, way back in the history of SCI, I had accused a lot of people of
indulging in armchair analysis, and glib pontification. This was in the
context of The Environment, and Narmada Valley Project. I was in turn
accused of being silly, superficial, and a man of no consequence. I
would gladly accept all these sobriquets. Aren't we all of no real
consequence. Aren't we all superficial in our understanding of India,
its history, its cultural mores. Aren't we all being downright stupid
arguing over issues which are really of no consequence at all. When the
real problem is one of Roti, Kapada aur makaan. Culture and history is
meaningless if the vast majority donot have the basic necessities of
life. We can argue till the cows come home, but to what end - other then
to score some silly debating points. 

But boy am I glad that some people are moving towards realising that
there is something called armchair radicalism - and when I accused some
of indulging in it I was really not far of the mark.


However, on a more flippant note, we (some friends of) were discussing
the solutions to what is fast becoming a Gordian Knot - and that too
over a few pints of Bitter. One solution which we found, at that time,
silly but on second thoughts is great is this. (WARNING : those who are
are humour impaired please do not proceed any further - !!!!! only
atheists, secular human beings and the real liberals (Liberals need go
go any further) proceed).)

regards
chandrasekhar



Build the ram Temple underground, the Masjid on top (will satisfy some
egos). BUt the catch is that there should be a factory processing
leather (no discrmination here - all animals will be treated equally),
and making (manufacturing) things like shoes (cowhide); sheepsking
coats; pigsking handbags, briefcases etc; deer skin wallhangings carpets
etc. The ultimate atheistic solution to the problem. A total desacration
of the land is called for. Money will be made out of it - for it creates
employment and generates revenue etc etc etc.

regards
chandrasekhar
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian