We are poised tonight at a most sensitive decision, that shall take place tomorrow afternoon, in the history of the nation - the Ayodhya Verdict. In 1992 the Babri Masjid was brought down by Hindu right winger believers who claimed that it was the site of the birth place of Ram. Tomorrow a bench of the High Court in Allahabad shall declare the verdict as to the authenticity of each religious claim. It is feared that the verdict going either way shall instigate violence by either group. Immense preparations and positioning for the security has been taking place as per the reportage of the electronic media. All possible sensitive areas have been almost garrisoned by armed forces. Appeals and proclamations by prominent citizens has been the order of the day, when peace and harmony has been declared by each community. A tense and anxious nation waits with baited breath.

Each and every citizen of value has submitted itself to the judiciary and its final decision. The uncertainty is whether the word and assurance shall be carried out. I feel it will. There has never been such a strong demonstration by the media and by all concerned on the need to keep a balance in whatever the circumstances. Patience and will shall be on test tomorrow.

May there be only harmony and well being amongst us. We have remained a strong and principled nation and it is expected that we shall remain so. One only hopes that those elements that have in the past caused disturbance and harm are able to see that violence has never been the solution to such issues. Prayers then for peace to prevail.

A channel conducts a news hour programme on the theme of ‘India First’ and brings me on through a special bulletin to speak on the subject. What does one really say on an occasion such as this, except ask for some semblance of reason and respect to prevail. I say much, but what ‘Madhushala’ said was more meaningful. This was written in 1935 when the Ayodhya issue was not even thought of -

Musalmaan aur Hindu hain do, ek magar unka pyala,

Ek magar unka madiralaya, ek magar unki haala

Dono rehte saath na jab tak, mandir masjid mein jaate,

Bair badhate mandir masjid mail karaati Madhushala !

The Muslim and the Hindu are two but their cup is one. One their drinking place, one their wine.

Both remain one till to Mandir Masjid they go. The mandir and the masjid bring the differences and tear them apart. But the House of Wine brings them together again.

Written in 1935. So many years ago, but so topical even now in these prevailing circumstances. The symbolism strong and meaningful.

Foresight of the poet, his thoughts and his vision, have always been the conveyor of great poetry and greatness. The ability to put in words what most generations of humanity finds difficult to observe.

How apt in today’s circumstances.

I sit today at a desk that has not been visited for some time. Its properties remain the same as I must have left them when I was last here. Sometimes it is good to get back to the old and tried and tested. The past. Time may have changed but the vibrations do not. Suddenly you begin to enjoy its presence. You wish to stay here longer. Suddenly where you were till now does not matter so much. What matters now is where you are at, even if it be, where you were once. Fascinating feel.

One of the points of debate on the Tv today were just this. The younger generation does not remember the past or its relevance. And what it does not remember does not become relevant. Their concern for it, is distracted. It did not feature in their current thoughts, so why should they allow it to become a part of their concern now. Move on they say. Look towards the future. Of what remains to happen, not what has happened. Respect and remember it yes, but to dwell on it, futile.

And I wonder would they be thinking the same, 30 years on, when their todays events shall feature in their lives again. Worth pondering, for, that is all we shall be capable of doing. We are not going to be around to see the effect and they would not want to be thinking of it just yet.

” It is a thing of no great difficulty to raise objections against another man’s oration - nay it is very easy ; but to produce a better in its place is a work extremely troublesome . ” ~ PLUTARCH

More love .. and more ..

Amitabh Bachchan