In what is anticipated to be a historic and culturally significant event, the ‘Pran Pratishta’ ceremony of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya has garnered attention not only for its religious importance but also for its diverse and eclectic guest list. Scheduled for January 22, the ceremony marks the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the invitees represent a unique blend of faith, politics, and global representation.
Over 7,000 individuals have received invitations, ranging from political figures and international guests to ordinary people who have made extraordinary contributions to the Mandir Movement. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has meticulously curated this list, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.
The international guest list for the event underscores its global significance, with over 100 guests from 53 countries, including the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Among the distinguished invitees are oncologist Bharat Barai and Nokia Bell Labs-CTO fellow Abhay Asthana. Bharat Barai, known for his support of the BJP and efforts to strengthen India-Israel relations, notably lobbied for Narendra Modi’s visa clearance in 2014, overcoming a 10-year visa ban.
The ceremony also exemplifies inclusivity by extending an invitation to Iqbal Ansari, who fought a legal case in support of the Babri Masjid. Despite his past association with the mosque, Ansari has actively supported the construction of the Ram Mandir, symbolizing a collective move towards unity.
Another remarkable inclusion is Mohammed Habib, a Muslim karsevak who participated in the Ram Mandir agitation. His emotional response to the invitation reflects the historic nature of the consecration ceremony and the sense of unity it embodies.
The entertainment industry is well-represented by actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, known for their iconic portrayal of Ram and Sita in the TV serial ‘Ramayan.’ Their presence adds a nostalgic touch, evoking memories of the widely watched show in the late 1980s.
Spiritual leaders, including Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and Jaggi Vasudev, will grace the occasion with their presence. Business tycoons like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Ratan Tata, along with figures from Bollywood and cricket, further diversify the guest list.
However, the event has not been without its share of political complexities. The opposition, particularly the CPM and the Trinamool Congress, faces a dilemma over participation, with concerns about the politicization of religious belief. Even the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has chosen to stay away, labeling it a BJP political rally.
The Congress, a key constituent of the INDIA bloc, grapples with a challenging decision regarding its participation, wary of potential electoral repercussions. Invitations extended to senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, have added a political dimension to the event.
The meticulously designed invitations, comprising the main invitation card, a ‘Pran Pratishtha’ program card, and a booklet detailing the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement, reflect the elaborate nature of the ceremony. The schedule outlines the commencement of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ puja at 11:30 am on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the guests at 12:30 pm.
As the nation awaits this historic event with bated breath, the diverse guest list stands as a testament to the inclusivity and cultural richness surrounding the consecration of the Ram Mandir. The ceremony is poised to be a confluence of religious fervor, political significance, and global representation, embodying the essence of a unified India.
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