The best step forward to contain Corona was the 21-day Lockdown imposed on the entire country from 25th March. As if to supplement this great step, Doordarshan started re-telecasting its super epic-show Ramayan. Within no time, Doordarshan has regained its top position as the most popular channel! Has Ramayana killed Corona?
Outbreak of Covid-19 about two months ago has immersed the entire world into a gloomy mood. The concern is more acute in our Country which has a huge population with minimal medical facilities. People confined to their homes are fed 24X7 with scaring news about spread of the disease. Some psychiatrists have advised people, especially seniors and children to stay away from viewing Corona news. Ramayan has certainly provided the much needed diversion to people from the sense of gloom. Let us recall the noble thoughts enshrined in Ramayan whose appeal is universal and eternal.
The initial hesitation and then the wise decision by King Dasharath to send Ram and Laxman along with Saint Vishwamitra holds a great lesson for modern parents and our youngsters. There comes a time when youngsters have to be launched into the real world to fight for themselves.
Poor succession plans have killed business houses! King Dasharath was no exception. His timing was wrong when Bharath and Shatrughan were away. Without informing all stakeholders, hurriedly he planned Ram's accession to power and had to pay the price. Clever Ram found opportunity in adversity.
After losing Seetha, Ram felt helpless and looked for strategic alliances. He forged friendship with Sugriva whose wife too was taken away by Vaali. Ram dreamt that Sugriva's army of 'vanaras' can be formidable. Ram further chose Hanuman as his special assistant for all dire needs.
In order to strengthen his relationship with Sugriva, Ram killed Vaali by deceit, which has remained as a controversial remark on Lord Ram even today. As the rift between Vaali and Sugriva was only because of a misunderstanding, diplomatic Ram could have tried easier option of reconciliation first. Sometimes in a war strategy, means takes a back seat while achieving the end!
In his maiden interactions with Ram, Seetha and Ravan, Hanuman proves to be a master communicator. He avoids suddenly appearing before Seetha. Instead hiding Hanuman starts reciting Ramayan and at right time drops down Seetha's ring. He cleverly reminds Seetha that she had given the same ring to Lord Ram to be given as a gift to the boatman. He speaks positively to fill Seetha's mind with hopes of early relief.
As a clever emissary Hanuman creates opportunity to meet Ravan and test his strength. When Ravan chooses to humiliate him by firing his tail, Hanuman pays back by setting fire to entire Lanka.
Ram builds the bridge across the sea by utilizing the minimum resources of material and manpower at his command. Wisely he assigns the task to Nal and Neel who were proven engineers at his command.
Compared to Ram, Ravan had all sources at his command. But he had chosen the wrong path and ignored all sane advice. He totally rejected Vibhishan's advice and humiliated him. Losing Vibhishan to enemies camp was probably Ravan's biggest strategic mistake.
Averting a war is better than even winning it. Ram chooses to send Angad as his emissary for one last time. Adamant Ravan never realizes!
Kind Ram rushes towards dying Ravan to bless him. Ravan summarizes his tragedy by telling Ram, 'Oh, Ram you are nothing before me. You won because your brother Laxman was with you, and I lost because my brother Vibhishan was not with me'.
(Cartoon Courtesy: Mr.Raghupathi Sringeri)
Ramayan's relevance is universal and eternal. Brazilian PM moved our PM Modiji by quoting Hanuman who brought 'sanjeevini' to save Laxman and he rightfully got his quota of the much needed 'malaria drug' from India.
As revealed by media, Ramayan has once again gripped the entire nation with positive thoughts, among all sections including men, women, seniors, young and children. It has provided the much needed diversion from negative thoughts of Corona, which in itself is a victory over the disease.
Jai Sri Ram
-0-0-0-0-0-0-
