Here is a story on how we, the Indians, unite on various occasions. We are a country that rejoices
in its diversity.
Emotions are running high! The wait is over, and finally, the devotees of Lord Ram can rejoice. The educated and well-read brothers and sisters from other communities understand the enthusiasm and delight in the joy of the Hindu community in India. This is for what India and Indians are known: sharing feelings and festivities, exchanging greetings on each other’s festivals and having an intention of peace regardless of our religion and
caste.
Despite the diversity of cultures and traditions, Indians rise to occasions that unite us! From cricket stadiums to movie halls, each event narrates a common language that resonates with the feelings of billions.
The resurrection of Ram Mandir witnessed the support, love and efforts of people from other religions, including two Muslim sculptors from West Bengal who crafted the idol of Lord Rama to Instagram influencer Shabnam Shaikh, who travelled by road to visit Ayudhya from Mumbai, marks the biggest example of India’s unity. Whether it is cricket, cinema or religious ceremonies, every sphere of India’s culture demonstrates unity in the atmosphere.
Celebrating the Cultural Milestone
While there were numerous such incidents across India before Ram Mandir resurrection day, in his honest commitment to sharing joy through community service, Chandigarh-based businessman Ramvir Bhatti, who runs a brick factory, had set a heartening display by distributing desi ghee laddus to the entire vicinity ahead of the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22. This marks a continuation of a tradition that began on August 5, 2020, when Ram Mandir’s foundation stone was laid. In a touching gesture, Bhatti distributed astounding quintals of laddus during the establishment in 2020, symbolizing the joy of being Sanatani (the followers of Sanatan Dharam, commonly called Hindus). Emphasizing the shared cultural values that bind communities extends beyond his family, with neighbouring residents actively involved in this initiative. The collective effort reflects a sense of unity and shared responsibility, showcasing the community’s spirit of coming together for a much-celebrated cause. Giving credit to the ruling party in power, he conveyed how Prabhu Ram had to dwell in a tent earlier, irrespective of the weather. Now that he finally has a castle again, everyone is celebrating.
Expanding the joy
Beyond Temples Bhatti expressed his vision: “We want to spread this joy to every corner of our city. We are
distributing laddus in temples and mosques, gurudwaras, EWS wards, and even sending the prashad to Ayodhya as a mark of our collective respect and unity.” He also pays tribute to the sacrifice of many, as Kothari Bandhu and likes, emphasizing that their contributions and sacrifices must not be forgotten. They sacrificed, and here we are, lucky enough to witness the day. For him, the initiative brings a sense of contentment as he sees the positive impact on the community. “The joy of giving and being part of something larger than oneself is immeasurable.” A Kalash Yatra was organized on January 14, 2024, demonstrating the idea of preserving and honouring cultural roots. The initiative has garnered much support, with people donating raw materials to prepare the laddus. This collective effort showcases the spirit of spreading joy. A massive drive was also conducted at a temple in the city’s sector 40 to add to the triumph. “In my view, Bhojan (food), Bhajan (singing glory), Bhasha (language), and Bhusha (way of dressing up) are the things that unify people in the present context. Ram is not just a word or name but a symbol of unifying our country from north to south and from east to west,” said Sanjay Tandon, a senior leader of Bhartiya Janta Party and a Chandigarh resident who was part of the initiative.Â
Reasons to Unite!
As the nation eagerly awaits the historic moment of the Ram Mandir inauguration, the initiative serves as a reminder that shared traditions and celebrations can bring people together in the face of diversity. These sweet endeavours add flavour to the celebration and leave a lasting impression on the community, spreading sweetness throughout Chandigarh. This heartwarming initiative not only resonates within the local community but also reflects the broader spirit of unity that defines India.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, the distribution of desi ghee laddus mirrors the unity witnessed during significant events like the Cricket World Cup 2023 and the shared cultural experiences of Indian cinema. The Cricket World Cup 2023, a spectacle that captivated the entire country, is a powerful reminder of how sports can unify a diverse nation like India. It reinforced the idea that irrespective of the arena—sports, cinema, or cultural celebrations—India stands united in its
diversity.
Cinema- A Unifying Force in India
In a parallel vein, it has been rightly quoted in a Hindi film, “India ko ek karane mein cricket aur Chitrahaar ko Sara credit jaata hai.” Indian cinema has been a unifying force that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. With its rich tapestry of stories and characters, Bollywood brings people from different backgrounds together in shared cinematic experiences. The sweet distribution initiative, much like a blockbuster film, becomes a common thread that binds the harmonious coexistence of various faiths, cultures, and traditions that define the diverse fabric of India.
India. Cricket: A Spectacle of Unity
Team India’s performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup has likely been spectacular, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with their skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. Led by a dynamic captain and boasting a formidable lineup of talent, the Indian cricket team displayed exceptional prowess, making them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament. One of the standout features of Team India’s campaign has been their batting prowess. The top- order batters consistently delivered stellar performances, setting the stage for commanding totals.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul showcased their class, dismantling opposing bowling attacks. Their partnerships have been crucial in guiding India to formidable scores and chasing down targets with finesse. From stunning catches to agile ground fielding, Team India’s fielding standards have also been commendable.Â
The depth and variety in India’s bowling attack have been instrumental in their success. Whether it’s the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the spin wizardry of Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal, or the all-round contributions of Hardik Pandya, Team India has a well-balanced bowling lineup. Their ability to take wickets at crucial junctures and apply pressure on the opposition has been a critical factor in their winning streak. Captaincy has been a standout aspect of Team India’s campaign. The calm and strategic leadership of Rohit Sharma has been evident in the way he marshals his troops, making astute decisions on the field. His ability to inspire the team and his positive approach has created a culture that resonates with fans.
Be it the excitement of a cricket match, the magic of cinema, or the joy of celebrating cultural milestones like the Ram Mandir’s resurrection, these shared experiences exemplify India’s unity. The distribution of desi ghee laddus in various households of Chandigarh serves as a sweet reminder that, much like the excitement of a cricket match or the magic of watching a blockbuster film, the joy of coming together as a nation transcends boundaries and creates a tapestry of shared memories and celebrations.
