Rama Setu -1

09-13-2007, 10:08 PM

Uma Bharti to file FIR on Ram Sethu muddleQUOTEBharti said she would reach New Delhi on September 22 with thousands of party workers and lodge a first information report (FIR) at the police station nearest to parliament.

"If the FIR is not lodged and action not taken against those involved in the conspiracy, we would launch an intensified agitation," she said.

"The Sethu is a symbol of national importance and Hindu beliefs, and I shall work to safeguard it, come what may," she said.

Talking to reporters in Bhopal, she also advised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders not to make the issue their political agenda or it would lose its relevance.

Bharti said though the government has decided to file a fresh affidavit on Friday, that does not reduce the responsibility of those who committed the blunder and hurt the feelings of the Hindu community even as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi remained a mute spectator.

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister sought an apology from the Congress over the issue and demanded an immediate halt to the project.

ramana · 09-13-2007, 11:37 PM

QUOTEFaith, fact and fiction
Ashok Malik
http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?m...t&counter_img=1
Ram is make-believe, Dwarka did not exist, the Saraswati is a myth. But how much have the Archaeological Survey of India and its political collaborators done to honestly excavate India's antiquity?

For an entity contemplating an early election, the UPA Government's propensity to create controversies is remarkable. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has insisted that there is no "historical record" to validate the Ramayan and, as such, Ram is a fictional character.

The case commenced after a petition filed by Mr Subramanian Swamy, the Janata Party president, seeking curbs on the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. It argued that the project would cut and destroy the 'Ram Setu', saying it was an ancient monument revered by Hindus as the bridge Ram built to journey to Lanka.

It is important to note the Government's affidavit represented a shift in the debate. The ASI could have stopped at saying that the Ram Setu was a naturally occurring formation, not man-made. Yet, it crossed its brief and labelled Ram himself as fictional. This upset even those who were not necessarily adherents of the Ram Setu.

There are three issues that flow from the affidavit. First, the familiar bunch of Jawaharlal Nehru University alumni and Delhi editorial writers has defended the ASI's affidavit as a citation of "science". Actually, this unifocal attack on the faith-based aspect of the anti-Sethusamudram protests suits the establishment just fine.

The Government has never quite explained the environmental imbalance that can be caused by smashing an ancient (natural) structure. Christian fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu -- who have no reason to venerate Ram's bridge -- already fear for their livelihood.

That aside, projections have been made about the economic non-viability of Sethusamudram. It is possible that all of these are wrong, but the Government has not bothered to politically sell the issue. Instead, the overriding reasons for pushing ahead seem to be granting lucrative dredging contracts to flunkies of the DMK and its Ministers.

Second, while the Prince of Ayodhya did not live 1.7 million years ago -- as some have claimed -- is the Ram story all myth? Granted, an oral story-telling tradition has ample scope for exaggeration; Ram probably did not fly back from Lanka on an airplane called the Pushpak Viman. Yet, is there no kernel of truth or historicity to his legend?

Consider a Greek analogy. For centuries, the Illiad and the saga of the Trojan War were dismissed as Homer's imagination. The Greeks, under foreign rule, were told the cherished epics they raised their children on were nonsense; to borrow from the ASI's affidavit, they "cannot be said to be historical record to incontrovertibly prove the existence of the characters or the occurrence of the events depicted therein".

It took Heinrich Schliemann, a classical history buff and amateur archaeologist, 20 years of excavation in the 1870s and 1880s to establish that Achilles and Hector did actually fight to the death outside the gates of Troy. Where are India's Schliemanns? Not in the ASI.

Professional integrity demands archaeologists and historians attempt to authenticate popular legends. From the life of Jesus to the times of David and Moses, the Bible has lent itself to such endeavour in the Christian and Judaic worlds. In Britain, identifying the real King Arthur and mapping his kingdom has been an honest intellectual pursuit. What is the ASI's record?

A serious, rigorous archaeological expedition that attempts to cross-verify the story as told in the Ramayan will take years, perhaps decades. The ASI has not even begun the task. Nevertheless it is happy to announce Ram is a fabrication. The case of India's other great folk hero, Krishna, is illuminating. Even after evidence is available of a city submerged off the coast of Gujarat -- roughly corresponding to scriptural accounts of the destruction of Dwarka by a tsunami-like wave -- attempts are made to undermine the findings. There is cussed insistence that the "underwater city" is not, in fact, Krishna's capital. It may not be; but how do the Culture Ministry's bureaucrats know?

Third, is it correct to see the past only as a backward extension of present prejudices? Over the centuries, rivers have changed course and deserts have shifted sands. In the process, they have rendered cities derelict, effaced whole civilisations. From north Africa to western China, the exploration of these 'lost histories' is a subject of intense national pride.

In contrast, what has India done with the quest for the Saraswati civilisation? In December 2004, the UPA Government told Parliament it was abandoning the Saraswati River Heritage Project. The project was meant to carry out excavations and trace the route the Saraswati took before it dried up. Its budget was a mere Rs 4.98 crore. Yet, the Culture Minister announced it was being shut down; the search for the Saraswati was not worth it.

In the Rajya Sabha, a CPI(M) MP, Mr Nilotpal Basu, demanded to know who had formulated the Saraswati Heritage Project. Obviously, he was seeking to target individuals in the previous NDA Government.

Many Hindus remember the Saraswati in their daily prayers. Even so, the search for the river is as much a secular imperative as a faith-based one. The Saraswati and the societies and cultures that grew and fell by its side are a part of our legacy; a forensic examination of these, if possible, would tell us how our ancestors lived and worked, ate and entertained. This should be a national enterprise, with ample resources and time dedicated to it; it should not be a political football.

In the end, whether it is the historicity of Ram, of Dwarka or of the Saraswati age, it is not so much a matter of what we know -- but of what we care to find out. Is this religious mumbo jumbo or is it racial memory? That compelling question determines any view of the ASI's affidavit.

09-14-2007, 12:20 AM

ramana, link?

09-14-2007, 01:03 AM

09-14-2007, 01:16 AM

Train runs over 16 pilgrims in UPQUOTE
At least 16 Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva [Images]) were crushed to death by an express train near Saryu Ghat railway station of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday,Â triggering arson and violent protests.

The mishap occurred on Lucknow-Gorakhpur section when Lucknow-Gonda passenger train slowed down on the bridge over Saryu river ahead of the station and a large number of Kanwariyas got off the train in a bid to take water from the river for offerings at a temple at Karnelganj, northern railway divisional magistrate Ashima Singh said.

At this point, the Gorakhpur-bound Intercity Express pulled up on the adjacent track and crushed the Kanwariyas to death, she said.

The death toll could go up further as several Kanwariyas jumped into the river to avoid the train, superintendent of police NK Srivastva said, adding police and armed constabulary divers and boat had been pressed into service to trace them.

Who was the driver? Muslim or commie?

09-14-2007, 03:35 AM

QUOTELord Ram prevails 
The Pioneer Edit Desk
Scared Congress scurries for cover

It is stunningly absurd that the UPA Government should have submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court claiming Lord Ram did not exist and the sacred texts, notably Valmiki's Ramayan and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, associated with an icon deeply revered by millions of Hindus in India and abroad and who, in many ways, is central to the Hindu ethos of dharma, lack historical basis. To slyly suggest, as the Congress's apologists have done 24 hours later, that the affidavit was filed by the Archaeological Survey of India without the clearance of the Union Law Ministry and, therefore, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues are not to be blamed for the shocking assertion which pours ridicule on the faith of Hindus, is disingenuous. The ASI's affidavit is in response to a specific query by the Supreme Court about the antiquity of what many Hindus believe is 'Ram Setu' -- the bridge built by Hanuman and his vaanar sena for Lord Ram to cross the sea and reach Lanka to rescue Sita -- which faces destruction on account of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project. The ASI would have been perfectly justified to state in its affidavit that it does not have any scientific evidence about the structure's antiquity, but it chose to go beyond its brief and cast serious aspersion on the belief of vast sections of Hindus. Such transgression -- as anybody aware of how bureaucracy responds to sensitive issues would aver -- which amounts to making a political statement, would not have occurred had there been no political directive. Perhaps those behind this attempt to negate India's cultural heritage and civilisational identity had not expected there would be a tidal wave of angry response, but this only shows the ineptness of those in power who believe their crudity will go unnoticed by Hindus and yet fetch them the votes of Muslims.

The BJP has done the right thing by exposing the sinister motive of the Congress and Mr LK Advani's trenchant comment, that the "Congress's pseudo-secularism has degenerated into sadist secularism", aptly sums up the purpose behind the Government's appalling attempt to mock at Hindu faith and tradition. Indeed, had it not been for Mr Advani's forceful protest and the prospect of being confronted with a huge Hindu backlash because of its ill-advised though fully intended denigration of Lord Ram, the Government would not have scurried for cover on Thursday and declared that it would "withdraw" the scurrilous paragraphs of Wednesday's affidavit through a supplementary affidavit. It is as amusing to hear Union Law Minister HR Bhardwaj wax eloquent on popular faith -- "The existence of Ram cannot be doubted. As Himalaya is Himalaya, Ganga is Ganga, Ram is Ram. There is no requirement of any proof to establish his existence" -- as it is laughable to learn that the Government's shame-faced turnaround follows the Congress president's 'disapproval'. Where was this wisdom and concern for Hindu faith when the original affidavit was being drafted? Which brings us to the question: Who in the political establishment ordered the attack on Lord Ram? This particularly vile episode of Congress's perverted 'secularism' cannot be considered to be over unless responsibility is fixed. Meanwhile, the destruction of India's cultural heritage should be stopped immediately: Ram Setu is a symbol of popular Hindu faith and its preservation is a national imperative.

09-14-2007, 03:38 AM

QUOTE'Sonia, PM must apologise'Â 
Pioneer.com
Yogesh Vajpeyi | New Delhi
Advani: Cong's anti-Hindu mindset exposed
Mounting a scathing attack on the UPA Government for denying the very existence of Ram, BJP veteran and Leader of the Opposition LK Advani on Thursday demanded that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan should not only withdraw the Union Government's controversial affidavit in the Supreme Court but tender a public apology to the nation for hurting the sentiments of Hindus

Talking to mediapersons after an emergency meeting of the party's national office-bearers, Advani said the Government's latest affidavit was not a draftsman's mistake but a well-considered move reflecting the anti-Hindu mindset of the Congress and its pseudo-secular allies.

"The Government should fix ministerial responsibility for the outrage and promise that it would preserve the historic Ram Setu, which is a symbol of faith for crores of Hindus," the BJP leader said, adding that the main Opposition party would launch a massive campaign on the issue till its demands were conceded.

The Leader of Opposition was unimpressed by the belated damage control exercise launched by the Congress to create an impression that Sonia was unhappy with the move and the Government had agreed to file a fresh affidavit removing objectionable portions at her instance.

"Everyone knows that Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister in name only and all major decisions are taken by Sonia Gandhi. Nobody is going to take her ploy of disassociating herself from the Government whenever its moves evoked strong popular opposition," Advani said, recalling her missives to the Prime Minister on price rise, farmers' suicide and other issues.

The BJP leader made no attempt to deny that his party would make the Government's utter disregard for Hindu sentiments an election issue. "We have already gone into election mode as the Government cannot last its full term. And the UPA Government's repeated attempts to communalise issues for vote bank considerations would be a major election issue," he said in response to queries.

09-14-2007, 05:49 AM

Jaya moves SC on 'Ramr Setu' QUOTENew Delhi, Sept 13: Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has moved the Supreme Court to restrain the Centre from "destroying" the "Ram Setu" bridge, saying that it not only involved huge public sentiments, but its destruction would impinge upon the national security.

Quoting extensively various historical literature and compilations, Jayalalithaa said the "Ram Setu" bridge is symbol of might and power of human will and the construction of the bridge by the vanar sena of Lord Rama was a victory of human endeavour in the face of adversity.

Besides, affecting the massive public sentiments attached to the bridge, the AIADMK chief cautioned that any destruction to the mythical barrier would expose the country to grave security threat from the US.

She submitted that India and Sri Lanka had always treated the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Straits as historical as its territorial rights, whereas the US has objected to such claims and considers the waters international.

The Sethusamudram project involves dredging of a sea channel cutting across the 'Ram setu' bridge across the Gulf of Mannar at an estimated cost of Rs 2,427 crore. Jayalalithaa's petition comes a day before the apex court is to take up further hearing on the batch of petitions filed by various persons urging the Court to restrain the Centre from going ahead with the "destruction" of the bridge.

The Union Government is also expected to file a supplementary affidavit on Friday seeking deletion of certain controversial remarks made by it on the existence of Lord Rama and the Ramayana.

On Wednesday, the Centre had moved an affidavit in which it questioned the opposition to the "destruction" of the "Ram setu" on the ground that there was no historical or archaeological evidence to prove the existence of Lord Rama, or the other characters and events depicted in Valmiki's Ramayana or Tulsidas' Ramcharitramanas.

09-14-2007, 05:56 AM

Case against Sonia, PM over 'Setu' project

ABVP activists burn PM's effigy over Sethu Samudram issue

SAD condemns Centre's affidavit on Ram setu

Modi pounces upon Centre's affidavit, makes it an issue in Guj

09-14-2007, 05:56 AM

Case against Sonia, PM over 'Setu' project

ABVP activists burn PM's effigy over Sethu Samudram issue

SAD condemns Centre's affidavit on Ram setu

Modi pounces upon Centre's affidavit, makes it an issue in Guj

09-14-2007, 06:02 AM

QUOTEUPA must stop Ram Setu destruction : Mohanji Bhagwat
9/13/2007 11:46:40 AMÂ HK
NEW DELHI: RSS Sarkaryavahak Mohanji Bhagwat said that the Centre's move to withdraw the objectionable paragraphs of the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court questioning the existence of Lord Ram is a step in the right direction and should be followed up with the stopping of Ram Setu destruction.

Mohanji said it was a right step that has been taken keeping in mind the hurt feelings of Hindus.

"The issue is beyond ideological differences and concerns sensitivities of the society and the identity of our nation. Now the only logical follow up to it will be to announce the withdrawal of Ram Setu destruction." Said Sangh Sarkaryavahak.

09-14-2007, 06:18 AM

Govt slips on Setu, BJP gets fillip
QUOTEIf Sonia Gandhi started the government' rethink, UPA's alliance partners tilted the balance. The affidavit gave the UPA partners the jitters. So even die hard Congress supporter, Lalu Yadav, spoke out against the affidavit and so did the Left.

''Who says Lord Ram does not exist? Lord Ram is our identity. We don't need proof for that,'' said Lalu Prasad Yadav, Union Railway Minister.

The affidavit and the churning in the government is nothing short of a god send for the BJP.

Advani has taken centrestage. Now he has made untenable demands from the UPA, attempting to create reasons for a sustained campaign - to make Ram Setu a bridge to power.

''This affidavit could not have been filed in a casual manner. Some thinking must have gone into it. Ministerial responsibility must also be fixed. Under whose guidance was this affidavit filed?'' said Advani.

There are four demands - the affidavit must be withdrawn, Sonia Gandhi and the PM must apologise and ministerial responsibility must be fixed.

The saffron onslaught against the affidavit has more reasons. Sethusamudram is a DMK pet project. Opposing it means pleasing AIADMK's J Jayalalitha - a prospective ally for the BJP.

The affidavit will redraw several political equations. For Advani, Jinnah episode is history. Unlike the Ram Mandir issue, Ram Setu issue does not pitch the BJP against the minorities. 

The only silver lining for the UPA perhaps is that the possibilities of BJP's resurgence might force the Left to rethink its opposition to the UPA.

09-14-2007, 09:05 AM

Read comment - from Zeenews-
QUOTEYour comment(s) on this article :Â

We want Hindu rastra. Deport Sonia to ROme. - BharatvasrhÂ 

We want election now. Time to kick out Christian and Sikh government. - RamchandraÂ

It is a shame we all HINDUS in a HINDU nation are undergoing great insult under a sikh and christian arrogant rulers!!! UPA has damaged the hearts of all HINDUS and have to step down and declare election and get elected again, thus proving they were right in their action. Will they do it, NO, they will not, they are power hungry animals!!! - BaluÂ 

I feel sorry for the ZEE NEWS . As they have made this issue between BJP and comgress . They are not bothered what a HINDU feels about this . - Omprakash Desai Â

Our sentiments, the Hindus of this country, have been trampled upon so an apology must be made to us by the government. The Ram Setu is our national heritage and must be preserved at all cost. My question to the government is what is more important? Economics or our sentiments?? - kumudÂ 

as per ramayana every place is there in india and in shrilanks as mention in ramayana granth. every place is true as setu bridge between india and shri lanka. so no point to say rama was there or not. he is god and he is everywhere and as true and sun or earth or moon. - anilÂ 

The person ASI C. Dorjee,who appears by name to be Buddhist and who has filed the affidavit must have sworn by Budha. Has he got any archeological proof that Budha was a God .To me Budha was an ordinary human being like ASI C. Dorjee . Why did he swear a false affidavit ? He needs to be prosecuted for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. - RahulÂ 

When Ayodhya is there,Mithila,Janakpur,Dandakvan and Pampasarovar(Sabri`s place) is there,Sri Lanka is there and a visible Setu is there then isn`t Lord Sri Ram ever existed. - MohitÂ 

It`s not just the question of religion or belief alone. It`s shocking that no scientific study have been conducted before breaking such a natural structure. There have been scientific publications which suggests against the project, and govt has constituted not a single scientific experts group to study on the after effects of breaking this natural barrier to tsunami waves. Where are the self styled eco-lovers gone? - sreejithÂ 

Send Ambika and Sonia to Jail. She had insulted our religion. - RajanÂ 

"IGNORE FOOLS" SAID CHURCHIL ONCE. IN THE PRESENT CONTEXT I WILL SAY IGNOR MANMOHAN, SONIA & THEIR PUPPETS. EVERY COIN HAS TWO SIDES, WHY SHOULD NOT SEE THE POSITIVE SIDE THAT MID-TERM ELECTION IS COMMING SOON AND LET ALL HINDUS AND LIKE MINDED WHO HATE BLASHFAMMY JOIN HANDS TOGETHER AND THROW AWAY MANMOHAN & SONIA COMPANY STARTING WITH GUJARAT POLL. - RukiÂ 

It seems that the next stand that the Central Government will take is that all the temples, mosques, churches, Gurudwaras etc should be demolished because there is no "scientific" proof that God, Allaha, Brahaman or any form of spirituality exists. It seems that the ASI is on an ego trip like an eighteen year old who performed his fist physics or chemistry experiment in school. It also seems that the Central Govt. department does not know its limitations where it should not make statements. In a secular society all religious sentiments must be respected including those of the majority. In this context I support Mr. Advani that the Prime minister must apologize and fire senior employees of the Archaeological Survey of India. If this does not happen the Hindus must wake up and unite to defeat such Godless people who are devoid of sensitivities towards majority religion people. I have worked as a researcher in the field of engineering science for 35 years. I fail to understand how a person with true scientific knowledge can be so devoid of humility and sensitivity. - RajÂ 

Funny comments - IndianÂ

Congress does not fear to hurt Hindu sentiments. It is their secularism. If such projects hurt the sentiments of other religion, will the Congress party ever do it? Now they got the courage even to say that Rama or Ramayana ever existed or no proof. Tomorrow they may say that there is no proof that Hindu religion ever existed. This is what the Christian missionaries say to the tribes for converting them to their religion. This will continue till the secularism comes to an end or till Hindu religion remaining in majority. When Hindu became a minority, that is the end of secularism. The current term for secularism means Hindu-biting. - R.MenonÂ

The Affidavit was sworn in the name of which God? Is there any historical or archeological evidence of existence of such a God by which the affidavit was sworn? If NO then that God must be a Fraud and non existent. It is high time that such blasphemous affidavit should be thrown out and the person responsible for filing such affidavits is prosecuted. If there is No Ram then there is no Allah and there is no Christ or God. The person filing such an affidavit must be a Muslim or a Christian Lord Ram has produced the Left which will throw Sonia and PM and their Govt .to a place they deserve. - Vishnu BhagwanÂ 

If construction of cannel from Ram Setu is in favor of Countries economy then we are ready to go ahead, but goverment should not doubt about the existance of Lord Ram. If govm. is doubting the Exitance of Ram then this same applicable for others & so need to stop Haj subsidy - IndianÂ 

Mr. Bond u r right in saying y shd. sonia apologise how can any Indian expect such an irresponsible selfish person to apologise that too on a issue related to Indian religion or history wht she knows abt these to comment or disscuss or for that matter apologise.. we have never seen such ignorant person in our national politics till date. - SumitÂ 

The terrorist are responsible for the happening in Gujarat as they burnt the human beings alive in Godhra.This is the teaching of Quran that kill the non believers. It is written and recited thousand times in Quran. The Quran teaches terrorism of which Mr Bond appears to a follower. If there is no Godhra there will never be a Gujrat.. - NaiduÂ 

Dear Sir, It is very strength to heard that, the this congress govt. at centre testing the paitence of 90 crores Hindus In India and abroad. The most media in India are with the suade scular Govt, Communost, Lesftist, Atheiest, Mao and Minority . Where we leave and stay. Being a hindu I am afraid, we will be finished by the coming 20-50 here by the so called Soni Gandi-Italian Lady, who is the remote controll in presnt state of affirs. We the hindus has been perished by the so called Muslim, chrisitna missionaris in India. This govr has lost its mental balance, otherwise they never dare to challange the very existence of LORD RAM. GOD of the eitire Universe. why not dare to talk the existen of Allha and Jesus. Because there vote bank will goes some where. God bless there mind less non sence congress and Leftist. Pabitra - CS.Pabitra MohanÂ

09-14-2007, 09:13 AM

All they need to do now is edited - Admin, that will get the message through.

09-14-2007, 11:31 AM

Mudy, for post 41, do you still have the link? need for blog

Pandyan · (This post was last modified: 09-14-2007, 02:49 PM by Pandyan.)

QUOTE(Bodhi @ Sep 14 2007, 11:31 AM)Mudy, for post 41, do you still have the link? need for blog
[right][snapback]73128[/snapback][/right]

This is the one: http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=39...0Sonia%20Gandhi

09-14-2007, 08:22 PM

Great great. Finally sleeping public is awake.
Now days I am watching Dae Joyoung, Korean Serial, founder of Go Dynasty. Yesterday, they also did some tricks to wake up sleeping society after brutal occupation of Tang Dynasty. After prolonged oppression, public just goes in compotase phase thinking that somehow they will escape brutality. Same is with Hindu society in India, they think it will affect other and if they close eyes and ears nothing will go wrong to them.

Mid term election now.

09-14-2007, 08:30 PM

QUOTE Poll consideration led to withdrawal of ASI affidavit: Basu
Kolkata, Sept 14: Veteran CPI(M) leader Jyoti Basu today said the UPA government's withdrawal of affidavits filed by Archeological Survey of India in the Supreme Court on the Sethu Samudram project was prompted by electoral consideration.

"They (UPA government) did one thing in the court one day and just the opposite the next day. All these are being done with an eye on the elections," Basu told reporters after attending a meeting of the CPI(M) state secretariat here.

The Centre today withdrew from the Supreme Court its two affidavits, including the controversial one filed by the ASI claiming there was no historical or scientific evidence to establish existence of Lord Ram and Rama Setu as a man-made bridge.
Bureau ReportÂ


Even Basu is offened by Sonia Congress affidavits.

09-14-2007, 08:33 PM

QUOTECongress rejects BJP`s demand for apologyÂ 
New Delhi, Sept 14: The Congress today rejected BJP's demand for an apology from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party President Sonia Gandhi for the government affidavit in the Supreme Court on Lord Ram.

"Since the matter has been immediately rectified, there can be only kudos and not criticism," congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said at the AICC briefing. He, however, steered clear of the controversy over the existence of Lord Ram.


It just shows Moron Singh was also in bed with Sonia agenda.

09-14-2007, 08:38 PM

QUOTESri Sri raps government for Ram affidavit
13 Sep 2007, 2312 hrs IST,IANS
BANGALORE: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Thursday criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for its judicial affidavit that said there was no historical evidence to prove the existence of Lord Ram.

In a statement issued from Germany, Sri Sri said: "Ramayana and Mahabharata are called "Itihasas" (histories). Itihas means it happened. That Sri Ram did exist is recorded in the epic Ramayana.

"The ancient seers had made clear distinction between "Puranas" (classical literature) and Itihasas. Puranas are mythological, symbolic stories, while Itihasas are that which actually happened."

The founder of the Art of Living Foundation said it would be wrong to assume Lord Ram was a mythological character and not real because there was no scientific evidence to prove his existence.

"There were unproven miracles in the lives of religious figures of other faiths. If we dismiss Lord Ram as a fictitious character, then we have to dismiss all miracles in the lives of Jesus, Moses and Mohammed as myths," he said.

In its affidavit to the Supreme Court on the Sethusamudram shipping channel, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said there were no "historical records" to prove the existence of Lord Ram or the Ram Setu (bridge).

The affidavit has kicked off a major political controversy with the BJP pressurising the government to withdraw the controversial affidavit from the apex court.

The government later said it would file a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court, omitting the reference to Lord Ram.

The BJP and other right wing parties have been protesting the Rs.24 billion-canal project that would see a navigational route through India's west and east coasts, saying that it would damage the bridge that Hindus believe was build by Lord Ram millennia ago.

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