Speaking at an event to release the book “Ram Mandir, Rashtra Mandir – A Common Heritage,” RSS leader Indresh Kumar urged inclusive participation in Ram mandir consecration highlighting unity among people of different faiths.
Indresh Kumar, the chief patron of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-linked Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) and a national executive member of the RSS asked Muslims to chant “Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” and people of various faiths in India to participate in the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
“The MRM has appealed, and I am reiterating today, that chant ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ 11 times at dargahs, maktabs, madrassas and masjids, 11 times. For the rest you follow your way of worship,” he said.
Addressing an occasion for the book launch titled “Ram Mandir, Rashtra Mandir – A Common Heritage,” Kumar said that the interconnected heritage and lineage shared by diverse religious communities in India.
He said that nearly 99 percent of Muslims and other non-Hindus are part of India due to their common ancestry, despite changes in religious affiliation.
“We have common ancestors, common faces and a common dream identity. We all belong to this country, we have nothing to do with foreigners,” he said.
Kumar appealed to people practising Islam, Christianity, Sikhism and other faiths to offer prayers at their respective religious places during the consecration ceremony, fostering mutual respect and unity.
During the event, the RSS leader encouraged gurdwaras, churches, and religious sites to adorn their prayer halls and Ibadat Gah, urging prayers for global peace and amity.
“I appeal to gurdwaras, churches and all religious places that they magnificently decorate their Ibadat Gah and prayer halls on January 22, between 11-2 pm, and watch this (consecration ceremony at Ram Temple) event on TV,” said Kumar.
Additionally, he suggested lighting “Chirag” (diyas) in the evening as a symbol of unity and solidarity.
During the event, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said India had a rich cultural heritage.
“Our ‘gyan parampara’ teaches us that only a narrow mind claims ‘this is mine and that is yours. To those with a big heart, the whole world is their family (‘qunba’),” he said.
“Gyan parampara is filled with this enlightening wisdom,” he added.
