In the name of Rama

As our political leaders vie for eternal glory and cast their heroes in two-dimensional moulds, our ability to live with many truths is fast disappearing

With election season upon us, Rama is back on the political front burner. The clamour for a temple at Ayodhya has gained fresh vigour and this Diwali, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh has even renamed a district to honour his birthplace; Faizabad is now Sri Ayodhya, the divine honorific probably meant to transform the dusty and grimy spot on the map into a place fit for the gods. 

Politicians have long appropriated the hero turned god as their totem, but never before with the ferocious intensity of the present regime. However, seeking political capital in Rama ’s name is