The best of times in the worst of times, writes Arunabha Bhattacharjee

August 5: Fiction/ Non-Fiction, Truth/ Reality, Belief/ Disbelief, these are contested and controversial terms in the academic discourse – what is important is the fact that 5th of August 2020 is an important date and will remain so in the history of India. ‘SRI RAM’ it seems is ingrained in the veins of India and the Indians and though a student of English Literature, I cannot escape the reality.

It is these words that provided impetus to the trouble-torn minds of my countrymen, owing mainly due to the pandemic, to come together and celebrate the occasion, light lamps and burn crackers, be it in Malugram area of Silchar or Times Square of the U.S.A. Democratically, we have the right to debate and we will surely, but the deep inner voice within every Indian is proud today, of our tradition, of our culture, and definitely of our democratic set-up.

Salute to the judiciary system for its considered judgement and salute to my country-men for accepting it. This is actually a victory of Democracy. ‘Belief’, is a word which perhaps cannot be described or explained. I think, though opinions may differ, it is this belief which holds us together – as individuals and as nation. I am really elated at the fact that in this moment of crisis, we have got something to cheer about and what can be better than witnessing the establishment of a temple listening to whose stories, from our parents and grandparents, we have grown up with.

We are lucky for we have been a witness to the amalgamation of tradition, culture, history, myth and reality. Let’s join together and pray to the Almighty, to ‘Sri Ram”, to our own Gods, for the well-being and prosperity of this great Nation of ours – INDIA. Let’s be a proud Indian today.