RSS-linked Buddhist group backs temple construction

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 23

In the midst of the raging suspense in the country over the Supreme Court’s verdict on Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Bhartiya Baudh Sangh (BBS) has come out in support of temple construction.

The sangh is an apex body of a number of Buddhist organisations and has an association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

“Lord Ram should not be seen through the prism of only Hindus. He is country’s cultural icon and linked to the identity of the Indians,” said BBS president Bhante Sanghpriya Rahul during a function to mark Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti celebrations.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister Satyanarayan Jatiya presided over the event, which was attended by prominent members from the Buddhist community and leaders of different faiths and religions from across the country.

National working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar was the chief guest at the function.

“Lord Ram is synonymous with rectitude, probity, morality, sacrifice, justice, and all things good in life. It is because of these values that India’s culture continues to be rooted in the ethos of societal assimilation, secularism, tolerance, and social harmony,” said Rahul. He said Lord Ram was introduced to humanity by Valmiki through Ramcharitmanas.

Rahul lauded Centre’s decision to provide land for the construction of a temple in honour of poet and social reformer Ravidas, who was one of the key faces of the ‘Bhakti’ movement between the 15th and the 16th centuries.

“The present government at the Centre is taking measures to promote social harmony and holistic development to all sections of society,” Rahul added.