Ram or Rawan

It was Dusshera festival in my town. Very perfectly I remember that I was in 6th standard, living in a small town with my family. There was a famous Shiva temple in our town. A grand fare used to be organized at that temple. There was a big ground near the shiva temple where it was very easy for mela society to organize fare. Every year, the organizers decorated the place with beautiful stalls and swings where the adults and children can enjoy alike. The atmosphere was very jolly. But a very strange type of Ram Leela was organized over there. Instead of showing the real story of Ramayana, the actors were glorifying the deeds of Ravana. For every wrong act of his, they were giving a reason that justified the bad deeds of the demon king. Although he was a great personality if we consider his personal qualities. But in reference to social aspect, what Ravan did was absolutely wrong, and he cannot be glorified for that. I saw that entire program for few minutes and when my tolerance level crossed its limit, I shouted forcefully, "What all of you are doing? Is this Ram-Leela or Ravan-Leela. What message do you want to send to the common people by organizing this program. Who is the organizer?"

Listening to me the organizer came and very harshly said, "I am the organizer. what is your problem?" I said, "What type of Raam-Leela is this. You are glorifying Ravan and justifying his kidnapping, Maa Sita. Are you mad. What message this Raam-Leela of Yours will give to the society?" The organizer said," I am the organizer. This grand set is erected by me, I gave the money. The costumes of the characters, the sets, the lightening, everything has been purchased by my money. I will do what I want. Who are you to stop me. We are not insulting anyone. We are just showing Ramayana from Ravan's point of view."

I was thinking in my mind that somewhere the element of Ravan is present in the personality of the organizer as well. That is why he is talking like this. Very politely I asked him, "Please tell me who is great; the person who left the kingdom for the welfare of his brother of the one who kicked off his brother from his home. Who is great? The person who took oath of being loyal towards one periocular lady throughout his life or the one who is kidnapping other women. Who is great? One who never listens to well wishes of elders or the one who is ready to do anything on one command of elders of the family. Who is Great? One who scarified his entire family for his ego or the one whom every member of his family respects from heart. Don't show the wrong picture of our ancient texts to society. Just because of people like you, religious values are decreasing among the kids of today and they are going away from their culture."

All standing over there were looking at me with pin drop silence and within few minutes that place was empty. Everyone left that place. Now only me & the organizers were standing over there. I moved towards the head organizer & said, "History is taught so that we can take inspiration from humble & honorable people in the past. It is not taught to make us devils like Ravan and Hiranyakashipu."

The organizer realized his mistake & stood with folded hands in front of me. Very politely he said, "You are right Sir. I am sorry for putting wrong example in front of society." 

I said, "No need to be sorry brother. Me & you, both of us should try to be role models for our young generation."