Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Act as ‘Mediator’ in Ram Temple Dispute

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar asked by Nirmohi Akhada and AIMPLB to mediate the long-standing Ram Mandir dispute.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been asked to become the ‘mediator’ between religious groups in the Ram Mandir dispute. 

(Photo Courtesy: srisriravishankar.org)

In an interesting turn of events, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has reportedly been approached by members of the religious groups of Nirmohi Akhada and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), to ‘mediate’ the long-standing Ram Mandir dispute between the two.

A spokesman from the Art of Living Foundation told PTI that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been in touch with several imams and swamis, including Acharya Ram Das of Nirmohi Akhara, to help find an out-of-court settlement to the Ram temple dispute. The discussions, it added, were not done on the behalf of any government or organisation.

Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy confirmed the news, in an interview to CNN News18, saying that he too had spent time in talks with Sri Sri from 20 to 25 October, deliberating over the same proposition.

Ravi Shankar has been in touch with several imams and swamis, including Acharya Ram Das of Nirmohi Akhara. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is of the view that the prevailing mood on the Ram Mandir issue provides an opportunity for people from both communities to come together, show their magnanimity and settle the dispute out of court. 

A source from the Art of Living Foundation told <i>PTI</i>.&nbsp;

The Foundation added that these discussions have brought about the willingness from the leaders of both religious communities to move forward and arrive at an amicable solution.

However, the AIMPLB reportedly denied holding any meeting with Sri Sri, but has stated that its members are open to talking to the latter to help figure out a solution.

The Supreme Court had set early December as the date of hearing for the Ram Mandir case.

Also Read: Ram Janmabhoomi Case: SC Fixes Next Hearing on 5 December

Swamy confirmed that Sri Sri being given the role of ‘mediator’ in the case, would not in any way, hamper the court proceedings.

As for why Swamy believes that Sri Sri is the best man for the job, the answer, he said, lies in the latter’s outlook towards life, and his affinity towards all religions within India.

Also Read: Ram Mandir Case: SC Dismisses Swamy’s Plea for Urgent Hearing

This is a very good initiative taken. Sri Sri is the most appropriate person to take on the role of mediator.

Subramanian Swamy told <i>News 18</i>

Ram Temple Case in HC

The high court had earlier ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acre area at Ayodhya among the parties, which worked out to 1/3 going to the Ram Lalla, represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, 1/3 going to the Islamic Sunni Waqf Board, and the remaining 1/3 going to the Nirmohi Akhara.

The order was naturally challenged by the concerned parties in the Supreme Court, and negotiations have been on-board since. With Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reportedly agreeing to act as ‘mediator’ in the dispute, one has to wonder what impact it could hold in the outcome of the case.

Also Read: Did Mixing Religion and Justice Help Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir Dispute?