Table of Contents
Vice President Launches Book on Ram Janmabhoomi
Introduction
- Launch Occasion – The book was formally released on 20 January 2026, marking an important cultural and academic event related to modern Indian history.
- Launch Venue – The ceremony took place at the prestigious Vice President’s Enclave in New Delhi, reflecting the national importance of the publication.
- Chief Guest – The book was launched by the Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, who addressed the gathering on its significance.
- Book Theme – The publication documents the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, one of the most influential socio-religious movements in independent India.
- Event Presence – The event witnessed participation from senior government officials, scholars, intellectuals, and dignitaries from different fields.
- Historical Focus – The book seeks to capture a landmark civilisational journey that shaped India’s cultural and democratic landscape.
Title and Authorship
- Book Title – The book is titled Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response, reflecting both struggle and resolution.
- Book Author – It is authored by Shri Surendra Kumar Pachauri, who has closely observed governance and public administration.
- Author Background – The author is a retired IAS officer and former Secretary to the Government of India, lending credibility and experience.
- Publishing House – The book has been published by Har-Anand Publications, known for scholarly and historical works.
Purpose and Scope of the Book
Historical Context
- Movement Span – The book traces the Ram Janmabhoomi movement across several centuries, highlighting its long historical evolution.
- Multiple Dimensions – It presents the issue through social, religious, archaeological, and political perspectives, offering a comprehensive view.
- Faith Interaction – The narrative explains how faith interacted with historical records and archaeological evidence over time.
Legal and Democratic Process
- Judicial Journey – The book details the prolonged legal battles and court proceedings related to the disputed site.
- Final Verdict – Special emphasis is placed on the 2019 Supreme Court judgement, which resolved the dispute constitutionally.
- Constitutional Path – It highlights the importance of due process, legal reasoning, and evidence-based decisions in a democracy.
Cultural and Civilisational Narrative
- Civilisational Impact – The movement is portrayed as a turning point in India’s civilisational history.
- Faith and Identity – The book explores the relationship between religious faith, cultural identity, and democratic values.
- Public Emotion – It captures the emotional involvement and devotion of millions of people connected to the cause.
Modern Phase Documentation
- Record Gaps – The author attempts to fill gaps in documented history, especially concerning recent developments.
- Key Events – Important public mobilisations, campaigns, and decisive moments are carefully recorded.
- Future Understanding – The book ensures future readers can understand both the emotional depth and factual accuracy of the movement.
Key Points from the Launch Event
A Defining Civilisational Moment
- Temple Significance – The Shri Ram Mandir was described as a temple of unmatched symbolic and national importance.
- National Meaning – The temple represents the coming together of faith, history, law, and democratic institutions.
- Unique Importance – The Vice President noted that no other temple holds similar civilisational relevance for the nation.
Lord Ram: Soul of the Nation
- National Symbol – Lord Ram was described as the spiritual and moral soul of India.
- Dharma Ideal – His life represents dharma, duty, sacrifice, and moral righteousness.
- Unifying Force – Lord Ram’s ideals unite people across regions through justice, equality, and ethical conduct.
Strength of Indian Democracy
- Democratic Test – The prolonged dispute tested the patience and resilience of Indian democracy.
- Judicial Scrutiny – The final decision came only after careful judicial examination and evidence evaluation.
- Constitutional Supremacy – The process reaffirmed the supremacy of the Constitution over emotions and beliefs.
Public Participation and People’s Movement
- Mass Contribution – Millions of citizens contributed voluntarily, showing collective public involvement.
- Trust Role – Funds were managed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
- Donation Scale – Over ₹3,000 crore was collected from devotees across India and abroad.
- People’s Initiative – The movement evolved into a non-political, people-driven national effort.
Universal Appeal and Values
- Global Devotion – Devotion to Lord Ram extends beyond India’s borders.
- International Reach – Examples from Fiji and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat highlight this global presence.
- Moral Teachings – Lord Ram’s life teaches compassion, dignity, sacrifice, and righteousness, relevant worldwide.
Historical and Emotional Reflections
- Personal Memories – The Vice President shared personal memories of his mother’s participation in religious activities.
- 1990s Context – He recalled the emotionally charged atmosphere during the 1990s phase of the movement.
- Temple Ceremony – Reference was made to the Dhwaja-rohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir.
- Event Date – The ceremony was held on 25 November 2025.
- Emotional Impact – The occasion was described as deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting.
Significance of the Publication
- Historical Preservation – The book preserves a detailed record of a major civilisational movement.
- Educational Value – It helps readers understand how faith and constitutional values coexisted.
- Reference Work – The publication is intended to serve as a long-term academic and historical reference.
- Holistic Insight – It offers a balanced understanding of legal, cultural, and social dimensions.
Important Questions
- What is the central theme of the book Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response launched by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan?
- How does the book launched by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan explain the role of India’s judicial and constitutional process in resolving the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute?
- In what ways does the Ram Janmabhoomi movement represent a defining civilisational moment in Indian history?
- What role did public participation and collective contributions play in the construction of the Shri Ram Mandir?
- How does the book Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response highlight the cultural, moral, and global relevance of Lord Ram and his ideals?
Conclusion
The launch of Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan marks an important effort to document a historic civilisational journey of India. The book captures the complex interplay of faith, history, law, and democracy, while emphasising the strength of constitutional processes and public participation. By presenting the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in a balanced and comprehensive manner, the publication serves as a valuable reference for understanding how deeply rooted cultural aspirations were ultimately addressed within a democratic framework.
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