Taste takes time

Sir — Many of us have had long waits at restaurants that take time to serve food. Others have probably complained about food delivery executives taking too long to arrive with their orders. But tasty food clearly cannot be rushed. One needs to look no further than Takasago City in Japan for proof where the wait time to sample a box of kobe beef croquettes from a butchery called Asahiya is, at present, 43 years. Those who find themselves unable to wait for over four decades can, of course, opt for a more premium version of the product which would take a little over four years to reach their plates. While one understands the adage, good things come to those who wait, can beef croquettes still be called ‘fast food’ after having to wait 43 years for them?

Sritama Bose, Calcutta

New era

Sir — Among the many things that the prime minister, Narendra Modi, said during the consecration ceremony held at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, one comment stands out (“For whom the temple tolls”, Jan 23). Modi admitted that “there would have been some shortcomings in our penance that we could not complete this work for so long” — could he have been talking about the 2002 massacre in Gujarat under his watch? As Modi begged for forgiveness from Lord Rama, the aam aadmi is tempted to do the same. One hopes that Rama can forgive us this misguided use of his name in a sacrilegious display of power. The vulgar commodification of Lord Rama at a time when unemployment and hunger are peaking in the country is a matter of great shame.

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad

Sir — It was only to be expected that the inauguration of the ‘half-constructed’ Ram temple in Ayodhya would be rushed by the Bharatiya Janata Party given that general elections are around the corner. The BJP has unabashedly played the religion card at Ayodhya to retain political power. Whipping up this level of religious frenzy is dangerous in a secular democracy.

In the midst of this majoritarian din, some historical lessons have been obfuscated. Was this the India that Babasaheb Ambedkar had dreamt of? Did Bhagat Singh sacrifice his life for this version of India? India has been left impoverished in more ways than one after this grand saffron ceremony in Ayodhya.

Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai

Sir — The Preamble printed on the first page of The Telegraph on January 23 is a poignant reminder of all that was martyred at Ayodhya on January 22. The ceremony, the pomp, the prime minister’s speech — none of it can be part of a secular democracy. Much has been written about ‘New India’. With his speech claiming that “January 22, 2024, is not just a date on the calendar. It marks the beginning of a new era,” Narendra Modi has ushered in New India formally. Indians have so far remembered the “Tryst with Destiny” speech that Jawaharlal Nehru had delivered at the birth of this great nation. Modi has rung the death knell for that India. In this new country, there is space for just one community.

A.K. Sen, Calcutta

Sir — One has to wonder what truly devout Hindus feel about their beloved gods being reduced to a collection of cheap costumes — an IndiGo crew recently dressed up as Rama, Sita and Lakshmana — or about such blatant politicisation of religion that has little to do with true devotion. In my view, the significance of a temple — or indeed, a mosque — lies in matters of personal faith and worship and should not be transformed into a political symbol of national pride in a secular country.

Bidisha Goswami, Calcutta

Sir — The demolition of the Babri masjid is still a collective memory of grief and loss. Many of us remember those killed in the riots that followed the destruction. Despite political promises, the mosque was never restored and, now, a grand temple stands over its ruins — a monument to Hindu supremacy. Yet, this is nothing compared to the everyday indignities and fears that Indian Muslims feel in India. For them, there is nothing to do but cling desperately to the hope of some semblance of status quo where they are not completely obliterated.

Fauzia Ahmed, New Delhi

Sir — It would be a great injustice to equate the Ram temple in Ayodhya to just a symbol of Hindu triumphalism. It might seem like India has been declared a Hindu rashtra, but this is not the case. Ayodhya needs to let go of its brutal past and try to reconcile all Indian citizens. Rama has gotten his due; it is now time for the rajya to receive the same.

Shovanlal Chakraborty, Calcutta

Sir — The dream of the devotees of Rama has materialised with the inauguration of the temple at Ayodhya. Celebrating and spending time with one’s family, decorating the house with flowers and lights and avoiding loud crackers will help create a positive environment for all on this happy occasion.

Dimple Wadhawan, Kanpur

Sir — While saffron-ruled states had declared a public holiday on the day of the inauguration of the Ram temple, most southern states continued to go about their business as usual on January 22. Several other states, too, did not grant a holiday and kept the State machinery running. Why could this not have been the case all over India?

Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai

Sir — It was gratifying to witness the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya after a long wait of 75 years. This is a dream come true for thousands of Indians. The fact that many Congress leaders lauded the inauguration of the temple shows that this was a goal for parties cutting across political lines. Now that the hatchet has been buried, political parties should focus on burning issues like unemployment and price rise.

M.A. Madhusudan, Bengaluru

Sir — The installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the newly-built temple in Ayodhya must be lauded. What must be noted is the alacrity with which the temple was built and inaugurated. The Centre must show similar initiative to complete other important projects that it has championed.

Jayanta Datta, Hooghly