“Make a big charitable hospital on the 5-acre land”, Javed Akhtar’s advice to Muslims

The Ram Janmabhoomi verdict has triggered a mass debate on what should now be built on the five-acre land allotted to the Muslims. It seems after decades of toil, all-Hindu baiters have come to realize that Ram Bhakts will settle for nothing less than a grand Ram Mandir. Hindus have been sermonized on the Ram Mandir for decades now. Many have been suggesting the community to give up the idea of building a Mandir, and instead build a school, hospital or anything of the kind. Anything, except Shri Ram’s Mandir. Now that the verdict has come in favour of the Hindus, this particular lobby is silent, and their words of wisdom are far from being heard. However, Javed Akhtar has not given hope. He is still adamant on getting a hospital built at Ayodhya. But there’s more to this story! The request is not addressed to the Hindus, but rather to the Muslims. Though Javed Akhtar refrains from naming the Muslim community explicitly, he takes to Twitter to say: “It would be really nice if those who get the 5 acres as compensation decide to make a big charitable hospital on that land sponsored and supported by the people all the communities.” He, therefore, puts the onus on the Muslims to get a hospital built, although contributions for the same are to be made by all, as the said hospital is to be accessible to all.

A noble idea indeed, which must be followed in letter and spirit by the Muslim community. Following the advice of Javed Akhtar, they must set a precedent by not rebuilding a mosque which was erected under the orders of a brutal invader. A charitable hospital would serve the people of Ayodhya better than a Mosque. It will also help to bridge the gap between various communities. After the verdict, Muslim intellectuals like Owaisi and Akhtar are speaking against the building of a Mosque at the 5-acre land.

Such a demand is bound to make Muslims feel what Hindus have been feeling for years now. It will be a lesson in life for those who were hell-bent against the Mandir and wanted alternate instructions at the Ram Janmabhoomi. It must be understood that a hospital or a school can be built anywhere, however, there is only one Ram Janmabhoomi in the entirety of this globe. 

It is yet to be seen how the Muslims respond to Akhtar’s advice. Many would not be happy with this pedestal-seeking by the man, as even the Muslims would be keen to build a Mosque, as they should be. The sentiments for religious structures among all communities is by and large the same. One cannot negotiate a religious structure for another normal infrastructure. Javed Akhtar claims to be a ‘liberal’ and ‘atheist‘. This is perhaps the reason as to why he is unable to catch the pulse on the ground. It is always very easy for the privileged class to pass these intellectual statements, without having a word with the common folk.