Rama and Krishna's stories carry Eternal Nectar

In ancient scriptures, there is an interesting reference: one day, Sage Valmiki asked Narad Ji whether there was a person on earth who was truly endowed with every virtue, one who could be called Maryada Purushottam (the ideal among men). Narad Ji, who traveled across the three worlds and is regarded as the world’s first journalist, always carried an abundance of knowledge. Without a moment’s hesitation, he named Shri Ram of the Ikshvaku dynasty. For thousands of years, Shri Ram has not only resided in our hearts as a deity but has also remained one of the greatest sources of inspiration.

You may wonder why this reference to Shri Ram came to my mind and why I am sharing it with you. The reason is that, right now, in my hometown Yavatmal, the eminent scholar and storyteller Shri Morari Bapu is narrating the Ram Katha. While I was busy with preparations for the event, some people asked me: “You are a follower of Jainism, then why is this Ram Katha being organized under your leadership?” I understand such questions, for religion has been divided into so many parts that people have forgotten the truth that the essence of all religions is one. My simple answer is—only when you understand the essence of religion do you realize what a follower of Jainism can gain from the story of Shri Ram.

It was my mother, Veena Devi Darda, and later my wife, Jyotsna, who made me understand that while the paths of worship may be different, the purpose of all religions is the same. The lives of Shri Ram and Shri Krishna are the greatest inspiration for humanity. That is why we should host such narratives. Earlier, we had organized the Chaturmas of Sadhvi Preeti Sudha Ji, and we saw that her sermons attracted not only Jains but also people from other religions in large numbers. Later, when we organized Shri Rameshbhai Oza’s Shrimad Bhagavat Katha, once again people from all faiths participated with enthusiasm. Now, I am witnessing the same response at Shri Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha.

Whether it is Shri Morari Bapu, Shri Rameshbhai Oza, Jaya Kishori Ji, or other such saints, society holds them in high regard for guiding it towards a better direction. Yet there are also those who wear the garb of saintliness and perform so-called miracles like magicians, presenting them as divine powers. At times, politics also exploits them for its own interests, which harms society greatly. Sadly, hardly any religion has escaped this tendency. The mindset of “we are superior” within religion has also deeply damaged both faith and society. My purpose behind such an event is not religious in nature but cultural—to contribute to shaping and nurturing society.

For any nation, its true strength lies in its culture. But what is happening today? Our younger generation is not being shown the path of culture and values, which are our greatest wealth. Despite centuries of slavery, we survived because of our culture and values. Indian culture regards the whole world as one family and speaks for the welfare of every living being.

I have tried to study, reflect upon, and analyze almost all religions, which is why I emphasize religious and spiritual harmony. When I listen to Shri Morari Bapu, the ideal conduct of Shri Ram inspires me deeply. Reading the Ramcharitmanas, one encounters the extraordinary personality of Shri Ram. He meets every test of reason—even by scientific standards. He honored his father’s command, even when it sent him into exile, and yet showed deep respect for Kaikeyi, who caused his exile. How remarkable that is! Gentle, humble, soft-spoken, truthful, intelligent, patient—and at the same time—courageous.

Today, society is weighed down by caste barriers and the oppression of women, but Shri Ram provided us with a powerful example of equality and dignity when he ate the fruits offered by Shabari, breaking caste prejudices and honoring women. With no resources, he raised an army that defeated a warrior like Ravan. Where else can the youth learn such lessons of management and leadership?

I see the same inspiration in Shri Krishna. On the battlefield, as Arjun’s charioteer, he stood alone against the vast Kaurava army, yet led the Pandavas to victory. What a powerful lesson in management! Throughout his life, he faced struggles and challenges, yet his face never lost its radiance. From Shri Krishna, our youth can learn to harness inner strength and to believe in their own abilities. Both the Shrimad Bhagavat and the Ramcharitmanas contain guiding principles for life in their entirety. True saints reveal these principles to us.

I am confident that, in the presence of Shri Morari Bapu, this Ram Katha will rise above caste, sect, and religious divides and succeed in uniting society with a single thread.