Ban "Ramleela"

"We are the descendants of Ravan. He was our God. We should make temple to worship Ravan."

This is the story framed by a teacher in a primary school in a village named Bhalphari. This village is located in a remote area of Sonbhadra district, completely cut-off from modern world. No officers, not common people from cities etc. are visiting these areas.

The large population of this area belongs to Gaud Janjati. They all are illiterate and makes their living in traditional ways mostly based on jungle and agricultural produce. In such a scenario, one teacher was appointed in a primary school located in that village. That teacher belongs to Roberts Ganj, a small city in Sonbhadra District. He belongs to the same community as the villagers are.

Attaching the sentiment of caste, he was able to misguide people and misdirected them. They falsely spread wrong idea and became successful in making people believe in his theory of Ravana being their ancestor. Exactly I am not aware, he also has shown them wrong hope of getting right of jungle based on this theory. Because of his effort, he was able to convince people of three-four neighbouring villages also.

On the occasion of this Durga Puja (2011), they planned to attack one village for not allowing them celebration of Ramleela and burning the effigy of Ravana by Rama. Although they got beaten by their own villagers, supporter of Rama. The issue went to local government. They all went on "Dharna" at district headquarter for their demand.

That particular teacher is of very violent nature. Earlier there was one accident happened in that village. He induced youth and they burnt the bus. Later they were arrested.

May the concern is not alarming for us. But given the situation, if this idea get fed in the mind of common people of these areas, the day is not far when a large supporter will start making their voice against Rama. Under pressure from intellectuals, human rights etc. Indian Gov. has to ban celebration of Ram Leela. We know such things may happen in India.