Ram had gone to speak with Dashrath and his mother. He would insist that he be punished for the crime of using the daivi astra in Mithila without Vayuputra authorisation.
While that was Ram’s conversation to handle, Sita was busy making plans to ensure that their lives would not be endangered in the jungle. She had asked Jatayu to meet her outside the city. She would ask him to shadow them during the exile, along with his team. She had no idea how the Malayaputras would react to her request. She knew that they were upset with her for refusing to be recognised publicly as the Vishnu. But she also knew that Jatayu was loyal to her and would not refuse.
‘The revenue of a hundred villages for your thoughts, Bhabhi …’
Sita turned to see Bharat standing behind her. She laughed. ‘The revenue of a hundred villages from your wealthy Kosala or my poor Mithila?’
Bharat laughed and sat next to her.
‘So, have you managed to talk some sense into dada?’ asked Bharat. ‘To make him drop his insistence on being exiled?’
‘What makes you think that I don’t agree with him?’
Bharat was surprised. ‘Well, I thought … Actually, I have done some background check on you, Bhabhi … I was told that you are very …’
‘Pragmatic?’ asked Sita, completing Bharat’s statement.
He smiled. ‘Yes …’
‘And, what makes you think that your brother’s path is not pragmatic?’
Bharat was at a loss for words.
‘I am not suggesting that your brother is being pragmatic consciously. Just that the path he has chosen — one of unbridled commitment to the law — may not appear pragmatic. But counter-intuitively, it may actually be the most pragmatic course for some sections of our society.’
‘Really?’ Bharat frowned. ‘How so?’
‘This is a time of vast change, Bharat. It can be exciting. Energising. But many are unsettled by change. The Sapt Sindhu society has foolishly decided to hate its Vaishyas. They see their businessmen as criminals and thieves. It is over-simplistic to assume that the only way a Vaishya makes money is through cheating and profiteering. It is also biased. Such radicalisation increases in times of change and uncertainty. The fact is that while a few businessmen may be crooks, most Vaishyas are hardworking, risk-taking, opportunity-seeking organisers. If they do not prosper, then society does not produce wealth. And if a society does not generate money, most people remain poor. Which leads to frustration and unrest.’
‘I agree with …’
‘I am not finished.’
Bharat immediately folded his hands together into a Namaste. ‘Sorry, Bhabhi.’
‘People can adjust to poverty, if they have wisdom and knowledge. But even Brahmins command very little respect in India these days. They may not be resented like the Vaishyas, but it is true that the Brahmins, or even the path of knowledge, are not respected today. I know what people say about my knowledge-obsessed father, for instance.’
‘No, I don’t think …’
‘I’m still not finished,’ said Sita, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
‘Sorry!’ Bharat surrendered, as he covered his mouth with his hand.
‘As a result, people do not listen to the learned. They hate the Vaishyas and in the process, have ensured poverty for themselves. The people who are idealised the most today are the Kshatriyas, the warriors. “Battle-honour” is an end in itself! There’s hatred for money, disdain for wisdom and love of violence. What can you expect in this atmosphere?’
Bharat remained silent.
‘You can speak now,’ said Sita.
Bharat removed the hand that covered his mouth and said, ‘When you speak about the need to respect the Vaishya, Brahmin, or Kshatriya way of life, you obviously mean the characteristics and not the people born into that caste, right?’
Sita wrinkled her nose. ‘Obviously. Do you really think I would support the evil birth-based caste system? Our present caste system must be destroyed …’
‘On that, I agree with you.’
‘So, coming back to my question. In an atmosphere of hatred for money-makers, disdain for wisdom-givers, and love only for war and warriors, what would you expect?’
‘Radicalisation. Especially among young men. Usually, they are the biggest fools.’
Sita laughed. ‘They are not all foolish …’
Bharat nodded. ‘You’re right, I suppose. I am a young man too!’
‘So, you have a situation where young men, and frankly some women too, are radicalised. There is intelligence, but little wisdom. There is poverty. There is love of violence. They don’t understand that the absence of balance in their society is at the root of their problems. They look for simplistic, quick solutions. And they hate anyone who doesn’t think like them.’
‘Yes.’
‘Is it any surprise then that crime is so high in the Sapt Sindhu? Is it any surprise that there is so much crime against women? Women can be talented and competitive in the fields of knowledge, trading and labour. But when it comes to violence, the almighty has not blessed them with a natural advantage.’
‘Yes.’
‘These radicalised, disempowered, violence-loving youth, looking for simplistic solutions, attack the weak. It makes them feel strong and powerful. They are especially vulnerable to the authoritarian message of the Masculine way of life, which can lead them astray. Thus, creating chaos in society.’
‘And, you don’t think dada’s ideas are rooted in the Masculine way? Don’t you think they’re a little too simplistic? And, too top-down? Shouldn’t the solution be the way of the Feminine? To allow freedom? To let people find balance on their own?’
‘But Bharat, many are wary of the uncertainties of the Feminine way. They prefer the simple predictability of the Masculine way. Of following a uniform code without too much thought. Even if that code is made by others. Yes, Ram’s obsession with the law is simplistic. Some may even call it authoritarian. But there is merit in it. He will give direction to those youth who need the certainties of the Masculine way of life. Radicalised young people can be misused by a demonic force in pursuit of endless violence and hatred. On the other hand, Ram’s teachings can guide such people to a life of order, justice, and fairness. He can harness them for a greater good. I am not suggesting that your elder brother’s path is for everyone. But he can provide leadership to those who seek order, certainty, compliance, and definite morals. To those who have a strong dislike of decadence and debauchery. He can save them from going down a path of hatred and violence and instead, build them into a force for the good of India.’
Bharat remained silent.
‘Ram’s true message can provide an answer, a solution, to the radicalisation that plagues so many young people today.’
Bharat leaned back. ‘Wow …’
‘What’s the matter?’