Interview/ Vinay Katiyar, founder, Bajrang Dal
Vinay Katiyar, a former Rajya Sabha member, founded the Bajrang Dal in 1984, after the government banned the Shri Ram Janki Rath Yatra. The young were called upon to make the yatra possible and Katiyar acted as the lightning rod that got them together. Even when the BJP was quiet on the issue of the temple, the Bajrang Dal continued its programmes to keep the demand alive. Excerpts from an interview:
You played a prominent role in the Ram Mandir movement, but you and many like you have not found space in the mandir trust. Are you disappointed?
The language of the mandir movement and that of the construction are different. Just like those who fought for the country’s freedom had a different role than that of those who wrote the Constitution, who were different from those who were tasked with running the country. There is a difference in those who brought down the structure, and those who are building the temple. I am happy and proud that the structure was brought down by our kar seva, and now I am seeing the mandir take shape before my eyes.
How do you evaluate your role in the movement?
In this great movement, I only did the part that was asked of me. I am just a soldier of Lord Ram, just like Hanuman was.
What was the difference between the kar seva of 1990 and that of 1992?
The first was held after a haughty declaration had been made that even a bird would not be able to fly into Ayodhya (by then chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav). It was a direct response to that. In 1992, there was remembrance of years of struggles and sacrifices made by Ram bhakts. That blot of servitude was removed and the pledge to build a temple taken.
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Has this movement panned out the way you had imagined?
The results have been much more than what I could ever have imagined. The mandir movement was the most glorious task I undertook. It brought society together and established amity like nothing else could. This is a movement where the truth won over lies. It came with the pain of those who were beaten, shot or jailed. The glory of the temple today is possible because of them.
How do you look upon the role of the Bajrang Dal today as it has increasingly come to be identified with hooliganism?
Bajrang Dal was set up to serve and protect society. Members should bear this in mind. The Dal is today faced with even greater challenges. The young were attracted to it because of the Ram Mandir initially and then hindutva. They should study today’s situation and decide what their duty to the nation should be. Only efforts can lead to success. Bajrang Dal members should always remember that.