A controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over comments by Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu Ramasamy at an event. The noted poet received the ‘Kambar Award’ from an organization named Kamban Kazhagam. The organization and the award are named after the famous poet Kambar (1180-1250) who composed the legendary Tamil version of the Ramayana, known as Kambaramayanam.
In his acceptance speech, Vairamuthu said that after the abduction of Seeta by Ravan, Ram “lost his mind.” This comment sparked outrage and led to condemnation from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The BJP’s state unit president Nainar Nagendran made scathing comments against the poet. “Vairamuthu Ramasamy is a disgusting repeat offender when it comes to insulting sacred Hindu deities and grossly insulting Hindu dharma. Now, Vairamuthu, who ironically has the name ‘Rama’ in his own name, has perversely misinterpreted the Kamba Ramayana and called Bhagwan Ram mentally unstable,” he said.
Did Vairamuthu Ramasamy actually insult Bhagwan Ram?
If one looks at the actual words spoken by Vairamuthu, it becomes clear that he didn’t mean any insult to Bhagwan Shri Ram. He was speaking about the state of mind that Ram displayed in the aftermath of his separation from his wife.
“After being separated from Seeta, Ram lost his mind, not knowing what he is doing. Crimes committed in such a state are not considered crimes under the IPC Section 84. Kamban may not have known the law, but he knew the society and the human mind,” Vairamuthu said. “Ram is fully acquitted, forgiven, making Ram a human being, and Kamban, God,” he added.
Vairamuthu’s comments are accurate as per Ramayana. Even the Valmiki Ramayan depicts Bhagwan Ram as acting in an unusual manner, asking trees and stones for the whereabouts of his wife, getting enraged to the point of threatening to destroy the world. It was Lakshmana who tried to calm his brother down and remind him of his duty.
Also, when the entire comment of Vairamuthu Ramasamy is taken into consideration, it becomes clear that the poet was referring to this particular episode of Ramayana and describing it accurately. There wasn’t any insult meant or given to the character of Shri Rama.
The BJP state president’s comments may be inspired by some past indiscretions of the person in question. However, in this case, his comments aren’t objectionable.