Kolkata: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday sparked a controversy by saying that the construction of Ram temple might be completed in his lifetime.
"The grand goal may be realised in our own time. May be we can see it with our own eyes," Bhagwat said at a programme here.
While paying tributes to brothers Ram Kothari and Sharad Kothari who were killed in police firing while performing “symbolic” kar seva at Ayodhya in 1990, Bhagwat said, “We need to plan it carefully. A good mix of ‘josh' (passion) and ‘hosh' (sanity) is needed to complete the work which Ram and Sharad had initiated.”
"None can say when and how the temple will be constructed, but we need to be prepared and ready," Bhagwat said.
Describing Indian culture as the one "which accepts all and believes in taking everyone together," Bhagwat said, "We talk about unity in diversity."
"That is Indian culture," he added.
Adding that Ram temple signifies Indian culture, Bhagwat said, “Terrorists had attacked the World Trade Centre in the USA as it was a symbol of that country's economic strength. Similarly, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was attacked several times earlier as it symbolised our culture. We couldn't do anything then because we were weak. But now, work needs to be done.”
Asserting there is no place for extremism in religion he said, "religion doesnot teach us extremism. It shows us the middle path to accept and move together with everyone.
