A senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1992 batch has recently revealed that she and her colleagues celebrated the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. In a social media post, Manisha Patankar Mhaiskar, currently serving as the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Public Works Department), shared her memories of that day. This article delves into her recollections and sheds light on the aftermath of the celebration.
The Celebratory Meeting in Mussoorie:
On December 6, 1992, a group of IAS officers undergoing training gathered discreetly in Mussoorie to celebrate the Babri Masjid’s demolition. The meeting was by invitation only, and the participants chanted “Jai Shri Ram” during the occasion. Manisha Patankar Mhaiskar, hailing from Nagpur, was among the invitees and fondly recalled eating a kesar pedha, a traditional Indian sweet symbolizing auspiciousness.
A Positive and Auspicious Beginning:
Mhaiskar expressed in her social media post that she believed the events unfolding in Ayodhya on that cold December night marked the beginning of something powerful and positive. The demolition of the Babri Masjid was seen by the participants as a significant step towards the construction of the Ram Temple, which was inaugurated recently in Ayodhya.
The Perception of the 1992 Batch:
The 1992 batch of IAS officers was regarded as disappointing by some, as they were considered easily excitable small-towners. There was a contrast drawn between this batch and the perceived sophistication of privileged individuals from urban areas. The celebration of the Babri demolition sparked debates about the future of secularism in India.
Life’s Continuation amidst Vicissitudes:
Despite the ups and downs of life, Mhaiskar stated that her belief in the positive and auspicious nature of the events of December 6, 1992, remained strong. She emphasized that those events marked a significant turning point and were the catalyst for something powerful in the country’s history.
Reliving the Seminal Moment:
On the eve of the idol consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Mhaiskar shared that she had eaten a kesari pedha and fondly remembered the moment from December 6, 1992. She posted a photograph of herself feeding sweets to her husband, Milind Mhaiskar, a fellow IAS officer, to commemorate the occasion.
FAQs:
What is the significance of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya?
The Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, marked a pivotal moment in India’s history and led to intense communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims. It ultimately paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple on the site.
Why did the IAS officer recall celebrating the demolition?
The IAS officer, Manisha Patankar Mhaiskar, was part of a group of officers undergoing training at the time. They celebrated the demolition because they believed it signified the beginning of a positive and auspicious chapter in the country’s history.
What were the consequences of the leaked celebration?
Once news of the celebration reached the authorities, participants, including Mhaiskar and her colleagues, were issued notices. This incident raised questions about the perception of the 1992 batch of IAS officers and the future of secularism in India.
What is the significance of Nagpur in this context?
Nagpur, the city where Mhaiskar hails from, is home to the headquarters of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organization closely associated with Hindutva. Its influence in Vidarbha makes Nagpur an important location for matters related to Hindu nationalism.
How does Mhaiskar commemorate the Babri demolition anniversary now?
Mhaiskar shared in her social media post that she relives the seminal moment by consuming a kesari pedha, a sweet traditionally associated with auspicious occasions. She also remembers the positive and powerful feelings associated with that day.