There is a lot of commotion and unrest in Indian political circles today that threatens the very existence of the UPA government at the centre. One of the two issues that has contributed enormously to the current volatile situation is the “Sethu Samudram project” in Tamil Nadu. This project involves the deepening of shallow waters in Palk straight that would facilitate a better maritime use and would cut costs dramatically as opposed to a route circumventing the entire length of the Sri Lankan coast. Indeed, this is an extremely useful project to improve the economics and trade in the region. Despite its significance, this project has been able to make no headway over the years, the reason for which is tightly embedded in faith of 800 million Hindus in the country. Yes, between the Indian eastern coastline at Dhanuskodi near Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu and western coast of Sri Lanka in Talaimannar, lies submerged a bridge-like structure (Adam’s bridge) that is believed, by Hindu theologists, to be built by Lord Rama’s invading army into Sri Lanka. Therefore, considering the role of Lord Rama in every Hindu’s life, any proposal to dismantle such a structure would involve huge political turbulences and that is precisely what we are experiencing today. It is very unfortunate to see the recurring and monotonous election-based rhetoric among the policy makers when there can be a pragmatic approach in resolving the issue. I believe, despite its sensitivity, a clear compromise can be worked out. This article analyzes how.
To begin with, regarding the debate whether this structure needs to by protected or not, can be better looked at as a neutral person than as a radical and nor as a fundamentalist Hindu. Regarding the formation of the structure there are conflicting reports. Some reports suggest they could have been formed by natural water / air erosions during ice age (Wisconsin glaciations) while some reports suggest a certain degree of human involvement in its creation. Thus, it is highly crucial for geologists to be able to come to a conclusion in fairly reasonable time. One thing that seems to be in agreement so far is the time in which it was formed/created, which is ~ 1.5-1.8 million years ago. Coincidentally or realistically, this time fits well into the ‘Thretha Yuga’ (time period of Ramayana), which is ~ 1.7 million years ago. In case the origin of the structure remains unresolved, it is important to assume the structure to be a man-made one just by sheer benefit of doubt. This is important to do so because irrespective of whether Lord Rama created it or not, the fact that such an engineering could be executed at ~ 1.7 million years ago, warrants its preservation without reservations and prejudices whatsoever!. After all, this would be a display of brilliance by ice-age men.
In order to protect the structure as well as to enable maritime use, the simplest and a straight-forward strategy would be to build a Suez- or Panama-type canal on the Indian side of Adams Bridge between Rameshwaram and Dhanuskodi. The advantage of such a canal, in addition to protecting the mythical bridge, could be that it might turn out to be more economically viable option. Even if it is a bit expensive project, it will be worth pursuing as it will be a first for our nation to resolve communally explosive issue in a real ‘secular’ manner. Furthermore, it will also be a fantastic display to the world that how much India cares about geographies of archeological importance. Nonetheless, one thing is certain; be it Congress’s unprofessional approach or BJP’s effort for electoral gains or Karunanidhi’s irresponsible and atrocious comments about Rama; they will only take us all in a direction we precisely don’t want to be led into. So let us, as electorates, start driving the country where it needs to go. Think and prosper!
