Arun Govil Advocates Inclusion of Ramayana in Curriculum

Arun Govil Advocates Inclusion of Ramayana in Curriculum : Beyond Religion to Life Philosophy

Arun Govil Advocates Inclusion of Ramayana in Curriculum : In the realms of Indian television history, few figures are as revered and cherished as Arun Govil, the actor who portrayed Lord Ram in the legendary TV series “Ramayan.” Decades after the show’s initial broadcast, Arun Govil remains an integral part of India’s cultural identity. Recently, he has been making headlines for his compelling suggestion that Ramayana should find a place in the academic curriculum, transcending religious boundaries to offer timeless life lessons.

Ramayana: More Than a Religious Epic

Arun Govil is not just advocating for the inclusion of Ramayana in the curriculum; he is emphasizing that Ramayana is not merely a religious text but a profound philosophy of life. In his words, “Ramayana tells us how everyone should live, how relationships should be, how much patience one should have, and how a person can attain peace. This is for everyone, it is not just for Sanatani people; Ramayana is for everyone.”

A Cultural Icon’s Perspective

At the recent ‘Pran Prtistha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Arun Govil reiterated his belief that Lord Ram is an integral part of India’s culture and identity. The ceremony, a monumental event, seems to have reignited Govil’s advocacy for the inclusion of Ramayana in the educational curriculum.

The Man Behind the Iconic Role

Arun Govil’s journey to becoming the revered Lord Ram was not a straightforward one. Despite becoming a household name after essaying the role in Ramanand Sagar’s “Ramayan,” Govil was not the first choice for the iconic character. He had expressed his desire to play Lord Ram to Sagar, but initially faced rejection. The role was briefly offered to someone else before Govil was brought back to immortalize the character on screen.

Challenges Faced Post-“Ramayan”

While “Ramayan” brought Arun Govil immense love and adulation, it also brought challenges. The unparalleled success of the show made it difficult for filmmakers to envision Govil in roles different from Lord Ram. Despite potential limitations in securing diverse roles, Govil emphasizes that the respect and love he receives today for his portrayal of Lord Ram are unparalleled.

“Even if I had done 500 films, the love and respect, which I get today, would be missing. People still say ‘Humare Ram toh aap hee hain’ (You are our Lord Ram),” Govil remarked.

A Life Beyond the Epic

In reflecting on his career, Govil acknowledges that no other character would have earned him the level of respect he enjoys today. His latest film, “695,” based on the Ram temple movement, is a testament to his continued engagement with themes related to Lord Ram and the cultural ethos.

Ramanand Sagar’s Legacy

It’s important to note that “Ramayan” was directed by Ramanand Sagar, a prominent film director known for his contributions to the Indian film industry with movies such as “Ankhen,” “Baghavat,” and “Prem Bandhan.”

In conclusion, Arun Govil’s advocacy for including Ramayana in the curriculum is not just a plea for a religious text but a call for embracing a philosophy of life that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. His journey from being the iconic Lord Ram to a cultural ambassador showcases the enduring impact of storytelling in shaping our understanding of life and morality.

Arun Govil: FAQs on Ramayana Advocacy, Iconic Roles, and Cultural Impact

1. Who is Arun Govil, and why is he in the news?

Arun Govil is an Indian actor known for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the iconic TV series “Ramayan.” He is in the news for suggesting the inclusion of Ramayana in the academic curriculum, emphasizing its value as a philosophy of life.

2. Why does Arun Govil believe Ramayana should be included in the curriculum?

According to Arun Govil, Ramayana goes beyond being a religious text and serves as a profound philosophy of life. He believes it teaches valuable lessons about relationships, patience, and peace that are relevant to everyone, not just those following a specific faith.

3. What is the significance of the ‘Pran Prtistha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya?

The ‘Pran Prtistha’ ceremony is a monumental event held at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, marking the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla. This ceremony seems to have rekindled Arun Govil’s advocacy for the inclusion of Ramayana in the curriculum.

4. How did Arun Govil become the actor for the role of Lord Ram in “Ramayan”?

Arun Govil expressed his desire to play the character of Lord Ram to Ramanand Sagar, the director of “Ramayan.” Although initially rejected, Govil was eventually brought back for the role after it was briefly offered to someone else.

5. What challenges did Arun Govil face after playing the role of Lord Ram in “Ramayan”?

Despite the immense success of “Ramayan,” Govil faced challenges in securing diverse roles as filmmakers found it difficult to see him in any different avatar. He reflects on how the iconic role impacted his career and limited his opportunities.

6. Why does Arun Govil believe that no other character would have earned him the same level of respect?

Arun Govil believes that the love and respect he receives today for portraying Lord Ram are unparalleled. Regardless of potential limitations in securing diverse roles, the impact of his portrayal of Lord Ram has earned him a unique place in the hearts of people.

7. Can you provide more information about Arun Govil’s latest film, “695”?

“695” is Arun Govil’s latest film, released in theaters last month. The film is based on the Ram temple movement, showcasing his continued engagement with themes related to Lord Ram and the cultural ethos.

8. Who is Ramanand Sagar, and what is his legacy in the Indian film industry?

Ramanand Sagar was a film director known for his contributions to the Indian film industry. He directed “Ramayan” and was associated with movies such as “Ankhen,” “Baghavat,” and “Prem Bandhan.”