Most Respected Swamiji,

May I seek your kind permission to apply for the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra? Having gone through the eligibility conditions, I have reached the conclusion that I may be an eligible candidate, notwithstanding a few apparent shortcomings.

I begin with a full disclosure. I have crossed the age of 70. I hope this will not become an obstacle. I am still younger than Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, National Security Advisor Ajit Dovalji, and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patelji.

I also understand that the applicant should be a practising Hindu, preferably a Vaishnavite. I heard a prominent Hindu leader remark that Jesus Christ could also be regarded as one of the 33 million manifestations acknowledged by Hindu tradition. It illustrates Hinduism’s inclusiveness.

My association with Hindu traditions began in childhood. I remember clutching my father’s hand as he led me into the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Some may ask how I qualify as a Vaishnavite. I have an answer.

The first avatar of Lord Vishnu was Matsya, the fish. The earliest symbol of Christianity was not the Cross but the fish. The coincidence has fascinated me. I do not think Lord Ram Himself would object to my appointment.

The Ramayana presents him not as a victorious king but as the ideal ruler. That is the true meaning of Ram Rajya: a State where justice is impartial, administration is compassionate and rulers remain accountable to every citizen. It resembles the biblical idea of the Kingdom of God, where righteousness rather than power becomes the guiding principle.

My father inspired my visits to many of India’s great temples. I have had the privilege of visiting Rameswaram, Mathura, Kashi, Somnath, Tirupati, Tanjore, Madurai, Chamundy, Chidambaram, Kalady and many others.

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I make no claim to being an........

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