Advertisment

When Ayodhya verdict went online...

author-image
CIOL Bureau
New Update

BANGALORE, INDIA: The waiting is over. No more speculations or anticipations about the disputed land in Ayodhya. The diplomatic verdict by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has said that a partition is the way out to enable myth and history to co-exist.

Advertisment

You can agree or disagree with the verdict but the common people, and even celebrities, are happy that the episode ended peacefully; a typical climax like that of an 'and-they-lived-happily-ever-after' story.

And it is the same sentiments that is reflected in the reactions of netizens too. While the verdict went online at two websites - NIC as well as Allahabad High Court site - , immediately after it was declared, it was the blogosphere only that spread the breezy news like wildfire, of course without spreading hatred.

And soon followed the gush of reactions too — from the ordinary web users to the high and the mighty like Bollywood actors, socialites and activists.

Advertisment

“No report of any trouble anywhere across India. Proud to be an Indian in moments like this,” read the tweet of noted journalist and filmmaker Pritish Nandy. Celebrities like Diya Mirza, Priyanka Chopra and Arshad Warsi also joined the bandwagon. The overall feeling of the cyberspace was that it was a "diplomatic" judgment where no one has won and no one has lost.

Interestingly, what aroused the curiosity of the users was Nirmohi Akhara (Akhada). What is Nirmohi Akhara? And what does it have to do with Sita's kitchen?, they asked.

The Happy Verdict

Advertisment

Netizens were also happy that the media did not create any tension by misinterpreting the verdict. “Verdict is out. Views (are) being expressed. No harm with that as long as the media does not meander and people remain peaceful,” stated Diya Mirza.

Whatever be the restriction imposed by the authorities, the virtual world literally experienced the meaning of “freedom of expression”. They had no reservation in mocking and making fun of politicians, media and even the judiciary. Interestingly, most of the blogs were spreading peace and harmony rather than hatred.

“Responsible tweets on Ayodhya outnumber those advocating hatred. Is that a sign of things to come?” asked @iShahnaz in a tweet.

Advertisment

“We have built enough mosques and temples. Let’s build the nation now.” tweeted @Debabrata.

"Every one should maintain peace since humanity is the only religion," tweeted another.

Another blogger said the judgment is a test for religious tolerance of Indian ethos and that people should live up to this tradition.

Advertisment

Of course, there were some 'spirited' comments too. “Ayodhya - the best one was - In Ayodhya nor a mandir or masjid will be made... what will be made is a BEER BAR,” said a funny tweet.

The way media covered Ayodhya verdict, it seems they were unhappy that they were not getting any radical statements from major politicians” observed @harishagrawal. “You just have to read the tweets on #Ayodhya to know that the fractured verdict is in sync with the fractured opinions of our country,” added @sahilkarkhanis.

End of the day it was peace that prevailed over cyber space. Even the young generation, who are accused of wasting time on Internet proved that they can use the platform for a cause. And that gives hope that the next time, maybe after many years, when the Supreme Court gives the final verdict following the appeal of the aggrieved parties in this Ayodhya fight, no one will press the panic button. It would be business as usual.

tech-news