BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
“The intersection of religion and politics involves the influence of religious beliefs and institutions on governance and political processes. It is important to ensure neutrality and protect individual freedoms while still advocating for policies reflecting their values,” Manmeet Saini, author of Ram – God or Good Governance, told NRI Pulse in an exclusive interview.
Soft-launched by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Ram – God or Good Governance meticulously examines the legacy of Lord Ram as a religious figure, his teachings, and the distinctions between God and Creator, along with the various philosophical perspectives associated with these concepts. The book delves into the intriguing question of whether Lord Ram’s reign in ancient India can be considered an exemplar of good governance. It is divided into several chapters that explore the various facets of Ram Rajya, including the role of the king, the administration, the justice system, and the social welfare programs. Saini draws from ancient texts and historical accounts to provide a comprehensive analysis of God, Creator, and Ram’s rule, and its relevance in the contemporary world. The book also examines the criticisms of Ram Rajya and the challenges faced by modern-day governments in implementing similar policies.
Saini was named one of the “Top 10 Influential Women of 2023” by Indian Alert, a renowned news platform. As the Founder & CEO of Phygiverse Solutions Pvt Ltd, Saini’s quest for knowledge took her to diverse programs, including Harvard’s Religion, Peace, and Conflict Management. As part of the “Transforming India, Transforming World” mission, she has been actively involved in social and political initiatives aimed at creating an equitable society.
In her conversation, she highlighted her inspiration for the book, her understanding of good governance, the intersection of religion and politics, and her foray into writing.
The following are excerpts from the interview with the author. The transcript of a verbal interview has been edited for reader consumption.
Tell us about the book.
I am pleased to share that I have authored a book titled Ram – God or Good Governance. This book explores the multifaceted persona of Lord Ram, considering both his role as a religious figure and a symbol of perfect governance.
The book meticulously examines the legacy of Lord Ram as a religious figure, his teachings, and the distinctions between God and Creator, along with the various philosophical perspectives associated with these concepts.
It aims to highlight the qualities of governance that make Lord Ram a symbol of perfection, emphasizing that governance should be rooted in justice, compassion, and accountability. I argue that these principles of good governance are universal and applicable to all societies, advocating for the promotion of a sustainable and inclusive world through the ideals of Ram Rajya.
What inspired you to write this book?
A simple desire to make a meaningful impact in the universe is my biggest motivation. I have been working in Delhi for over a decade, and now being back in Vadodara, a tier-3 city, I find it challenging to connect on the professional front. So, I started working on a concept revolving around the strength of the mind (part of which will probably be expressed in my second book). Through my first book, I wanted to understand how an author connects with their audience and vice versa.
What, according to you, is good governance?
Good governance is transparency and accountability. The book provides examples of how these principles can be put into practice in various contexts. Transparency refers to the openness and accessibility of information, while accountability means taking responsibility for actions and decisions. It emphasizes the need for the rule of law as a cornerstone and explores different dimensions of this concept, such as legal certainty, access to justice, and the role of courts and other legal institutions.
In your book, you talk about the challenges faced by modern-day governments in implementing good governance. What are some of the challenges?
Modern-day governments face numerous challenges in implementing good governance. Corruption remains a significant issue, undermining trust, reducing efficiency, and diverting resources from public services. Bureaucratic inefficiencies can impede effective decision-making and service delivery, while political instability disrupts governance processes and creates uncertainty. A lack of accountability and transparency further erodes public trust and hinders fair administration.
Talk to us about your idea of the intersection of religion and politics.
The intersection of religion and politics involves the influence of religious beliefs and institutions on governance and political processes. It is important to ensure neutrality and protect individual freedoms while still advocating for policies reflecting their values. Globally, this intersection can promote peace and social justice but also fuel conflict and discrimination. Navigating this intersection requires balancing religious expression with inclusive, just, and respectful political decisions.
Do you think good governance is enough? What about the responsibility of the citizens?
Good governance is essential, but not enough on its own. Citizens also have a crucial role in ensuring a thriving society. Active civic engagement, such as voting and participating in public debates, helps shape responsive policies. Respecting laws and promoting social responsibility, like supporting social justice and environmental sustainability, are key. Additionally, an educated populace can make informed decisions and contribute to societal progress. Together, good governance and responsible citizenship create a vibrant, fair, and prosperous community.
You have donned various hats professionally. How hard or easy was it to turn author?
The mind is everything; what you think, you become. This has been my belief for as long as I can remember, and indeed, my approach to life. My quest to decipher philosophies and religion has led me to various courses, from Dalai Lama’s Tushita to Art of Living, Sadhguru’s Inner Engineering, and Religion, Conflict & Peace Management from Harvard. With this background and a simple desire to make a meaningful impact, transitioning to writing felt natural.
If there is one thing you would like the reader to take away from your book, what would it be?
The principles of good governance—justice, compassion, and accountability—are universal and timeless. They are embodied in the multifaceted persona of Lord Ram, making his example relevant and applicable to all societies for creating a sustainable and inclusive world.
Are there more books on the horizon?
One anticipated release in 2025 is tentatively titled Happy Prisoner. This book is expected to delve into the power of the mind and how our thoughts shape reality, highlighting the transformative potential of positive thinking and mental discipline in achieving personal and professional success.
