Dicovering Ram once again

Ram - The one word that gives peace and hope to millions in our country and maybe around the world.
I remember being hooked to Ramayan as a kid, despite the really touch Hindi dialogues. Like all kids, I was enamoured by Hanuman more than Ram himself as Hanuman could fly and was overall a very fun presence on screen.

With time, I got disenchanted with Ram, mainly because of his treatment of his wife. Fine, he had a duty towards his citizens, but that did not mean addressing their cheap ideas. Also, his duty to his wife was higher than anything else in the world, especially because she had readily suffered every situation in her love for him.

 I started questioning whether Indian men and their commitment to their parents and siblings over their wives has been a result of Ram's story? I wanted to know why he is called the epitome of dharma and maryadapurshottam. 

While watching the reruns of Ramayan now, I believe that he had a quiet strength within himself, that allowed people around him to feel secure, cared for and comforted. That he was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself, he exuded charm and grace that few could have matched. He never held a grudge or felt anger towards Kaikeyi who wronged him, choosing to see it as a result of kaal instead. In that moment of villainy on her part, he chose to focus on those countless instances of love that she had showered him with. These are indeed very remarkable qualities. 

To add to it, his skills as a warrior and his acute understanding of dharma were qualities that were really important in those times.

But in a certain way, I feel that Ram followed the path that led to his destiny and all his arguments and decisions, his reasons were tailored to make sure his life's purpose was met. 

All in all, I feel that if one overlooks the ultimate betrayal of Sita & his children, he was indeed a remarkable man who has a lot to teach everyone. Respect for parents, teachers, love for siblings and loyalty to one's wife are things that we can learn from him and try to incorporate in our lives.