Battle for a mythological bridge

What you see is a 30-mile chain of limestone shoals connecting India with Sri Lanka.

Hindu devouts and religious fundamentalists believe it is a bridge built - and named Ram Sethu -by Lord Hanuman to enable Lord Rama to cross over to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita, who had been kidnapped by Ravana.

Scientists, on the other hand believe, this shoals, called Adam’s Bridge, is a natural structure that joined Sri Lanka to the Asian continent during the last Ice Age.

The outcome on this debate - mythological bridge or not - would determine the future of the US$560 million Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, which aims to create a navigable sea route around the Indian peninsula so ships can avoid going around Sri Lanka, thus saving time and money.

As I see it, this high political-cum-religious drama in India on this matter looks set to overrule present commercial needs in favour of preserving the golden period of the mythological period of Lord Rama's rule.

Sadly, the one to lose out looks set to be the Tamil Nadu state government, ruled by the atheist DMK party, who is against “paying heed to religious fundamentalist forces”.

And in a strange twist, the support of the Tamil Nadu government has been essential for any party wanting to form the central government in India. (Read more here and here)