As shocking as the post-conviction revelations of happenings in Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s Dera Sucha Sauda in Sirsa is the disclosure that shortly before the law “caught up” with the charlatan no fewer than 4,208 people had formally recommended that he be conferred a prestigious Padma Award (2017) ~ among the highest civilian honours. Opinion must remain divided over whether that number is confirmatory of the mass popularity of the “Baba of bling” (as suggested by the hordes mustered at Panchkula to protest his conviction), or just a bid to “rig the polls” ~ which points to the pitfalls of inviting recommendations from the public for national awards. Or even worse: a sinister bid to pressure the Special Court trying him for the rapes for which he was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Whichever way this is perceived, it points to a capacity to manipulate “the system”.

The vast majority of the recommendations came from Sirsa, and the way the letters were worded he was identified as “Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan” ~ and only incomplete names were given suggests a major public relations exercise: one that he might have pulled off but for two heroic women, a professional investigating officer, and an upright judge. It would be silly to ask for all 4208 names to be published (Ram Rahim reportedly nominated himself five times), yet since the Punjab and High Court has taken upon itself the role of unmasking fraudulent practices, it might consider vetting that list and exposing so-called prominent entities.

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Social scientists and criminologists might find it fascinating to try and examine how so many “Godmen” have captured the public imagination, assumed the capacity to control both “big money” and political leaders, as well as have such powerful influence over otherwise rational women. For these “Babas” are present all across the country, though the extent of their clout may vary. Clearly they do fill a social and spiritual vacuum, but it is difficult to explain why other more reputed organisations do not have their brand of appeal. Similarly, only partially valid is the suggestion that they put down their roots among the under-privileged, and then flourish.

In the process acquiring such tremendous sway over large numbers that political parties opt to pamper them in the hope of reaping electoral harvests. From Nehru to Modi (and all in between) the Prime Ministerial exhortation has been for a modern, scientific temper to dominate the nation. Yet all parties, indeed the political leadership across the board, opt for their own version of “scientific temper”. When a chief minister contends that the rockets and missile of ISRO and DRDO have their origins in Scripture, should we wonder why Babas still reign supreme?