This week, Newslaundry’s Manisha Pande, Raman Kirpal, Shardool Katyayan and Anand Vardhan are joined by senior journalist Saeed Naqvi.

On the consecration of the Ram Mandir, Saeed lays out the many ways in which Ram has been invoked as a deity by poets of all religions over the centuries. He explains why the messaging surrounding the temple has been a betrayal of the Indian society’s syncretic nature throughout history. 

The panel then discusses the political dividends and the media circus surrounding the consecration, and people’s connection with lord Ram.

The discussion then moves on to the Bharat Ratna awarded to late former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Anand says, “He (Thakur) was perhaps one of  the first political leaders to give 3 percent reservation to women and economically weaker sections.”

This and a lot more. Tune in!

Hafta letters: Ram Mandir, unemployment, opposition leaders