An ASI archaeologist, Dr. Aryan Kulshreshtra is a strong believer in scientific facts. He does not believe in God. He has already discovered, with an international team from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Japan, the treasure of Raja Dahir and a large reclining Buddha statue – both near the Buddhas of Bamyan in Afghanistan after their destruction by the Taliban (with Dahir’s treasure later being divided between India and Pakistan in Islamabad).[a]
In 2007, in an effort by the government to demolish the Rama Setu for building a canal, Aryan is asked to draft a report for the Supreme Court of India showing that the bridge is a natural formation. He initially rejects the offer, not having studied the bridge himself, but after being promised a promotion, he submits a report stating that “Ramayana is an epic fiction, not history” and questions the existence of Rama. His wife Professor Gayatri insists he shouldn’t take up the offer. Thus, he is met with complete hostility. In court, the government is humiliated by the report, submitted as an affidavit, as it questions the existence of Rama, and the public is furious.[b] The consequences lead to Aryan getting suspended temporarily. And the hostility later led to Aryan’s son’s bullying in school and Aryan first hand witnesses the hostility shown by the bully’s parents.
