Who Were Kothari Brothers? The Kar Sevaks Shot Dead During Ram Mandir Movement In 1990

On January 22, 2024, the long-awaited inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya unfolded, sparking a profound sense of pride and joy. People from the world of cinema as well as politics were gathered for this big occassion.

Furthermore, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust extended an invitation to the sister of the Kothari Brothers for the temple’s consecration ceremony. However, seldom people know about the Kothari Brothers, Ram and Sharad.

Who are the Kothari Brothers?

Ram Kothari and Sharad Kothari were great pillars of the Karseva back in the 1990s. They had an immense roleplay that deserves much attention. Ram and Sharad, aged 22 and 20, were residents of Kolkata and active members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). In response to a call by the VHP for Karseva in Ayodhya to establish the temple at the disputed Babri Mosque, the brothers became part of the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement.

The Kothari Brothers earned recognition for leading approximately 60 Karsevaks to Ayodhya on October 22, 1990. They all adorned themselves in saffron-colored attire. It is interesting to note that “Kafan” (shroud) was a word that was inscribed at the back of their attires. With such attire the VHP group embarked on a march toward the disputed site.

Departing from Kolkata, the group faced a setback in Benaras as the railway was restricted. Undeterred, they continued their journey, taking a taxi to Kolhapur. From there, the Karsevaks covered the remaining 200-kilometer distance on foot to reach Ayodhya.

On October 30 at 4 am, the group, after encountering various challenges with the local police, including blockades, lathi charges, and tear gas, finally reached their destination. The Karsevaks, notably led by the Kothari Brothers, were the first to breach the premises of the Babri Mosque. In a historic moment, they raised the flag, leaving a great mark on history.

Here is how Kothari brothers met with tragedy

On November 2, tragedy befell the Kothari Brothers upon their return to Ayodhya from Faizabad. Accused of creating a disturbance and disrupting public order, Ram and Sharad Kothari were fatally shot by the administration.

The lifeless bodies of the Kothari Brothers, bearing the marks of fatal gunshots, were discovered in a lane near the Hanuman Garhi temple. This poignant site is situated in close proximity to the Ram Temple. The location of this unfortunate incident later became known as Shahid Marg. Naming that place as Shahid Marg was a somber reminder of the sacrifice made by the brothers.

Kothari brothers, sister received the invitation for Ram temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony

Upon receiving the invitation, Purnima Kothari, the sister of the Kothari brothers, expressed that her brothers, who played a pivotal role as among the first to hoist the saffron flag on Babri Masjid, must be witnessing the justice their sacrifice has garnered.

Purnima Kothari shared her sentiments, saying,

“This marks the first moment of joy in the past 33 years. We endured a three-decade wait after my brothers’ sacrifice, and today, we are filled with happiness. The memories of what happened to my brothers 33 years ago are still vivid. Witnessing the grand Ram Temple today was once beyond our hopes. There were times when I doubted I would ever see it. I am overwhelmed with happiness and pride. Finally, the sacrifice of my brothers is receiving the respect it deserves.”

She remarked that the enduring remembrance of her brothers’ names is a testament to their significant contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement. Their legacy, she believes, will forever be etched in the history of the movement.

‘Mujhe mere dono bhai kal vapas milenge 33 saal baad’. Sajne mein koi kami nahi rakhungi aur aise jaungi jaise unki shaadi mein jaati. ‘
Our small mehendi ceremony before the big day with my daughter.
Jai shree ram🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/xdjfK9160d

— Purnima Kothari (@PurnimaKothari2) January 21, 2024

What are your thoughts on the Kothari brothers? Do share via the comments below. 

Also read: Here’s Why A Five-Year-Old Statue Of Ram Lalla Has Been Chosen For The Ram Mandir In Ayodhya