There are hundreds of different versions of the Ramayana in various geographical locations. Even though the main characters remain consistent most of the time, their themes, actions, and motives often vary, giving different groups of people multiple interpretations on how to use these stories. This is especially true for Rama because many people consider him to be the supreme God, especially Ghandi and the RSS, although they have differing opinions on the image of Rama. Mahatma Ghandi was arguably one of the most influential figures of the 20th century due to his views on the assimilation of religions in India, rebellion through non-violence, and the elimination of British rule in India. Some Hindus, notably the RSS, wanted to get rid of the Muslim population in India, but Ghandi believed that the introduction of foreigners did not necessarily destroy the nation: they blended into the nation (Gandhi in Mukherjee 1993: 26). Ghandi believed that everyone, including Muslims, were his brothers and that everyone should even love their enemy. He wanted everyone in India to unite against the British to gain independence. However, the only way to achieve this was to protest non-violently, as Ghandi strongly believed that in order to achieve independence, they had to achieve it non-aggressively. Many were afraid to fight the British because they had better weapons and were a bigger country. However, Gandhi didn't even want India to have its own army, or even to fight. A country governed, even by its national army, can never be morally free (Gandhi in Mukherjee 1993: 82). Ghandi strongly believed in ahmisa, which is not killing, and that is why he did not want India to have a national army. Ghandi was a... middle of paper...... who caused so many riots. Hindus believe that it is their dharma to follow Rama, to follow his story, to overcome all evil and to protect oneself from others. In 300 Ramayanas, AK Ramanujan explains that there are hundreds of different versions of the Ramayana everywhere. Therefore, there are hundreds of ways to interpret the motives, themes, and actions of not only Rama but also the other main characters. There is a common core to Rama's stories, except for the more skeletal relationships like that of Rama, his brother, his wife and the anatagonist Ravana who kidnaps him. (Ramanujan 1999: 156). This is why the Hindu nationalist and Ghandi have a very different vision of Rama and how to mobilize people. They receive very different morals from them, they use the Ramayana stories in very different ways, and they help mobilize many people using very different ideas...