Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday claimed that attempts were being made to create situations in India similar to those witnessed in Bangladesh and France. He said certain forces around the world wanted to weaken India and were not interested in improving the country’s circumstances through a change of power, but rather in installing their own loyalists.
Bhagwat was addressing the RSS’s annual Vijayadashami celebration at the Sangh headquarters in Nagpur. During the event, he performed the traditional Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) and said that some people wanted to divide India and Hindu society, with support from certain political leaders.
The RSS celebrates its foundation day every year on Vijayadashami. The organisation was established in 1925 on the occasion of the festival.
Protests Should Focus on Solutions, Not Division
Bhagwat said protests often emerge in response to various problems, but their objective should be to find solutions rather than create hatred and divisions within society. He added that movements are sometimes used for other purposes and turned into tools of political manoeuvring.
He stressed that the country and society are not governed by political leaders alone, and that active public participation also plays a crucial role in resolving problems.
According to Bhagwat, India must remain cautious of external forces seeking to exert pressure on the country. He urged people not to become provoked or emotionally influenced by such forces.
Cites Bengal Partition and the Events of 1947
Referring to historical events, Bhagwat recalled that Lord Curzon had partitioned Bengal along Hindu-Muslim lines, a decision that was reversed four years later.
However, he said the partition of India in 1947 could not be prevented because a mindset had developed among people that those who appeared different should remain separate.
Bhagwat emphasised that people across communities shared common ancestors and cultural roots. He said the country should move forward by bringing everyone together without attempting to erase anyone’s distinct identity.
He also asserted that India’s traditions and philosophical outlook had the potential to offer solutions to problems faced by the world.
Development Must Balance Economy, Ecology and Ethics
Speaking about development and environmental protection, Bhagwat cited flooding in Nepal as an example of the challenges associated with development.
He said technological advancement was essential for progress, but it should not come at the cost of environmental damage. Development, he argued, must take into account not only the economy but also ecology and ethics.
Calls for Responsible Use of Information and AI
Bhagwat also expressed concern over the widespread availability of information and the potential consequences of using it without distinguishing between right and wrong.
He said OTT platforms should operate under appropriate regulations and called on the government and administration to pay attention to the issue. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Dignitaries Attend Vijayadashami Celebration
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among the dignitaries present at the event.
