New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on 27 August, said that balance in society and individual life is Dharma, which avoids all forms of extremisms. Bharatiya tradition calls it the middle path and this is the biggest need of the world right now. Sarsanghchalak Bhagwat said that to be an emulative model for the world, the social change must begin at home. For this, Sangh has taken the initative of Panch Parivartan (five-fold transformations), which are social harmony, family awakening, environmental awareness, selfhood – self-reliance with cultural pride, and civic duties.
For a self-reliant Bharat, priority should be given to Swadeshi and Bharat’s international trade should happen only as per our will and not under any pressure, commented Sarsanghchalak, while addressing the second day of the centenary year three days lecture series organised at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. During this event, the RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, Uttar Kshetra Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, Sanghchalak of Delhi Prant Dr Anil Agarwal, were also present on the dais.
Sarsanghchalak said that pure love with honest intention and devotion to society are the basis of the Sangh’s functioning. Swayamsevaks of the Sangh does not expect any selfish gain. There are no incentives here; in fact, there are more disincentives. Sangh’s Swayamsevaks work while experiencing joy in social work. He clarified that the purpose of life and Mukti (salvation) is realised through this service. The life values of the Sangh are – making friends with good people, neglecting the wicked, expressing joy when someone does something good, and showing compassion even to the wicked.
While addressing the gathering, he also emphasised the core essence of Hindutva and said that Hindutva is truth, love, and sense of belongingness. Quoting the respected Seers and Sages, he said, “Our Rishis and Munis taught us that life is not for oneself. This is why Bharat has a role to play in giving good direction to the world as an elder brother.” This leads to the thought process of universal welfare.
He expressed concern that the world is heading towards religious extremism, conflict, and unrest. Over the last three hundred and fifty years, due to consumerist and materialistic views, the values in human life are diminishing. Referring to the seven social sins mentioned by MK Gandhi: Work without effort, pleasure without wisdom, knowledge without character, trade without ethics, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice, and politics without principles and explained that these evils deepens the imbalance in society.
The current world lacks coordination and must change its current approach. The world must adopt the path of Dharma, which is beyond rituals and ceremonies. Religion at the top of all religions is Dharma. The meaning of Dharma is to live with discipline and balance. With this perspective, peace can be established in the world. While defining Dharma, he said that Dharma is that which leads us toward a balanced life, where diversity is accepted and the existence of all is respected. He insisted that this is Vishva Dharma and Hindu society must unite and present a model to the world.
In the global context, he said that while discussions on peace, the environment, and economic inequality are ongoing across the world, and solutions are being suggested, yet the tangible solutions are not visible. “For this, one must think honestly and bring sacrifice and renunciation into life. Balanced intellect and a vision rooted in Dharma must be inculcated,” he added.
Bharat had always exercised restraint, even ignoring own losses. We have even helped those in times of crisis who caused us harm. Hostility arises out of the arrogance of individuals and nations, but Bharat stands above arrogance. He added that Bharatiya society must set an example before the world through its conduct.
He said that the credibility of the Sangh has grown in society today. “When Sangh speaks of something, society listens.” He explained that this trust has been earned through selfless service and dedication to society. On the future direction, Sarsanghchalak ji said that the Sangh’s objective is to reach every place, caste, class, and section of society. Alongside this, noble forces engaged in good work within society must be connected. This will inspire society itself to take up character-building and patriotic work in the spirit of the Sangh. For this, outreach to every corner of society is necessary, both geographically and across all classes and levels and the instrument for this is Sangh Shakha. The Sangh will establish contact with noble forces and also connect them.
On the issue of social harmony, Sarsanghchalak said that the Sangh believes that we must cultivate goodwill in society and regularly engage with opinion-makers. Through them, a collective thinking process must be developed. They should work for their communities while fostering the sense that they are an integral part of Hindu society, and they must find solutions to challenges rooted in their geographical conditions. They should also work for the weaker sections. He further said that because of external aggressions, certain ideologies entered Bharat, and for various reasons, some people accepted them.
“They are people of this land, but because the ideology was foreign, distances were created. These must be removed. We must understand the pain of each other. As parts of one country, one society, and one nation, with shared ancestors and cultural heritage despite diversities, we must move forward together. This is essential for positivity and harmony. And in this too, we are talking about moving ahead thoughtfully, step by step,” he stated.
On the economic front, he stated that while smaller experiments have been conducted, an economic paradigm must now be established at the national level. We must now present a development model that balances self-reliance, Swadeshi, and environmental sustainability so that it becomes an example for the world. Speaking on relations with neighbouring nations, he said, “Rivers, mountains, and people are the same; only lines have been drawn on maps. On the basis of the values that we have inherited, progress should come for all, and for that we must connect with one another. Religions and sects may differ, but there are no disagreements on values.”
He emphasised that before we bring about change in the world, we must first implement those societal changes at our home. For this, the Sangh has proposed five-fold transformations. He gave examples such as wearing traditional attire on festivals, signing in one’s own language, and buying local products with respect. “In all circumstances, the Constitution and laws must be followed. Even if provoked, do not burn tires or throw stones. Anti-social elements exploit such situations to divide us. We must never resort to unlawful conduct under provocation. Even in small matters, we must act keeping the nation and society in mind,” he said.
He said that Bharat must take concrete steps toward Atma-nirbharta, for which Swadeshi must be prioritised. While concluding his speech, Sarsanghchalak said, “Sangh does not wish to take credit for anything. The Sangh wants Bharat to make such a leap that not only transforms itself but also leads to happiness and peace across the world.”
‘International trade should happen as per nation’s will, not under pressure’
