RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Emphasizes the Power of Bharat Mata’s Devotion in Uniting Diverse India
Promoting Unity in Diversity: Mohan Bhagwat’s Message of Inclusivity
Nagpur, Maharashtra, October 24 (City Times): (RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat) : In a poignant address during the annual RSS Vijayadashami Utsav, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat underlined that the residents of India are “descendants of common ancestors,” emphasizing that “devotion to Bharat Mata unites people” and should be embraced by all, irrespective of caste, sect, or religion.
Addressing a gathering in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat underscored the unique geographic positioning of India, with natural protection from mountains on three sides and the sea, leading to a culture of introspection and the pursuit of internal truths, which, in turn, fosters the “unity of the world.”
“Bharat Mata’s blessings are our strength, and devotion to her is what binds us together. This holds true for all castes, sects, and religions,” he stated.
Mohan Bhagwat encouraged people to follow the examples of those who have worked diligently to preserve the nation’s rich culture and civilizational heritage. He identified three essential elements—devotion to the motherland, pride in one’s forefathers, and a shared culture—that converge to unite a diverse nation, transcending differences of language, region, religion, sect, caste, and sub-caste.
Even those who follow faiths originating from other lands are urged to embrace these three unifying elements, Mohan Bhagwat emphasized.
The RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of truth, compassion, internal and external purity of heart, and penance as the four fundamental principles shared by all Dharmic faiths. He acknowledged the role of these values in shaping the nation’s culture through the ages and urged contemporary society to uphold them.
Highlighting India’s rich tapestry of faiths, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated, “We are all-inclusive, welcoming everyone. Devotion to Mother India is applicable to everyone. We are descendants of common ancestors.”
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat then touched upon the global context, emphasizing that while countries worldwide have often sought man-made bases of unity, such as religion and language, these foundations have often proven fragile. He contrasted this with the enduring unity that India has sustained for centuries, despite its multitude of languages, sects, societies, customs, and more, an aspect that both astounds and attracts people from around the world.
Turning his attention to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the RSS chief urged citizens to refrain from efforts to garner votes by inciting emotions, a practice he deemed undesirable. He stressed that casting a vote is the duty of every citizen and should be done with the nation’s unity, integrity, identity, and development in mind.
Mohan Bhagwat also acknowledged India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit, where the nation’s hospitality, diversity, diplomatic prowess, and goodwill were widely lauded. He highlighted the significance of India’s emergence on the global stage.
In conclusion, Mohan Bhagwat pointed out the presence of individuals, both in India and abroad, who seek to hinder the nation’s progress by fomenting divisions and societal clashes. He urged vigilance against falling into these divisive traps, calling upon society to be aware, resolute, and steadfast in its belief, as unfounded controversies can often disrupt the nation’s progress.
The annual ‘Vijayadashmi Utsav’ of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh commenced with a ‘Path Sanchalan’ (route march) in Nagpur earlier in the day. Celebrated singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan graced the occasion as the chief guest. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the organization’s founder, KB Hedgewar, and conducted the ‘Shastra Pooja’ as part of the ‘Vijayadashami Utsav.’
The event also saw the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reaffirming the inclusive and diverse ethos of the RSS. RSS, founded in Nagpur in 1925 on Vijayadashami day, continues to invite dignitaries from various fields as chief guests for its annual Vijayadashami Utsav, promoting unity and inclusivity.