RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed swayamsevaks on Thursday, highlighting the organisation’s dedication to ‘vyakti nirman’ (character building) during the centenary Vijayadashami event in Nagpur. Despite numerous temptations and invitations to engage in politics over the past 100 years, Bhagwat asserted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) remains committed to its core mission of transforming individuals.
During the annual Vijayadashami function, Bhagwat shared insights gleaned from the RSS’s century-long journey. He emphasized that global reforms must be gradual to avoid destructive consequences. He remarked, ‘India must present a development model based on a holistic and integrated outlook, rooted in dharma, and offer it to the world.’
The term ‘dharma’, explaining Bhagwat, transcends religion, rituals, and traditions. It serves as a unifying principle that can foster social transformation. The RSS aims to cultivate values like integrity, selflessness, and social leadership among its volunteers through its shakhas (local units).
Bhagwat underscored the significance of ‘vyakti nirman’ as the path towards sustainable social change. He noted that this principle has been confirmed through the collective experience of swayamsevaks who have engaged in character-building activities.
In his address, Bhagwat celebrated India’s rich diversity, including languages, faiths, and traditions, urging that this pluralism must be viewed as a source of strength. He stated, ‘All communities, including those who adopted foreign religions, are part of the larger Indian identity.’ His call for unity emphasized mutual respect and a collective detachment from violence.
Critically, Bhagwat condemned acts of hooliganism and communal discord, advising that law enforcement agencies should operate impartially. He also urged society, especially the youth, to stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining peace and unity within the community.
In conclusion, Bhagwat’s address at the centenary Vijayadashami event resonated with a vision for India’s future founded on character building. He reminded attendees of the importance of integrity and social values in nurturing a responsible citizenry, crucial for harmonious co-existence.
