Eschew western ideas of consumerism and exploitation of nature -Mohan Bhagwat

“Bharat’s traditional culture, moral values, philosophy of life and spiritual consciousness bind its social system, which has to be re-awakened. The oneness in thoughts and devotion to nation’s unification can bring back our country’s pristine glory,” said RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat in Kolkata on January 23. He was addressing a gathering of uniformed swayam-sevaks at Sahid Minar Maidan.

“My life is not for me but for others.” Where are these values? He asked. “This is ‘Hindutva’, a concept of the world. We need the change of mindset in life. For the last 2000 years western countries have been nursing the idea that nature and the world are for the consumption of mankind only. But inequitable consumption has brought about the crisis in environment that threatens our very existence.”

Shri Bhagwat said everyone should have equal right on the country’s water, land, forest and animals (jal, jamin, jungle and janwar). He said the society should not be divided on the lines of caste and religion and everyone in India should have equal status. If any reservations are to be made, it should be made on the lines of people’s economic condition.

He lamented that even after 62 years of Independence, a small country like Pakistan can terrorise us; Bangladeshis dare to infiltrate into our country and China captures our land. Security of our nation is not a matter of politics but an ardent responsibility of all countrymen to strengthen the nation by all means and this demands an urgent surge of patriotism.

On the 113th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Shri Bhagwat reminded that it is not true that freedom of our country came only through non-violent movements. Netaji’s struggle for Independence in his own way also made it possible. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose did want not only a change in power but he also symbolised a sense of patriotism and self-devotion for the nation.

Shri Bhagwat had many points to refer-from radical humanism of Manabendra Nath Roy to plight of Hindu Pundits of Kashmir valley. He was very harsh to mention that we imitate the Russia, USA or China model for our development but never look at the understandings of development that “Hindutva” teaches us.

The sense of patriotism that enlightens a person is reflected through the social works of Shri Nanaji Deshmukh, a swayamsevak at Chitrakoot, which remains an example for others, he said. Swayamsevaks go to shakhas not for any personal gain but to enrich themselves physically and intellectually. RSS does not work to gain any credit but for the service of the nation. Only a strong, capable and awakened Hindustan can bring peace and prosperity for everyone of us. When Bharat glorifies, the world steps closer towards happiness and glory.

Former Sarsanghachalak Shri KS Sudarshan was also present at the function.

(VSK, Kolkata)