In a thought-provoking address at a program organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat underscored the importance of using one’s mother tongue for fostering genuine respect and connection with one’s cultural roots. The Sarsanghchalak expressed concern over the diminishing usage of indigenous languages, urging people to converse in their mother tongue instead of relying on foreign languages like English.
Addressing the audience, Dr Mohan Bhagwat stated, “There are many issues regarding the use of mother tongue in our country. We have stopped using our mother tongue. As a result, we have to resort to English dictionaries to understand the meaning of our texts (books).” He emphasised that real respect for one’s mother tongue would only come when individuals actively choose to use it in their daily lives.
The RSS Sarsanghchalak asserted, “Today we have honoured many writers from different Indian languages. But, our mother tongue will get real respect only when we start using it.” He urged the audience to embrace their linguistic heritage, reinforcing the belief that language forms a crucial aspect of cultural identity.
In addition to the linguistic appeal, Dr Mohan Bhagwat touched upon the role of literature in society. He highlighted that literature should be written for the betterment of society, emphasising the importance of making individuals responsible through literary works. According to him, literature should not merely serve as a source of entertainment but should contribute positively to the development of societal values.
Further delving into the historical context, Dr Mohan Bhagwat made an intriguing claim about the spread of religion. He suggested that in ancient times, there was no religion in other countries, asserting that it spread from India to places like China and Japan. The Sarsanghchalak expressed concerns about certain recent books creating a negative narrative, potentially dividing society based on religious affiliations.
During an interactive session, Dr Mohan Bhagwat advocated the use of the term ‘Bharat’ over ‘India,’ emphasising the significance of maintaining consistency across languages. He stated, “Whatever the language, the name remains the same… It is the same with our Bharat. That’s why everyone should call our country ‘Bharat’.”
Switching gears to a broader perspective, the Sarsanghchalak asserted that India holds the key to the world’s happiness. He underscored the role of the entire society in achieving collective goals and encouraged support for the council from every sector. Pointing to global inequalities, Dr Mohan Bhagwat contended that India possesses the power to lead the world toward happiness, prosperity, and peace. However, he stressed that for India to assume this leadership role, the nation must awaken to its potential, with literature playing a pivotal role in this awakening due to the country’s diverse linguistic landscape.
In concluding his address, the RSS Sarsanghchalak urged the nation to recognize and celebrate its linguistic diversity. He highlighted the Sahitya Parishad’s crucial role in bridging the gaps among diverse languages and communities, fostering unity in the rich tapestry of India.
As Dr Mohan Bhagwat’s words resonated with the audience, the call to embrace mother tongues and recognize the cultural significance of linguistic diversity echoed as a poignant message for the nation to ponder upon.
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