RSS at 100: Sarsanghchalak Dr Bhagwat draws 7 key observations about Bharat based on collective experience of century

NAGPUR, RSS Vijayadashmi Utsav: The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh today completed 100 years of its journey. In the last 100 years it has been relentlessly and tirelessly engaged in national service

On this occasion, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Swayamsewaks at Reshim Bagh, Nagpur. He said, “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has completed 100 years of its work. After imbibing the values and Samskaras of the Sangh, Swayamsevaks have actively engaged in various aspects of social life, as well as diverse organisations and institutions. This includes both local and national level organisations. Swayamsevaks continue to cooperate and engage in dialogue with numerous individuals who are actively working in society.

The Sangh has drawn 7 observations and conclusions based on its collective experience:

1. Resurgence of Bharat is gaining momentum. However, we are still operating within those policies and frameworks whose inadequacies have been exposed to us. It is also true that, alongside the world, we have moved ahead in those ways to such an extent that it won’t be possible to make sudden changes. In the long run, we will need to make gradual shifts. However, there is no other way to protect ourselves from the challenges that we and the world are currently encountering or will encounter in the future. We need to create a successful development model based on our holistic and integrated outlook and present it to the world. A world blindly running after material wellbeing and desires needs to be shown the path of Dharma, which transcends the paths of worship and customs and traditions, which connects all, which takes all together, and which ensures collective progress.

2. The task of creating an ideal model of the country for the world is not the sole responsibility of the system. This is because the systemic structures have a limited capacity and desire to bring about change. The inspiration and ability to do so ultimately come through the strong will of society. Thus, social awareness and change in societal conduct are necessary for bringing about social change. Changes in society’s behaviour do not come through speeches or texts. We need to create active social awareness, and those undertaking this need to become living examples of change. At every level, there should be persons who can become role models, who are devoted to society, who embody transparency and selflessness, and who consider the entire society as their own and conduct themselves with good behaviour towards it. We need local social leadership that can inspire society as role models while staying with them. This is why: social transformation through Character building (Vyakti Nirman) and systemic change through social transformation is the correct path for bringing about change in the world. This has been the collective experience of Swayamsevaks

3. In every society, the system for creating such individuals remains active in place. This system was destroyed in our society during the long period of foreign invasion. They must be re-established in a manner suited for the present time, within our homes, our education system, and various dimensions of society. We need to create individuals who can undertake this work. Even after mentally accepting this idea, actually bringing it into practice requires changing habits of mind, speech and action. A system is needed for this. The Sangh Shakha is such a system. For the past 100 years, Sangh Karyakartas have consistently sustained this system in all kinds of circumstances. We must continue to do so in the future as well. This is why Swayamsevaks must undertake the discipline of changing their own habits by actively participating in the daily Shakha activities. The Shakha exists to nurture individual and collective qualities and spirit to create a favourable atmosphere for better basic human values and solidarity within the society, while actively engaging and cooperating in social activities.

4. The most important factor in any nation’s progress is its social unity. Our country has immense diversity. Many languages, multiple religions, diverse lifestyles and a variety of cuisines due to geographic diversity, caste and sub-caste – all these diversities have existed since inception. Over the past thousand years, some foreign communities have also entered Bharat from outside our borders. While foreigners have left, our own brothers who accepted these religions and continue to follow them are still present in Bharat. According to Bharatiya traditions, all are welcome and accepted. We look at them as ours rather than as the ‘other’. We regard these diversities as specialities and understand the tendency to take pride in them. However, these distinct identities should not cause division. Despite all our distinct identities, we are all parts of a larger society. As a society, a country, a culture, and a nation, we are united. We must remember that this larger identity is above everything else for us. Because of this, our attitudes towards each other in society are required to be harmonious and respectful. Everyone has their own beliefs, icons and places of worship. We should be careful not to disrespect these in thought, word, or action. Awareness must be created for this. All of us should follow rules, maintain order, and demonstrate harmonious behaviour. Taking the law into one’s hands and coming out on the streets or engaging in hooliganism and violence, on a small matter or merely out of suspicion- this tendency is not correct. Show of strength is deliberately done to provoke a particular community. The consequences of falling into their trap are evil, both in the short and long term. It is necessary to curb such tendencies. The government should operate in accordance with the law, rather than being influenced by bias or undue pressure from anyone. However, the good people of the society (Sajjan Shakti) and the younger generation also needs to be vigilant and organized, they will also have to intervene if necessary.

5. Dr. Ambedkar Sahab referred to the foundation of this unity as ‘inherent cultural unity’. Bharatiya culture has been a special feature of Bharat since ancient times. It is completely inclusive. It teaches us to respect and embrace all forms of diversity as it is rooted in Bharat’s spiritual truth and qualities such as compassion, purity and discipline – that is, in Dharma. As this nation’s children, Hindu society has adopted this in their way of life as a tradition; which is why it is also called Hindu Sanskriti. It has originated through the penance of Rishis of Bharat. The prosperous and secure environment of ancient Bharat allowed them to do so. This Samskriti has flourished, remained unbroken and reached us today because of the perseverance, sacrifices and dedication of our ancestors. Rashtriyata (or nationalist spirit) is conducting ourselves according to our Bharatiya Sanskriti, cherishing the memory of our ancestors by having a sense of pride and following their conduct, and by devoting ourselves to our divine motherland which has enabled everything. This Hindu Rashtriyata always keeps us together while accepting and respecting all diversities. We don’t have a conception of ‘nation state’. States are formed and decline, while Rashtra remains eternal. We should never forget this foundation of our unity.

6. The strength, virtue and organized character of the Hindu society guarantee national unity, oneness and development. The Hindu society is accountable for Bharat. It is an inclusive society. It is free of and will remain free from a mentality ‘us and them’ which creates divisions on the basis of superficial differences of many names and forms.  The Hindu society is upholder and guardian of the noble idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. This is why it is the duty of the Hindu society to make Bharat prosperous and a country that contributes immensely to the entire world. The Sangh has been working to organize the entire Hindu society which on the basis of its organised strength, safeguarding its Dharma, which can offer a new path to the world, will make Bharat prosperous. An organised society can fulfill all its duties on its own. No separate effort will be needed from outside.

7. If we need to fulfill this vision of the society, then both individual and national character will have to be strengthened, within Individuals and communities alike. Sangh Shakha provides a clear conception of our national identity and pride. Through the daily programmes conducted in the Shakha, Swayamsevaks develop their personality, capability, leadership, devotion and wisdom.