BHOPAL: Empowering women, providing them opportunities, and ensuring their ideological orientation is the need of the hour. This process has already begun, and women are progressing in every sphere of society, but it needs to be strengthened further, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat while addressing the Matri Shakti Samvad programme at Shivneri Bhavan, Bhopal.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that whenever a civilised society is discussed, the role of women naturally becomes central. He stated that our dharma, culture, and social system have remained secure because of women. The time has passed when women were confined to the home solely for security. Today, both family and society advance through the collective efforts of women and men; therefore, the ideological awakening of both is essential.
Speaking on the issue of Love Jihad, he said that efforts to prevent it must begin first within our own homes and families. He further said that it is necessary to reflect on how a daughter from our family came under the influence of an unfamiliar person.
He identified lack of mutual dialogue as a major reason for this. When there is regular dialogue within families, pride in dharma, culture, and tradition develops naturally. For this, efforts are required at three levels. First, continuous dialogue within the family. Second, instilling awareness, caution, and self-defence values in girls. Third, effective action against those who commit such crimes. Organisations working in society must remain informed about such activities, and society must stand united for collective resistance only then can solutions emerge.
Referring to gender discrimination and exploitation, Dr Bhagwat cited the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda and said that in Western society, a woman’s status is determined after marriage, whereas in Indian tradition, her status becomes even higher through motherhood. Motherhood is the foundation of our values. The Westernisation being imposed in the name of modernity is a blind race. Therefore, it is extremely important to reflect seriously on the values we impart to children from an early age. Women must be capable of self-protection, because our tradition does not confine women but empowers them and makes them extraordinary. Citing examples such as Rani Lakshmibai, he said that Indian women have demonstrated strength and courage throughout history.
Dr Bhagwat said that women play the most crucial role in the family, as they are the nurturers and creators. Traditionally, earning and providing security in difficult times was the role of men, but managing and sustaining the family as a whole has always been the responsibility of women. Maintaining balance, sensitivity, and order within the family primarily rests with women. Therefore, women’s role is decisive in making the family system effective, and other members of society should collaborate in this effort.
He further said that women carry the sense of swadeshi and swa (selfhood) from society to the nation. Just as women play a role in shaping the “self” of the household, the same role is required in shaping the “swa” of the nation.
