New Delhi: The US model of growth is rooted in fulfilling vested or self-centric interests and does not consider the principle of “welfare for all”. If the entire world adopted the US model of growth, then several Earth’s will not be sufficient for humanity to sustain, said Dr. Mohan Bhagwat. He strongly rejected the “Consumer centric” growth model as unsustainable. He reiterated that economic prosperity must be guided by civilisational values, ethical conduct and sustainability principles.
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS, made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 18th BML Munjal Awards organised by Hero Enterprise in New Delhi.
The United States adopts an excessively consumption-based development model. “If we, the 142 crore Indians, start living like America then one Earth will not suffice; six Earths will be needed. They are taking this much of the resources of the planet without thinking that others also have a right to resources”, Dr Mohan Bhagwat further debunked the self-centric growth model of the US which believes in consupmtion at the cost of global sustainability and welfare.
“They (America) are so rich, they don’t even think of giving it to the rest of the world. Why is that? Because they don’t know and don’t experience it. They don’t have the feeling of belonging”, he added.
India’s emergence as Vishwaguru will bring peace & prosperity to the world
Dr Mohan Bhagwat further asserted that India’s emergence as Vishwaguru should be guided by its civilisational values and should be aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to the world. He further added that economic prosperity should be guided by restraint, ethical conduct and concern for the welfare of others.
“If Bharat becomes a superpower and starts behaving like America and China, then that will not be Bharat. When Bharat awakens and becomes capable, peace and happiness come to the world. Relations among people become more harmonious and peaceful”, said Dr Mohan Bhagwat while emphasising that Bharat’s growth story must be embedded in and inspired by its civilisational values that will lead to global well-being.
He further echoed that Bharat is not just a geographical entity. It is an enduring civilisation that has successfully survived thousands of years of invasion and other historical upheavals. Thus, India’s growth story is very different from that of the United States or China. Global peace and prosperity is the core objective in India’s progress.
Dr Bhagwat also said that India has historically viewed prosperity as a means of collective welfare rather than individual accumulation of wealth. The Sarsanghchalak also hailed India’s vast humanitarian assistance to neighbouring countries such as Maldives, Sri Lanka during the crisis. He said that such humanitarian actions are rooted in the principle of duty and goodwill.
“When Bharat rises, it is not only India that benefits. When Bharat grows, peace and happiness spread across the world. In one effort, three purposes are served: the welfare of the individual, the welfare of the nation, and the welfare of future generations”, said Dr Mohan Bhagwat thus emphasising the vision about Bharat’s growth.
“I believe that in the next 20 to 30 years, Bharat will become the number one nation in the world. Bharat will become a Vishwaguru. It will become powerful, but it will use that power for the welfare of the world. Bharat will become a guide to humanity. That is our vision,” he added.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat also highlighted that India has ideas that can help to solve global challenges such as environmental degradation. “The world is searching for solutions to many of its problems. There are certain unfinished tasks that only Bharat can complete because of its civilisational wisdom”, Bhagwat stated. He also called for equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities, emphasising that prosperity should not remain concentrated in a few hands.
