Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, during his visit to Bhopal, emphasized that the solution to concerns like 'love jihad' must originate from within homes. Speaking to a select gathering of women on Saturday, the second day of his trip to the Madhya Pradesh capital, Bhagwat stressed the pivotal role of familial bonds and communication.
Three-Pronged Strategy Against Love Jihad
Bhagwat presented a clear, three-step approach to address the issue. The first and most crucial step is fostering constant and open communication within the family. He argued that a lack of interaction among family members creates vulnerabilities. "We must consider how our daughter could be seduced by a stranger," he stated, linking the problem directly to domestic disconnect.
The second step involves instilling a sense of caution and self-defense capabilities in girls. The RSS chief advocated for empowering women to protect themselves. The third pillar calls for effective legal and social action against those who commit such crimes. Bhagwat urged social organizations to remain vigilant and called for collective societal resistance to find a lasting solution.
Women: The Cornerstone of Culture and Society
Mohan Bhagwat placed women at the center of civilizational discourse. He declared that Indian religion, culture, and social systems remain secure primarily because of women. Challenging outdated norms, he said, "That time has passed when women were confined to the home solely for security reasons." He emphasized that both men and women now jointly drive family and societal progress, making the enlightenment of both essential.
He described women's empowerment, providing them opportunities, and their ideological enlightenment as urgent needs of the day. "This process has already begun, and women are advancing in every sphere of society, but it needs to be strengthened further," he added.
Indian Motherhood vs. Western Modernity
Addressing gender perspectives, Bhagwat drew a contrast between Western and Indian traditions. He stated that in Western society, a woman's status is often determined after marriage, whereas in Indian tradition, a woman's status is elevated through motherhood. "Motherhood is at the core of our values," he asserted.
He cautioned against blind westernization adopted in the name of modernity, calling it a "blind race." Bhagwat stressed the importance of imparting core values to children from childhood. Citing examples like Rani Lakshmibai, he highlighted the inherent strength and courage of Indian women across eras.
Confronting New-Age Challenges
Bhagwat pointed out that society today faces new challenges like cultural invasion, often labeled as 'cultural Marxism' and 'wokeism'. To counter these, he insisted on a deep understanding of Indian religion, values, and traditions. He noted that the world is looking towards India, and the nation is preparing for that global role.
With approximately 50% of the population being women, and a significant number contributing to society and the nation, Bhagwat acknowledged their role while noting that many are still not part of this progressive wave. He concluded with a powerful statement: "Where women are respected and their place is secure, society automatically remains healthy."
