RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Defines True Selfless Service, Warns Against Electoral Seva
In a significant address in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday articulated a profound definition of true service, emphasizing that it begins only when an individual completely forgets self-interest. He issued a stark warning that much of what is currently labeled as seva (service) is often driven by ego, fear, or electoral ambition rather than genuine selflessness.
Bhagwat's Critique of Modern Service Motivations
Bhagwat was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Gangadharrao Fadnavis Memorial Diagnostic Centre, an initiative named after the late father of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Reflecting on Gangadharrao Fadnavis, Bhagwat praised his work ethic, noting he operated with complete honesty and without any selfish motive, ensuring his efforts were never tainted by personal interest.
The RSS chief elaborated that the highest form of service involves absorbing the suffering of others into oneself without any expectation of return. He identified three unsustainable motivations for service:
- Hope of reward
- Ego
- Fear
"Once self-interest is fulfilled, a person quietly withdraws," Bhagwat stated, highlighting the transient nature of such motivations.
Veiled Dig at Electoral Seva and Political Opportunism
Taking a subtle yet pointed dig at electoral seva, Bhagwat observed that service organizations often experience a surge in participants around election times. However, he stressed that the real test of commitment is how many individuals remain dedicated after the votes have been counted. This remark underscored his concern about service being used as a tool for political gain rather than a sincere effort to help others.
Bhagwat clarified that service is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental duty that purifies the person performing it. "Through service, this purity of thought is maintained. Because in service, we forget 'I' and 'mine'," he explained. He added a thought-provoking perspective: "The one whom we serve actually does us a favour. We are not doing a favour to them."
The Essence of True Service and Practical Applications
On the demands of true service, Bhagwat said its ultimate purpose is to transform the tears of suffering into tears of joy. He asserted that individuals who strive for this transformation are truly saintly in character. Urging the audience not to wait for grand opportunities, he emphasized the value of small, consistent actions.
"It is not necessary that one must achieve something big. Even small things can be done," Bhagwat remarked, citing examples such as caring for the education and health of children from underprivileged backgrounds, like those of domestic workers. He argued that sustained small contributions in areas like education, health, and employment can significantly reduce existing societal gaps and accelerate national progress.
Nitin Gadkari Recalls Association with Gangadharrao Fadnavis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who also spoke at the event, recalled his close association with Gangadharrao Fadnavis. He shared a personal anecdote about contesting the West Nagpur assembly election while still in his third year of law school, staying at Gangadharrao's house and sharing meals there. "I fought that election under his guidance," Gadkari said.
The city MP highlighted Gangadharrao's significant contributions to expanding the BJP's work in Nagpur during years when electoral success seemed nearly impossible. Gadkari also addressed healthcare challenges, pointing out gaps in diagnostic services. "After AIIMS became operational, we believed there would be no further shortage, but today even that infrastructure is falling short," he noted.
Gadkari expressed concern over inadequate conditions in many government hospitals, which often force economically weaker patients to seek treatment at private facilities and bear high costs. MLC Sandip Joshi, a close aide of CM Devendra Fadnavis, led the project for the diagnostic center. Fadnavis expressed honor at having the facility dedicated to his father's memory, acknowledging the legacy of selfless service.
