RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Slams US and China, Calls for India's Global Ascendancy
In a significant address at Lucknow University, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat launched a sharp critique against the United States and China, accusing Western nations of propagating fundamentalism. Bhagwat articulated that these countries operate on a philosophy of self-aggrandizement, marginalizing others who stand in their way.
Bhagwat's Critique of Western Powers and China
"Western countries spread fundamentalism," Bhagwat declared during the Shodharthi Samvad programme. "Their thinking is to become powerful, live on their own, and abandon the rest, eliminating those who become obstacles. This is what America and China are doing today." He emphasized that this approach contrasts sharply with India's ethos of collective well-being.
India's Potential as a Global Problem-Solver
Bhagwat asserted that India possesses solutions to many of the world's pressing crises but must first bolster its own strength across all domains. "Today, India has the answers to the problems the world is facing. If we want to become a world leader, we must become powerful in all areas. The world only believes it when truth is backed by power," he stated. He highlighted the critical role of research in transforming India's trajectory and condition, urging for truthful information to be brought to light to overcome ignorance about the nation.
Allegations Against Western Education Systems
The RSS chief further alleged that Western powers have distorted India's traditional education framework. "Westerners have messed with education. They replaced our education system and imposed their own, so they could find black Englishmen to do the work. What the British did wrong must be rectified," he remarked, calling for a revival of indigenous educational values.
Advocacy for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Restraint
Bhagwat warned against the dangers of market-driven globalization, advocating instead for the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—viewing the world as one family. "Today globalization means marketisation, which is dangerous. We talk about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. That means we consider the entire world as our family. Unless everyone is happy, no one can be happy," he explained. He promoted a lifestyle of restraint and sacrifice, rooted in cultural self-realization, over consumerism.
Views on Religion and Its Universal Relevance
Speaking on religion, Bhagwat emphasized its eternal significance, describing it as the governing laws of the universe. "The eternal nature of religion is always relevant. Religion is the laws by which the universe operates. Not a single speck of dust can be secular," he said. He added that religion fosters happiness and guides behavior in harmony with societal and temporal contexts, encouraging coexistence rather than isolation.
Call for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Practices
Bhagwat also underscored the importance of environmental conservation, urging individuals to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives to protect the planet for future generations.
Earlier Statements on Hindu Population and Ghar Wapsi
In related remarks from Tuesday, Bhagwat expressed concern over a perceived decline in the Hindu population. He called for an end to religious conversions driven by greed or coercion and advocated for accelerating the Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) process, with support for those returning to Hinduism. Additionally, he suggested that Hindus should aim for at least three children per family, citing studies that link lower birth rates to societal decline, and recommended that newlyweds be informed of this perspective.
The event at Lucknow University served as a platform for Bhagwat to outline a vision where India, strengthened by its traditional values and power, can lead globally while addressing internal and external challenges.
