Our 5,000-year-old culture is secular: RSS chief Bhagwat
In his address at a book launch event, RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) chief Mohan Bhagwat made several important points regarding India’s culture and secularism. Here are the key points from his speech:
1. India’s Ancient Culture: Bhagwat emphasized that India’s culture is ancient, spanning over 5,000 years. He described this culture as inherently secular.
2. Unity and Human Behavior: He called upon the people of India to remain united and to present the best example of human behavior to the world.
3. Love for Motherland: Bhagwat appealed to the audience to have devotion, love, and dedication for their motherland, highlighting the importance of considering the motherland as an essential component of national unity.
4. Secularism and the Constitution: Bhagwat referred to an interaction he had with former President Pranab Mukherjee during the “ghar wapasi” controversy. Mukherjee mentioned that India’s Constitution is secular, but he also emphasized that the country’s secularism is not just because of the Constitution itself. According to Bhagwat, Mukherjee mentioned that India is secular because the tall leaders who drafted the Constitution were secular.
Bhagwat’s comments reflect the RSS’s perspective on India’s cultural and religious diversity, emphasizing the importance of unity and secularism as integral aspects of the nation’s identity. The interpretation and understanding of these remarks may vary among different groups and individuals in India’s complex and diverse political and social landscape.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his speech at the book launch event, reiterated that India’s 5,000-year-old culture is inherently secular. He shared an interaction he had with former President Pranab Mukherjee, in which Mukherjee expressed that India’s secularism is not a recent development but something deeply ingrained in the culture. Bhagwat quoted Mukherjee as saying, “We are not secular since then. Our 5,000-year-old culture is like this.”
Bhagwat went on to emphasize that India’s culture is fundamentally secular, and this perspective is deeply rooted in the knowledge of elements (tatva gyan). He also stressed the idea of “the whole world is one family,” reflecting the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means that the entire world is a family, and this is not just a theoretical idea but a realization that should guide human behavior.
These statements by the RSS chief reflect the organization’s view on Indian culture and its emphasis on unity and secularism as integral aspects of the country’s identity and heritage. The interpretation of these remarks may vary among different groups and individuals in India’s diverse social and political landscape.
Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, urged for unity and harmony among the diverse population of India. He emphasized the need to avoid internal conflicts and instead focus on making India capable of teaching the world the message of unity and oneness. Bhagwat underlined that this is the primary purpose of India’s existence.
He also highlighted the significant role played by the country’s seers and the creation of ‘Bharat’ (India) for the welfare of the world. According to Bhagwat, these seers established a society that aimed to share their knowledge with every individual, regardless of their social or economic status.
Bhagwat’s statements reflect a perspective that stresses the importance of India’s unity and the global message of harmony and oneness that the country can impart. It aligns with the idea of India as a diverse yet unified nation with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Interpretations of these statements may differ among various individuals and groups in the Indian context.
In his address, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the unique characteristics of India’s cultural and knowledge-sharing heritage. He mentioned that the seers and sages of India were not only ascetics but often lived the lives of wanderers with their families. Bhagwat pointed out that many of these groups, historically considered “ghumantoos” or nomads and even criminal tribes by the British, have continued to showcase their rich cultural heritage. Some have also shared their knowledge, particularly in the field of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine.
Bhagwat emphasized that India’s ancient knowledge has had a global impact, with people from the country spreading their wisdom and expertise around the world. He mentioned that Indian knowledge has reached places as distant as Mexico and Siberia.
Additionally, Bhagwat touched upon India’s role in the G20, an international forum mainly focused on economic matters. He noted that India has contributed to broadening the G20’s perspective by infusing it with the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “the world is one family.” This shift, according to Bhagwat, has transformed the G20 into a forum that not only addresses economic issues but also thinks about humanity as a whole.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan also emphasized the significance of unity as a fundamental ideal in India. These statements highlight the cultural richness and inclusive values associated with India’s ancient traditions and their impact on both the nation and the world.
