RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Highlights India's Tradition of Fraternity

MUMBAI: Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed on Saturday that engaging in conflicts is not part of India's inherent nature. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Bhagwat highlighted that the country's tradition has always prioritised fraternity and collective harmony.

According to Bhagwat, India's understanding of nationhood is fundamentally different from Western perspectives. He stated, "We do not have any argument with anyone. We stay away from disputes. Having a dispute is not in our country's nature. Being together and fostering fraternity is our tradition." He contrasted this with other regions of the world, which he claimed have evolved in environments marked by conflict.

The RSS chief elaborated on the misconceptions surrounding India's identity, asserting that while the Western world may label it as 'nationalism', this does not accurately reflect the Indian ethos. He stated, "They do not understand our views about nationhood, so they started calling it 'nationalism'. Our concept of a 'rashtra' is different from the Western idea of a nation."

Bhagwat clarified that there is a consensus in India regarding its identity as a 'rashtra', a term that denotes a nation with deep historical roots. He claimed that this identity has persisted despite changing governments and foreign rulers throughout history. "We use the word nationality, not nationalism. Excessive pride about the nation led to two world wars, which is why some people fear the word nationalism," he added.

He explained that the Western definition of a nation often implies a nation-state governed by a central authority, which he argued does not apply to India. Instead, he described India as a 'rashtra' characterized by the interconnectedness of its people and their relationship with nature.

"We are all brothers as we are children of Bharat Mata, and there is no other human-created basis such as religion, language, eating habits, traditions or states," Bhagwat said. He emphasised that despite the diversity in the country, unity remains a hallmark of Indian culture.

Additionally, Bhagwat underscored the importance of knowledge that leads to wisdom, asserting that practical understanding and leading a meaningful life are more valuable than simply accumulating information. He concluded by stating that true satisfaction is derived from altruism, which offers lasting fulfilment compared to fleeting successes.