'Without Hindus, world will not exist': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
What's the story
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has made a bold statement saying that "without Hindus, the world will cease to exist." He was addressing a gathering during his visit to Manipur. Bhagwat said Hindu society is immortal, pointing out how India had outlasted empires like Yunaan (Greece), Misr (Egypt), and Rome that "have perished from the face of the earth." "Every nation...has seen all kinds of situations...There is something in our civilization that we are still here," Bhagwat said.
Cultural significance
Bhagwat emphasizes Hindu society's role in global dharma
During his speech, Bhagwat also called Hindu society the "guardian of dharma" for the world. He said, "Bharat is the name of an immortal civilization... We have created a network in our society because of which the Hindu community will always be there." This was Bhagwat's first visit to Manipur after ethnic clashes rocked the state.
Economic independence
Bhagwat calls for economic self-reliance
Apart from his comments on Hindu society, Bhagwat also pushed for economic self-reliance in India. He said military and knowledge capacity are important for nation-building. "While building the nation, the first requirement is strength. Strength means economic ability," he said. His remarks come amid a renewed 'swadeshi' push after high tariffs were imposed on Indian imports by the US under Donald Trump.
Historical references
Bhagwat cites historical examples for societal resolve
Bhagwat cited the decline of Naxalism and India's freedom struggle against British rule as examples of societal resolve overcoming entrenched problems. He said, "The sun never used to set on the British empire. But in India, their sun had already begun to set." "We made efforts for 90 years. We never allowed that voice to be suppressed. Sometimes it became weak, sometimes it grew stronger, but it was never allowed to die," he said