Bhagwat offers food for thought to Modi govt

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has struck a harmonious note in his address at the Vijayadashami rally, which coincided with the centenary celebrations of the Sangh. Acknowledging that Bharatiya culture teaches us to respect and embrace all forms of diversity, he has stressed that the most important factor in any nation’s progress is its social unity. It’s also significant that he began his speech by paying homage to Guru Teg Bahadur, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri (in that order), describing them as exemplary icons of devotion, dedication and service to the nation. What’s more, he has affirmed that the Hindu society is free of and will remain free of the ‘us and them’ mentality which creates divisions. His words should be heeded by those who thrive on divide-and-rule politics.

Bhagwat has given the Modi government ample food for thought. He has linked the unrest in India’s neighbourhood to a disconnect between governments and societies and the lack of people-oriented administrators. He has warned that forces wanting to create such disturbances in India are active inside as well as outside the country. His message to the rulers is clear: there is no room for complacency or apathy. Bhagwat’s advocacy of swadeshi (use of indigenous goods and resources) and swavalamban (self-reliance) is in sync with PM Modi’s vision, but he has flagged flaws in the economic system, such as the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

The challenge for India on the international front, as pointed out by Bhagwat, is to ensure that global interdependence does not become a compulsion. He wants Delhi to hold its ground and “act according to our own will”. It’s apparent that the RSS is in no mood to play second fiddle to the BJP. Having reached a major milestone, the 100-year-old Sangh is set to guide and counsel the NDA government with renewed vigour.