Global trade must be guided by volunteerism, not pressure: RSS chief

Batting for self-reliance across sectors, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said swadeshi did not mean snapping of ties with other nations. "It means people consume what is manufactured locally and import essentials that are not made at home. Swadeshi does not mean ending ties with others. Global trade will go on, but it should be voluntary and not under pressure," said Bhagwat as 50 percent US tariffs on Indian goods kicked in on Wednesday.

Speaking in the presence of envoys of 55 nations -- including the US, China, Russia and Israel -- as part of the RSS' dialogue with influencers, Bhagwat cited some examples to stress "vocal for local", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet slogan.

"In summers when you can have nimbu paani (lemon water), why have Coca Cola or Sprite? Why go out for pizzas every Sunday when you can have home-made food?” he asked, seeking a boost to domestic tourism.

The RSS chief, citing the 15th century fortress built by Rana Kumbha in Rajasthan, said, "Take your children to Singapore and Paris, but also to Kumbhalgarh and local slums. This will awaken them to cultural values and empathy. India must set an example of an evolved society before the world and this change must start from the family."

Bhagwat was addressing a select audience on the second day of RSS' three-day outreach with the civil society. At the end of the second day, he invited everyone to visit the Sangh headquarters and see for themselves how it works.

"The RSS is the evolution of the life mission of Hindu nation. Pure love for India’s people is the basis of our work. Come and see for yourself,” said Bhagwat, in an attempt to correct negative perceptions about the RSS.

The broad theme of Bhagwat's 82-minute speech was acceptance of diversity and creation of a model, harmonious Indian society for the world to emulate.

To this end, the RSS chief spoke about Hindutva being synonymous with "truth and love" and "Dharma meaning acceptance of differences."

Noting that India had for centuries walked the path of Dharma, Bhagwat said the country must organise itself along civilizational values of welfare of all and set an example for an increasingly conflict-ridden world to emulate.

"India has a duty to guide the world from time to time," he said, quoting Swami Vivekananda.

Sending out a message of inclusion, Bhagwat said, "We all look different but we are one. Sab apne hain (everyone is ours)," he said, stressing the need for people practising different faiths to respect the Constitution and law and not to resort to anarchy at every provocation.

Noting that "dharma showed the middle path and guarded against extremes" Bhagwat warned against "radicalism and wokeism", calling these tendencies grave dangers for the world.

He said India should take a lead in binding its neighbours into a common thread of shared civilisational values and also build harmony at home. "Most of our neighbouring countries were once part of India only. We should focus on their stability and peace," he said.

Without mentioning communal tensions, RSS supremo batted for unity while urging people from “both sides to initiate a dialogue for bridging divides.”

“Despite our differences, we should treat ourselves as components of one nation, one society, one rashtra, progeny of the same ancestors, inheritors of the same civilisational heritage and move forward. This is extremely essential for positivity and harmony."

Bhagwat said the objective of the Sangh, which enters its 100th year this October, is to create an all India organisational net and reach every nook and corner of India.