Hyderabad: India's Forgotten Pride Should Be Revived, Says RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the need to revive India’s forgotten pride during his speech at “Lokmanthan-2024,” a gathering of nationalist thinkers held in Hyderabad on Sunday. He highlighted the importance of aligning scientific advancements with the country’s philosophical and ethical wisdom, using the example of artificial intelligence and the focus on its ethical use.
Bhagwat stressed that India’s value system is rooted in individual wisdom and logical reasoning. He explained that India’s approach to addressing issues is unique and does not need to blindly imitate solutions from other countries. While India can adopt beneficial practices from abroad, it must retain its own cultural essence and structures.
“India is a Sanatan Nation,” Bhagwat said, emphasizing the country’s eternal values. He acknowledged changes in dressing styles and food habits over time but pointed out that, internally, there is a unity in India’s diversity. He urged people to give contemporary relevance to India’s eternal culture and traditions, stating, “We have to introduce the forgotten pride of India again.”
The RSS chief also reflected on historical challenges faced by the country. He noted that India’s current situation is not solely due to foreign invasions, as invaders lacked the capability to conquer the nation outright. Instead, he attributed India’s struggles to a loss of self-respect, forgetting its goals, and neglecting the greatness of its religion and culture.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also spoke at the event, citing examples from scriptures to argue that there was no historical discrimination against ‘Vanvasis’ (forest dwellers), countering allegations made by the opposition. Other prominent speakers included Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, who shared their perspectives on India’s cultural and philosophical heritage.
