New Delhi, Oct 20: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has warned that foreign forces could exploit social movements and public discontent to create instability in India, deepen divisions and advance their own interests.
Addressing the Sangh’s Vijayadashami function, on Tuesday, Mohan Bhagwat said that while social problems and shortcomings in the system could naturally lead to agitations, such movements should focus on finding solutions rather than creating discord. “In our vast society problems do exist. There are likely to be numerous shortcomings in the system as well. It is only natural that these may lead to agitations. However, such agitations should aim to provide solutions,” he said.
The RSS chief cautioned that protests, government action and political interventions must not generate hostility, bitterness or divisions in society. He said all such activities must remain within the bounds of the Constitution and the law, with public discourse maintaining “the dignity and decorum of a civilised discourse”.
Bhagwat alleged that foreign forces seeking to weaken India could take advantage of domestic differences and public discontent. “A storm has swept in from the West, driven by a demonic resolve to destroy and devastate all that is decent, auspicious, and rooted in cultural and human values, both in Bharat and across the world,” he said.
He further alleged that some global forces sought to create instability among nations and install their proxies in positions of influence to serve their own interests.
“As Bharat continues to progress in this manner, the designs of those forces that seek to create instability among the nations of the world and install their own proxies in positions of influence, so that they can serve as instruments for advancing their selfish interests, will be thwarted, and their operations will be shut down,” Mohan Bhagwat said.
He added that some individuals and political leaders, driven by personal ambitions and political interests, could assist such forces. These allegations were part of his address, in which he called for greater vigilance against attempts to exploit differences within society.
‘Movements should not become tools of politics’
Bhagwat said social movements could be diverted from their original objectives when they became driven by hostility towards individuals, groups or ideologies. “When this is not the case and a movement becomes a tool of politics, driven by hostility and antagonism towards an individual, a group, or an ideology, forces seeking to undermine Bharat take advantage of the situation,” he said.
He described the alleged strategy as one that deepens differences, encourages a sense of victimhood and weakens public faith in the country’s institutions. He also cautioned political leaders against allowing electoral calculations to override reason and goodwill. “We must be vigilant that the lure of votes, cheap popularity, or political gains does not overpower our prudence and goodwill,” he said.
The RSS chief maintained that neither the government alone nor street protests could resolve every social problem. Solutions could also emerge through community participation and dialogue.
“Experience shows that it is neither the government alone that can resolve all the problems of society, nor is it true that problems can be resolved only through agitations. Solutions can also emerge through the active participation of the society and dialogue amongst its members,” he said.
Calls for harmony in a diverse society
Mohan Bhagwat stressed that India’s diversity of faith, language, caste, region and customs should not be treated as a source of separation. He called for greater mutual trust and respect, including in the conduct of government officials and during the implementation of public policies.
“Our behaviour should always be courteous and considerate, reflect a sense of belonging, and demonstrate due regard for the dignity and respect of citizens,” he said.
He also urged people not to allow historical grievances to fuel fresh conflicts. While acknowledging the facts of history, society should work towards resolving existing differences and preventing new ones, he said.
Defending the RSS’s approach, Bhagwat said its efforts to build an organised and strong Hindu society were not contrary to respect for other faiths or national unity. “The RSS is working to awaken this very Hindu spirit and build the entire society into a well-organized and strong society,” he said, describing the Hindu worldview as one that transcends distinctions of worship, language, caste and region.
Technology must serve balanced development
Bhagwat also called for a development model that combines scientific progress with ethical responsibility. He said technological advances should be welcomed but warned against pursuing material prosperity without considering its wider social and environmental consequences. “However, it must also be remembered that technology is merely a means,” he said.
Referring to artificial intelligence, he cautioned that useful technologies could also be misused to mislead people, spread falsehoods and deceive society. He cited the Himalayan region’s development challenges while referring to the recent tragedy in Nepal, arguing that development must take a more balanced and holistic approach.
Vande Mataram and national unity
Reiterating his emphasis on national unity, Bhagwat said devotion to the motherland, pride in shared ancestral heritage and commitment to India’s cultural values could unite people across social and religious differences.
He also said there should be no hesitation in singing the national song in its entirety.
“Vande Mataram which defeated the divisive conspiracy of the division of Bengal continues to be a powerful source of same inspiration of unity even today. It is our national song, and there should be no hesitation or objection to sing it in its entirety, with pride and in a loud, clear voice,” he said.
Bhagwat called upon people to contribute to nation-building through everyday acts of service and responsibility. Referring to the RSS’s centenary, he said the organisation would continue working towards building an organised and active society after completing its centenary programmes. He said India’s aspiration to become a Vishwaguru—a guide to the world—would require sustained collective effort, social harmony and a development model rooted in human values.
