‘Stay away from Sangh if seeking election tickets’:Bhagwat warns against judging RSS via BJP lens; calls for 5 transformations for society at Bhopal event

On the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a public discourse was organised in Bhopal on Friday. Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that while Hindus may differ in opinions, sects, languages, and castes, the Hindu identity unites everyone. He emphasised that the Sangh’s aim is not political power, but the quality of society, character building, and nation-strengthening. ‘Sangh not a political or paramilitary body’ Dr. Bhagwat clarified that the Sangh is neither a political organisation nor a paramilitary or social service body. He said it is a movement to make society self-reliant, disciplined, and strong. Marches in uniform or service activities should not be misunderstood as military or charity work. Speakers and programme The event saw Ashok Pandey, Sanghchalak of Madhya Bharat Prant, and Somkant Umalkar, Sanghchalak of Bhopal Vibhag, on stage. Dr. Bhagwat addressed issues like politics, indigenous economy, youth direction, family life, and environmental protection. Focus on indigenous economy and tariffs Speaking on global trade, Dr. Bhagwat said India should prioritise indigenous products. Even for foreign items, imports should happen on India’s terms. He said India is capable of becoming self-reliant and should not fear tariffs. Connecting youth with Indian values Dr. Bhagwat stressed the need to connect Generation Z and youth with Indian culture, history, and values. He compared India with China, where children are taught a national vision from childhood, and urged similar initiatives in India. Concerns over fashion, fast food and family He expressed concern over blind imitation of fashion and consumerism. Dr. Bhagwat said family habits, such as eating together, must be revived. He also warned about the growing fast food culture and its impact on society. Environmental protection Dr. Bhagwat criticised tree felling in Bhopal and stressed that sustainable development is impossible without protecting water, forests, and the environment. He called single-use plastics a threat to society. Misconceptions about the Sangh The Sarsanghchalak said many people misunderstand the Sangh, whether supporters or opponents. Dialogue programs like this aim to clarify that the Sangh’s core work is nation-building and social unity. Origins of the Sangh Dr. Bhagwat said the RSS was not created in reaction to anyone, nor does it compete with anyone. Founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, associated with the freedom movement, wanted a social organisation to build discipline and unity in society. Society, not leaders, decide the country’s destiny Bhagwat emphasised that lasting freedom comes from a strong sense of ‘self’ in society. Policies or leaders alone cannot determine the nation’s destiny. The Sangh was established to bring unity, character, and quality into society. Organisation of entire society The Sangh does not work as a pressure group. Its aim is to organise the entire Hindu society. By creating virtues and discipline, the country automatically becomes strong. The Sangh functions through its branches across the nation. Focus on volunteers Dr. Bhagwat said the Sangh’s work is limited to creating volunteers. These volunteers contribute according to society’s needs. The Sangh does not control their work remotely. Building a network of good people Dr. Bhagwat said that social reform is not the work of the Sangh alone. There are good people in all religions and communities. The Sangh aims to create a network that brings these people together for the nation’s progress. Five transformations for society For societal and national progress, Dr. Bhagwat called for five transformations: He said society must work together on these points to strengthen the nation.