Forces Wanting Disturbances Active Inside and Outside: RSS Chief Bhagwat On Regional Turmoil

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday expressed apprehension over the recent political upheavals in India's neighbouring nations, linking them to public discontent.

Speaking at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, he stated, "In recent years, there has been considerable turmoil in our neighbouring countries. The regime change in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and more recently Nepal due to violent outburst of public anger is a concern for us." He cautioned that forces seeking to create similar disturbances are active both within and outside India.

Emphasising democratic processes, he added, "The forces wanting to create such disturbances in Bharat are active inside as well as outside our country... However, violent outbursts do not have the power to bring about the desirable change. The society can achieve such transformation only through democratic means." He further stressed the cultural and familial ties with these nations, noting that their peace and stability are a "necessity arising out of our natural affinity."

Security and Development

The RSS chief acknowledged the government's success in curbing the Naxalite movement, attributing it to state action and public disillusionment. However, he highlighted the underlying causes of the insurgency and called for a sustained, comprehensive approach.

"The extremist Naxalist movement has been largely brought under control due to the firm actions of the government and the realisation among people about the hollowness of their ideology and cruelty," Bhagwat said. "The root of Naxalites' popularity in these areas lay in exploitation and injustice, lack of development, and absence of sensitivity... Now that these obstacles have been removed, a comprehensive action plan is required to ensure justice, development, goodwill, empathy, and harmony in these regions."

Global Challenges and a Call for Indian Solutions

Bhagwat also addressed broader global issues, pointing to a disconnect between rapid technological progress and humanity's ability to adapt. He cited ongoing conflicts, environmental degradation, and the erosion of social bonds as key problems.

"Across the globe, scientific progress... presents a positive picture. However, there is a considerable difference between the pace of scientific and technological progress and the pace at which humans adapt to these," he remarked. He warned of "perverted and hostile forces" that seek to destroy cultural and traditional unifiers, and posited that the world is now looking for answers from Indian thought. "In Bharat too, we are experiencing all these circumstances in various ways. The world is eagerly awaiting solutions that are based on Bharatiya philosophy," he stated.

Warning on Climate Change

Highlighting environmental concerns, Bhagwat described climate change-induced disasters in the Himalayas as a "warning bell" for India and South Asia. He critiqued the prevailing global development model for its materialistic focus.

"The harmful consequences of the materialist and consumerist development model adopted worldwide... are increasingly becoming evident everywhere," he said. "In Bharat too, due to the same model, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, landslides, drying up of glaciers, and other similar effects have intensified over the last 3-4 years... The occurrence of these disasters in the Himalayas should be considered as a warning bell for Bharat and other countries of South Asia."

The event, which also marked the commencement of the RSS's centenary year, was attended by a gathering of dignitaries, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and former President Ram Nath Kovind, who served as the chief guest.

With inputs from ANI