RSS chief stresses dedication to national service, preservation of India's knowledge traditions and the importance of balance in lifeMumbai
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the 14th annual conference of the All India Vihar Seva Group in Mumbai, speaking about dedication, national service and the relationship between the nation and religion.Bhagwat urged people to put the values of the nation and religion into practice through their actions rather than merely preaching them. He said that thousands of RSS volunteers devote their time and money to serving the country without expecting anything in return.“Try to incorporate these two things—nation and religion—into your conduct. If you can demonstrate them through your actions, that is enough. This is not about preaching,” Bhagwat said.Dedication to a Noble Cause Gives Life MeaningHighlighting the importance of commitment, Bhagwat said that dedicating oneself to a noble, divine or sacred purpose could make life more meaningful and fulfilling.He told the gathering that being called upon to serve such a purpose was an opportunity to be valued, adding that finding meaningful work in life was itself a significant achievement.‘Nation and Religion Cannot Be Separated’Speaking about the connection between the nation and religion, Bhagwat said that the two were inseparable in India's traditional understanding.“In our tradition, the nation and religion are not separate. The purpose of the nation is dharma, and dharma exists to serve the nation. Both are interconnected. When the nation becomes weak, religion faces a threat. When the practice of dharma weakens, the nation declines,” he said.He added that taking both forward in the right manner was a shared responsibility. According to Bhagwat, when young students devote time to protecting India's knowledge traditions, their contribution serves both a national purpose and a religious one.India Can Offer a Path of Balance and PeaceBhagwat also spoke about the challenges arising from extremism, conflicting loyalties and the absence of balance in contemporary society.He observed that happiness and aspirations often come with limitations, while one form of loyalty can sometimes come into conflict with another. He suggested that the lack of a balanced or middle path was contributing to global difficulties.Referring to India's historical and philosophical traditions, Bhagwat said the country had, over a long period, presented ideas of happiness and peace to the world without seeking to conquer other nations or convert people to another religion.He said these traditions were among the reasons the world looked towards India for ideas about a way forward.The conference was attended by a large number of RSS volunteers and students, who participated in discussions centred on dedication, national service and the preservation of India's knowledge heritage.
