Nagpur (Maharashtra): An atmosphere of disappointment and lost faith which existed a couple of years back has evaporated and an atmosphere of optimism and expectations has come to the fore, but problems of a burgeoning population remain a concern, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said here on Thursday.
Addressing the customary 90th Vijaya Dashami, or Dassehra rally at Reshimbaugh Maidan here on Thursday morning, Bhagwat lavished praise on the NDA government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by which the country’s “esteem in the world has gone up manifold, many pro-active steps taken to improve bilateral relations with the neighbouring countries with successful results”.
“It seems the world is being introduced to a new modern Bharat (India), which is full of self-respect and self-confidence; India is reincarnating itself into an altogether new manifestation and the world is enchanted to see her new avatar with utmost optimism,” Bhagwat said.
However, he urged that all these positive vibes reach the last person in the row by turning it into an actual experience with a real positive change in his life, reinforcing his trust in the bright future of his country and his own life.
In this context, he said efforts of the Niti Ayog is in the right direction, though it would take time for metamorphosis and patience for the fructification.
He commended the policies of Mudra Bank, Jan Dhan Yojana, voluntary surrender of cooking gas subsidy, Swachh Bharat initiative and Skill Development as useful intiaitives in the developmental process.
Bhagwat expressed concerns over the country’s population policy and sought a debate on whether it is a boon or a bane, where the the current systems and resources would be adequate to provide employment and basic amenities to the masses after 50 years, or the manpower required to run the country’s systems effectively.
Without mentioning any particular community, he said the last two Census reports brought fore population ‘imbalances’ which impact our present and future.
“We need to rise above vote-bank politics to formulate a holistic approach, equally applicable to all citizens, towards the population policy. It cannot be enforced by laws or government, but require efforts to tune the society’s psyche to it,” Bhagwat said.
To achieve this, the RSS chief called for “a respectful dialogue, to bring about a change in the natural instincts, behavioural pattern, customary religious practices and cultural traditions in accordance with current times”.
However, he said the change should come from within, it should not be guided by cheap popularity or political incentives as it could ultimately affect social cohesion and harmony to the detriment of the nation.
For achieving this positive change, Bhagwat underlined the role of education – including ethical education – parents, society and media – which should be regulated while conserving their freedom to ensure that no ill-effect, knowingly or unknowingly prevails in society.
Commenting on Pakistan hostilities, expansionism from China, rising fundamentalism and chauvinism in the world order, unfair international diplomacy resulting in growth of terror outfits like ISIS add to the already complicated, serious domestic and external security and the government must deal with it firmly, he urged.
Bhagwat pointed out that for prosperity and security, the government, administration and people must be on the same page and “Hindutva could act as the common chord” in this context.
He listed several coincidences of Thursday’s rally – where eminent scientist V.K. Saraswat was the chief guest – including RSS 90th anniversary, 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the end of 125th year celebrations of RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar, birth centenary of RSS ideologue and ex-chief Balasaheb Deoras, the start of birth centenary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, the 1,000th year of coronation of King Raj Rajeshwar Rajendra Chola, 1,000th birth anniversary of Kashmiri philosopher Acharya Abhinav Gupt and the 5151th anniversary of the Hindu holy book, the Bhagvad Gita.