New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has raised concerns over the increasing number of temple-mosque disputes across India. Speaking at Sahjeevan Vyakhyanmala lecture series on Thursday, he criticized people who, after the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, are trying to create new controversies in an attempt to portray themselves as leaders of Hindus.
Bhagwat spoke about the need for an inclusive and harmonious society. He said that India has long been a land of cultural unity. He said, “We have been living in harmony for a long time. If we want to provide this harmony to the world, we need to create a model of it.” He said that disputes should not be fueled in the name of leadership and that India must set an example for peaceful coexistence.
Mohan Bhagwat calls for unity and harmony
Reflecting on India’s cultural plurality, Bhagwat said how Christmas is celebrated in the Ramakrishna Mission. He said, “Only we can do this because we are Hindus.” He said that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was constructed as a matter of faith for Hindus, but warned against using similar disputes to create division.
“Every day a new matter is being raised. How can this be allowed? This cannot continue. India needs to show that we can live together,” he said.
Mohan Bhagwat highlights India’s historical struggles
The RSS chief reflected on India’s historical struggles with division. He spoke about how external groups brought staunch and rigid practices, leading to a desire to re-establish dominance. He mentioned Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s rule as an example of staunchness but also noted how Aurangzeb’s descendant, Bahadur Shah Zafar, tried to promote unity by banning cow slaughter during the 1857 rebellion, as reported by PTI.
Bhagwat also blamed the British for deepening communal divisions, leading to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. “It was decided that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya should be given to Hindus, but the British sensed it and created a rift between the two communities,” he said.
The RSS chief questioned the use of “language of dominance,” saying that all citizens are equal under the Indian Constitution. He asked, “Who is a minority and who is a majority? Everyone is equal here. The tradition of this nation is that all can follow their own forms of worship. The only requirement is to live in harmony and abide by rules and laws.”
Bhagwat urged people to focus on unity rather than division. He said that India’s strength lies in its ability to embrace diversity while fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
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