World turning to India for leadership, guidance: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Mohan Bhagwat emphasised that India has a dual responsibility - to forge a new path for the world while safeguarding its traditions, culture, and heritage.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday underscored India's rising global influence and hailed the success of the G20 summit held under India's presidency last month.
Speaking at the 75th anniversary celebration of the RSS-linked Bengali magazine 'Swastika', Bhagwat reflected on India's journey since gaining independence and the need to uphold the principles of freedom fighters and great thinkers.
While acknowledging previous G20 events, Bhagwat noted the significance of hosting the summit in India under India's presidency, guided by the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'(World is one family).
"G20 events were held previously. But when it was held in India and under India's presidency, with the guiding principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' it gained significant prominence. India must be the guiding light for the world," Mohan Bhagwat said.
Further in his speech, Bhagwat emphasised that India has a dual responsibility: to forge a new path for the world while safeguarding its traditions, culture, and heritage.
"Swami Vivekananda had once said that the country has to rise by providing 'dharma' to the entire world," he said.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Bhagwat highlighted how each of these leaders offered a unique path to propel the country forward after attaining freedom.
However, he claimed that the country did not follow these paths immediately after gaining independence due to various reasons and instead took a different direction.
"Now, as we make a U-turn, we must recognise that this transformation won't happen overnight," the RSS chief said.
Speaking about influence of the West on a section of Indian youth and intellectuals, Bhagwat called for a more vocal stance against wrongdoing.
"Those who remain quiet despite witnessing wrongdoings do more harm to the society than those who are committing it. Where there is any wrongdoing, and lies, we must speak up," he said.