Dehradun, February 24: On the second day of his visit to Uttarakhand, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the Chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), held a significant dialogue with veterans and former military officials at the Himalayan Cultural Center in Nimbuwala, Dehradun. The event featured a major public meeting and a coordinated dialogue program.
The program commenced with a warm welcome from retired Major General Gulab Singh Rawat, Colonel Ajay Kothiyal, and Colonel Mayank Chaubey. The gathering included six retired generals, a vice admiral, a director general of the coast guard, a brigadier, and over 50 colonel-ranked officers. Hundreds of former captains and sergeants proudly attended in their military uniforms.
In his keynote address, Dr. Bhagwat emphasized the central role of society in shaping the nation’s destiny. He asserted that a strong society leads to a robust defense of the nation. The organized strength of society empowers every citizen, making it essential for societal leadership to be characterized by integrity and discipline. He recalled the legacy of the First War of Independence in 1857 and revolutionary movements, stating that the flame of freedom has never been extinguished. Citing Winston Churchill in the context of World War II, he highlighted that learning from history is a hallmark of mature national consciousness.
Reflecting on the RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, he noted that Hedgewar was a born patriot who played a fearless role in the freedom struggle, associating with many freedom fighters, including Madan Mohan Malviya. Dr. Bhagwat clarified that the sole purpose of the RSS is individual development, not electoral politics, as a strong individual leads to a strong nation. The RSS has thrived without external resources, continuing to advance on the strength of society’s inner power, even after facing bans twice.
During the second and special session, veterans and officials raised crucial questions on national security, social harmony, youth issues, and policy matters, to which Dr. Bhagwat responded with logical and balanced answers. In response to queries regarding national security and the Agniveer scheme, he stated that excellent leadership and military preparedness are always essential. He described the Agniveer scheme as an experiment, suggesting that it should be improved based on experience.
Addressing issues related to Nepal, Bangladesh, Kashmir, and neighboring countries, he affirmed that these regions have historically been part of the same cultural landscape. He reiterated that Kashmir is an integral part of India and stressed the need for a vigilant and firm policy against anti-India campaigns.
On Hindu identity and social harmony, he stated that the Indian perspective embraces both the animate and inanimate, with the essence of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” at its core. He emphasized that religion is a fundamental element that shapes humanity and society. He clearly stated that Hindu thought is inclusive and generous, allowing anyone to join the Hindu community without any changes. Public resources like temples, water bodies, and cremation grounds should be equally accessible to all Hindus.
Regarding ideological bitterness on social media, he called for reviving the tradition of meaningful dialogue and debate instead of hostility. Effective policies emerge from direct grassroots communication and feedback. Discussing corruption and character building, he noted that corruption is a problem of intent, not just of systems. Instilling values in children, promoting savings, and fostering a spirit of sharing with society are the true foundations of nation-building. The tendency to rise above selfishness and find joy in altruism is a hallmark of a healthy society.
On issues concerning the youth, migration, and local development, Dr. Bhagwat highlighted vast opportunities in education, health, and local entrepreneurship. He stressed the need for special and planned efforts to curb migration from mountainous regions like Garhwal. He identified the Uniform Civil Code as a vital tool for national unity, suggesting it would reduce social disputes. On the topic of reservations, he emphasized the need for patience and broad social consensus. He addressed population imbalance, citing conversion, infiltration, and birth rates as contributing factors, advocating for comprehensive and visionary policies.
Encouraging the veterans present, Mohan Bhagwat stated that there is an equal need for service and struggle within society as there is for soldiers fighting at the borders. He urged them to join the RSS’s more than 130,000 active service projects nationwide, emphasizing that every veteran’s participation in this service endeavor during the centenary year would be invaluable.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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