‘Provoking communities is unacceptable’: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during Vijay Dashami address

“The new tariff policy implemented by the US was done keeping in mind their interest. But everyone is affected by them… The world functions with dependence on each other… No country can survive in isolation. This dependence must not turn into compulsion… We need to rely on swadeshi and focus on self-reliance, yet strive to maintain diplomatic relations with all our friendly nations, which will be with our wish and without compulsion,” Bhagwat said.

The RSS, the ideological parent of the ruling BJP, is marking its centenary this year.

Concerns Over Regional Unrest and Anarchy

Bhagwat also expressed concern over political unrest in neighbouring countries, including the recent movement in Nepal that led to regime change. “Neighbourhood unrest is not a good sign,” he said, pointing to protests in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. “The forces wanting to create such disturbances in Bharat are active both inside and outside our country,” he warned.

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He stressed that change should come through democratic means, not violent uprisings. “Democratic movements bring change; violent uprisings don’t. They cause an upheaval, but the status quo remains. Check history. No revolution has fulfilled its objective. France rose against its king, and Napoleon became emperor. So many so-called socialist movements happened, and all these socialist countries are now capitalist. Anarchy allows foreign powers to play their games,” he said.

Unity, Diversity, and Response to Pahalgam Attack

The RSS chief reiterated India’s tradition of diversity and called for lawful expression of differences. “Some differences may lead to discord. Differences must be expressed within the law. Provoking communities is unacceptable. The administration must act fairly, but the youth must also stay alert and intervene if needed. The grammar of anarchy needs to be stopped,” he said, rejecting any ‘us versus them’ mentality.

Referring to the Pahalgam attack, Bhagwat condemned the killing of 26 civilians who were targeted after being asked their religion. “The Indian government planned and gave a strong response in May. Besides the country’s strong leadership and the forces’ bravery, we also saw the society’s strength and unity during this period,” he said.