At RSS' Dussehra Event, Mohan Bhagwat Takes Jibes at 'Cultural Marxists, Wokism'

At the Vijay Dashami event, the RSS chief said that "cultural marxists" have taken over media and academics.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Dussehra event in Nagpur.

(Photo: PTI/Kamran Akhter)

Addressing the annual RSS Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur, Maharashtra on Tuesday, 24 October, the Sangh's chief Mohan Bhagwat described "cultural Marxism" as "selfish and deceitful" forces seeking to divide the country by taking "control of the media and academia."

"The purpose of Bharat's rise has always been the welfare of the world. But, selfish, discriminatory and deceitful forces seeking their sectarian interests are also making their own efforts to disrupt social cohesion and promote conflict. They wear various cloaks. Some of these forces call themselves 'cultural marxists' or 'woke' nowadays," said Bhagwat.

He continued that these forces "claim to be working for some lofty goals" but their real objectives are to disrupt all "orderliness and morality, beneficence, culture, dignity and restraint" in the world.

Talking about the 2024 general Lok Sabha elections, Bhagwat said, "Keep in mind that it is the duty of every citizen to vote. Everyone should do it. Think with a calm mind about who is good and who has done good work...The Indian public has experienced everything...Give to those who are best."

Bhagwat also spoke about how India is a force to reckon with and that historically, the geographic location of India provided natural protection with mountains on three sides as well as sea and that people in the country had devoted their time in search of internal truth which also manifested as the "unity of the world."

Noting that residents of the country are "descendants of common ancestors," he said that devotion to "Bharat Mata unites people" and that it should be followed by all irrespective of caste, sect and religion.

Three elements — devotion to the motherland, pride in forefathers and common culture — make us one nation by tying together all diversities of language, religion, region, sect and sub-caste. Even those who follow faiths which have come outside must follow these three elements.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS chief

Bhagwat also praised how 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam' (One Earth, One Family, One Future) was used during the the G20 summit and said, "With every passing year, the respect for Indians is increasing in the world, which we all are experiencing ourselves. When the G20 Summit was organised here (in India), the hospitality of Indians was immensely appreciated."

'Are External Forces Involved in Manipur Violence?'

Speaking on the violence that had ensued in Manipur the RSS chief said, "In Manipur, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, which are these forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction?"

“For many years, Meitei and Kuki communities have been living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict benefits external forces...Are external factors involved?” Bhagwat asked, while addressing the event.

He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had gone to Manipur for three days. "Who actually fueled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen,” alleged Bhagwat.

Bhagwat also talked about the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, stating that, "A temple of Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya...Lord Ram (idol) will be installed at the temple on 22 January...On that day, not all people can come, it will be a security matter, but on that day, we can organise programmes at our own temples in the whole country."

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan also attended the RSS' Dussehra event as the chief guest.

After he extended his greetings and thanked Bhagwat and RSS for inviting him to the program, he added, "When I compose songs, I believe it is my responsibility to showcase classical music so the coming generation can witness it."

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)