Video Editor: Mohd. Ibrahim
Video Producer: Hera Khan, Shohini Bose
As the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh’s lecture series ‘Bhavishya Ka Bharat – An RSS Perspective’ in Delhi concluded on Wednesday, 19 September, the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat batted for construction of the Ram Mandir at the earliest, for harmony among Hindu and Muslims, cow protection and Section 377.
Talking at the conclave, Bhagwat said, “Hindutva is getting a great reception world across. It's (only) in India, (that a) hue and cry is made over it.”
“Cow is a subject of traditional faith. Cow can become the base for rural ecosystem of small farmers. Cow is beneficial in many ways. Earlier, no one talked of Desi cow milk. But now they are,” Bhagwat said, adding that taking law in one's own hand, violence or destructing property, is totally inappropriate.
“Due process of law should follow. The guilty should be punished,” he said.
Here are the highlights from Bhagwat’s speech on the final day of the RSS event:
On Religious Conversion
“If all religions are equal, then what is the need for conversion? If all religions are equal and you still try to convert people, it means that the motivation is something else other that the intention to teach spirituality.”Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief
On Section 377
Talking about Section 377, Bhagwat said that everybody is part of society and while some people are different, they are part of the same society. He also mentioned that with changing times, there is a need to ensure a healthy society.
On Reservation
“RSS completely supports the reservation given by the Constitution to remove social stigmas. The decision regarding reservation continuity has to be taken by those to whom reservation has been granted. Whenever they feel it is not necessary, they will decide.”Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief
On Caste System
Bhagwat also said that the society needs to move ahead without a caste system.
“Making it a reality will be tough, but we will make it happen. We don’t ask for caste in Sangh. As long as there is quota and reservation, we will continue to be divided along caste,” the RSS chief said.
On Ram Mandir
“Ram Mandir should be built at the earliest. If it is constructed, then the reason for animosity between Muslims and Hindus will go away.”Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief
On Cow Protection
“Cow protection should definitely happen, but it won’t happen only through a law. The people of the country should keep cows. If they are allowed to roam free, it creates a menace and reduces the sanctity of the cow.”Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief
“Cow protectors shouldn’t be equated with those anti-social vigilantes. The society needs to be made aware. Only then, cows will be protected and the country will benefit,” he added.
On English
“Language is the tool for expression and culture. That’s why they should inevitably exist. We should have total knowledge of our language. Don’t be enemies with any language. Don’t remove English. Only give it the required importance.”Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief
However, he said that the need for a person to learn his or her mother tongue, was paramount.
“There is no need to be hostile towards any foreign language. We can learn other languages, but there’s a need for mother tongue education. For that, (we have to) make up our mind first, not the law. All Indian languages are ours. They all are great,” he said.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)