On Vijayadashmi, Mohan Bhagwat Slams 'Cultural Marxists', Cautions People Against Divisive Forces

In his Vijayadashmi address, the RSS chief said that cultural Marxists reward, promote and spread anarchy.

Nagpur: On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashmi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a powerful address, focusing on India's global leadership, Manipur violence, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and the importance of maintaining unity in the country.

World Looks At India As A Global Peacemaker

Addressing a ceremonial Dussehra event in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat stated that the world is currently facing numerous challenges, including fanaticism, arrogance, and religious extremism. He emphasized that conflicts like the war in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, arising from clashes of interests and extremism, remain unresolved. Bhagwat noted that a lifestyle out of sync with nature has resulted in various physical and mental health issues, all amid unabashed consumerism.

He further added that terrorism, exploitation, and totalitarianism are on the rise and that the world's existing vision is inadequate to address these issues. Therefore, he stressed that the world looks to India with hopeful expectations to lead by example and demonstrate a new path to peace and prosperity based on India's timeless Sanatan values and Sanskars.

Calls For Unity Against Terrorism, Violence

RSS Chief Bhagwat also called for an organized force in society to combat violence and hooliganism. He urged people to support the government while following the law and upholding the constitution. He considered such behaviour a demonstration of patriotism. He cautioned against being swayed by inflammatory propaganda through the media and advised using media to promote truth and harmony in society. Bhagwat warned that the cultural Marxists and woke elements were using their influence in media and academia to spoil the country's education and culture. The RSS chief described cultural Marxists and 'woke' people as selfish, discriminatory and deceitful forces using their influence in media and academia to spoil the country's education and culture. "These destructive forces call themselves 'woke', and claim to be working for some lofty goals, but their real goals are to disrupt orderliness in the world," he said.

Manipur Violence Orchestrated, Blames External Forces

Bhagwat turned his attention to the violence in Manipur and questioned the forces attempting to incite hatred and violence, particularly when positive steps are taken toward peace. He called for multidimensional efforts, a strong political will, and the role of enlightened societal leadership to bridge the mutual distrust between communities and resolve this pressing issue. "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? Multidimensional efforts will be required to solve this grave problem. To resolve this vexed problem, we would need a strong political will, concurrent actions, and efficiency. Simultaneously, the enlightened leadership of the society will also have to play a special role in bridging the gap of mutual distrust that has arisen due to the unfortunate situation between the two communities," he said.

Cautions Against Attempts To Harvest Votes, Divisive Forces

In his address, Bhagwat cautioned against the divisive tactics often seen in the lead-up to elections. "There are some people in the world and in also India who do not want India should move forward. They try to create factions and clashes in society. Because of our unawareness and lack of belief, we also sometimes get entangled in it, and unnecessary nuisances are created. If India progresses, they will not be able to play their games; therefore, they continuously oppose. They adopt particular ideologies just for the sake of opposing" the RSS Chief said.

He emphasized that harvesting votes by inflaming emotions is detrimental to the unity of society. "Let us avoid these things, as they hurt the unity of the society. To cast a vote is the duty of every citizen, and we must follow it. Cast your vote keeping in mind the vital issues of unity, integrity, identity, and development of the country," he said. He also encouraged citizens to fulfil their duty by voting while considering critical issues such as unity, integrity, identity, and the country's development. 

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: While addressing RSS Vijayadashmi Utsav, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, "...Elections are coming... 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… pic.twitter.com/XJjfXwakxi

— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

Hails India's G20 Leadership

Highlighting India's growing prominence on the global stage, Bhagwat spoke about the successful G20 summit held in India. He praised India's hospitality, diverse culture, diplomatic skills, and goodwill. He emphasized that India's leadership on the world stage is steadily elevating the nation's status.

Vijayadashmi Celebrations In Nagpur

The annual 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commenced with a route march in Nagpur. The event featured the presence of singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan as the chief guest. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the organization's founder, KB Hedgewar, and conducted 'Shastra Pooja' as part of the 'Vijayadashami Utsav.' Prominent figures, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also attended. Founded in Nagpur in 1925, RSS has been celebrating Vijayadashami Utsav annually, with dignitaries from various fields gracing the occasion.