Don't politicise protests, focus on solutions: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s message to protesters, leaders

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday urged protesters political leaders and government authorities to focus on finding solutions to social problems rather than using public agitations for political gainsAddressing the organisationrsquos annual Vijayadashami and Shastra Puja celebrations at Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur Maharashtra Bhagwat said protests were a natural response to social problems and systemic shortcomings However he cautioned against turning them into instruments of political rivalry or hostility towards individuals groups or ideologiesHe appealed to protesters government representatives administrative officials and political leaders to ensure that their actions did not fuel hatred bitterness or divisions within societyBhagwat calls for lawful and peaceful protestsBhagwat said that even when public anger ran high protests should remain within the limits of the Constitution and the law He stressed the need for restraint civility and mutual respect in public conduct and political discourseThe RSS chief also cautioned organisers and political leaders against allowing electoral considerations the pursuit of popularity or shortterm political gains to take precedence over constructive engagementHe called for dialogue and respect for institutions arguing that public movements should contribute to addressing problems rather than deepen existing divisionsRSS chief stresses national unityEmphasising the importance of social cohesion Bhagwat said divisions within society weakened its collective strength He referred to historical setbacks and subjugation attributing them in part to internal fragmentation and called for a shared national consciousness to safeguard Indiarsquos sovereignty and futureHe also highlighted the contributions of Bengalrsquos Rajnarain Bose whose 200th birth anniversary is being observed Bhagwat recalled Bosersquos efforts to promote cultural identity and public awareness through traditional festivals including Hindu MelasBhagwat recalls Sant Ravidasrsquos message of harmonyThe RSS chief paid tribute to Sant Ravidas highlighting his role in sustaining public morale through devotion faith and a message of social harmony during periods of hardship and insecurityBhagwat said Sant Ravidasrsquos life and teachings continued to offer guidance on strengthening society and fostering a sense of collective purposeReferring to Indiarsquos diverse social and cultural landscape Bhagwat said the country was home to different faiths regions languages food habits and traditions He emphasised that unity remained essential despite these differences and called for the country to move forward through solidarityAdvocates Swadeshi raises concern over drug abuseBhagwat also called for wider adoption of Swadeshi or indigenous goods and systems as part of efforts to strengthen the countryrsquos economic and social foundationsAddressing concerns about substance abuse among young people he described drug addiction as a serious social problem He urged parents and educators to guide young people raise awareness about the risks of addiction and help prevent substance abusePolitical leaders attend Vijayadashami celebrationsThe event was attended by several prominent personalities including former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar veteran journalist Sanjay Gupta who was the chief guest and Yaniv Revach Consul General of Israel to Midwest IndiaOther attendees included RSS Vidarbha Pramukh Sanghchalak Deepak Tamshetiwar SahSanghchalak Sridhar Gadge and Nagpur Mahanagar Sanghchalak Rajesh LoyaMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Union Minister Nitin Gadkari state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pramukh Sanchalika Shantakka former MP Ajay Sancheti and MLA Parinay Fuke were also presentWith inputs from IANS