RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says development must reach the last person in India's socio-economic ladder

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday emphasised the need for economic and social development to reach all sections of society saying national progress has little meaning if people at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder are left behindBhagwat was speaking at an event organised by the Deendayal Seva Pratishthan in Yavatmal to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya He referred to the principles of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya which focus on the welfare and uplift of the most disadvantaged sections of societyBhagwat said development was taking place across the country but stressed that the gap between the most developed and least developed sections should be reducedGap between rich and poor needs to narrowBhagwat said differences in the pace of development across a large and diverse country were inevitable but argued that the gap between the highest and lowest levels of development should remain as small as possiblePeople may argue that in a vast country like India everyone cannot reach the same level of growth simultaneously That perspective is acceptable but the gap between the highest and lowest levels of development must be kept to an absolute minimum Bhagwat observedHe said that if the benefits of economic growth did not reach marginalised communities policymakers would need to reconsider the way development was plannedAccording to Bhagwat development policies should place the needs of the poorest sections at the centre of decisionmaking rather than focusing only on aggregate economic growthSix essentials for a dignified lifeBhagwat also drew a distinction between poverty in the past and deprivation in modern times He said that historically even economically disadvantaged households had access to certain basic resources necessary for a dignified lifeHe identified six essential requirements that in his view should be available to every individual and family These included adequate food and nutrition clothing shelter basic education healthcare and medical access and the financial capacity to extend hospitality to guests and monksIn our countrys history even the poor were not deprived of these six essentials They had enough to sustain a dignityfilled life Bhagwat saidHe argued that modern economic models should aim to ensure these minimum living standards for all citizens particularly those at the lower end of the economic spectrumBhagwat calls for sustainable farmingSpeaking about agriculture Bhagwat said farming should not be treated solely as a commercial activity or a means of productionHe described agriculture as a social responsibility with implications for the wider community and global wellbeingBhagwat also cautioned against excessive dependence on chemicalbased farming and advocated agricultural practices that are more closely aligned with natural processesHe said the approach to farming should take into account longterm sustainability rather than focusing only on immediate production and commercial returnsNational progress linked to welfare of allBhagwat concluded his address by linking Indias prosperity with the wellbeing of every citizenNo one can be truly happy in this world as long as suffering exists around us To make our country prosperous and happy every single citizen within it must be empoweredHe said the objective of development should therefore extend beyond economic expansion and include social welfare access to basic necessities and the ability of individuals to lead dignified livesWith inputs from IANS