New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently urged Hindus to refrain from raising new disputes involving religious sites, labeling the Ram temple in Ayodhya as a unique matter of faith. Speaking at a lecture series in Pune titled “Vishwaguru Bharat,” Bhagwat emphasized the importance of unity and moral progress, asserting that diversity is an “ornament of unity.” His remarks came amid growing debates over the Places of Worship Act and increasing demands for surveys of mosques and dargahs across India.
Bhagwat’s assertion that India should embrace its role as a global spiritual leader, or Vishwaguru, by transcending religious and caste divisions has been widely debated. He highlighted the need for peace and equality, contrasting India’s inclusive philosophy with the world’s strife despite wealth and technological advancements.
Amravati, Maharashtra: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “It is essential to fully understand Dharma. Incomplete understanding of Dharma often leads to Adharma. The atrocities committed in the name of religion throughout the world are due to this lack of complete knowledge. To… pic.twitter.com/w2X6fZaESA
— IANS (@ians_india) December 22, 2024
Reactions from Hindu Saints
Jagat Guru Swami Avdheshanand Giri reacted sharply to Bhagwat’s remarks in a statement to IANS. The religious leader stated, “Faith is deeply personal, and for centuries, temples have been more than places of worship; they symbolize our heritage and identity. While calls for harmony are welcome, dismissing genuine concerns about historical injustices cannot bring real peace.”
Swami Avdheshanand added, “It is the duty of every Indian to preserve and honor our traditions, but this does not mean we should engage in hatred or hostility. Instead, a balanced approach is needed—one that acknowledges past grievances while fostering unity.”
Several other Hindu religious leaders also expressed dissatisfaction with Bhagwat’s statement, arguing that it undermines the faith of those advocating for the reclamation of religious sites.
Political Reactions
Bhagwat’s remarks sparked mixed reactions from opposition leaders, some of whom accused the RSS of “double speak.”
- TMC Criticism:
TMC MP Sagarika Ghose criticized Bhagwat’s statement, saying, “Every few months Mohan Bhagwat delivers homilies about religious harmony. But on the ground, Hindutva groups and cadres keep pushing ahead with their violent exclusivist Hindutva agenda. The double speak doesn’t cut ice.” - Congress and Samajwadi Party:
Congress MP Manish Tewari welcomed Bhagwat’s suggestion but noted that there should be no difference between “words and deeds.” He urged Bhagwat to advise his ideological followers to protect the Constitution and legal framework.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav supported the call for harmony but demanded action against RSS members who allegedly incite communal tensions. Referring to last month’s violence in Sambhal, Yadav urged the withdrawal of “false cases” and compensation for victims’ families.
Why This Statement Matters
The controversy highlights the tension between calls for religious harmony and the reality of India’s polarized socio-political environment. Bhagwat’s remarks also bring into focus the challenge of reconciling ideological narratives within the RSS and its affiliates. With the Places of Worship Act under judicial review, the issue of temple-mosque disputes remains a litmus test for India’s commitment to secularism and diversity.
Conclusion
As Bhagwat’s appeal for restraint garners both praise and criticism, the question remains whether the RSS and its followers will align their actions with these ideals. The broader implications of his statement, juxtaposed with Swami Avdheshanand Giri’s nuanced response to IANS, underscore the complexity of navigating faith and harmony in India’s socio-political landscape.
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