20 October,2026 11:53 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. Pic/PTI
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 gains.
Addressing the organisation's 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 ideologies.
He appealed to protesters, government representatives, administrative officials and political leaders to ensure that their actions did not fuel hatred, bitterness or divisions within society.
Bhagwat 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 discourse.
The RSS chief also cautioned organisers and political leaders against allowing electoral considerations, the pursuit of popularity or short-term political gains to take precedence over constructive engagement.
He called for dialogue and respect for institutions, arguing that public movements should contribute to addressing problems rather than deepen existing divisions.
Emphasising 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 India's sovereignty and future.
He also highlighted the contributions of Bengal's Rajnarain Bose, whose 200th birth anniversary is being observed. Bhagwat recalled Bose's efforts to promote cultural identity and public awareness through traditional festivals, including Hindu Melas.
The 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 insecurity.
Bhagwat said Sant Ravidas's life and teachings continued to offer guidance on strengthening society and fostering a sense of collective purpose.
Referring to India's 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 solidarity.
Bhagwat also called for wider adoption of Swadeshi, or indigenous goods and systems, as part of efforts to strengthen the country's economic and social foundations.
Addressing 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 abuse.
The 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 India.
Other attendees included RSS Vidarbha Pramukh Sanghchalak Deepak Tamshetiwar, Sah-Sanghchalak Sridhar Gadge and Nagpur Mahanagar Sanghchalak Rajesh Loya.
Maharashtra 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 present.
(With inputs from IANS)
