Mohan Bhagwat Calls For Oneness, Pluralism At US Event

RSS Chief Stresses Importance Of Pluralism

Bhagwat was addressing the “Universal Oneness Celebration”, an event in the US, hosted by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue. The RSS chief chose ‘oneness’ as the theme of his discourse and linked it to pluralism with reference to the US and what he called Bharat's unity in diversity.

"When we say America, United States of America, one word is often discussed frequently, that is pluralism. And when we say Bharat, another phrase is discussed: unity in diversity," he said.

"For Bharat, this unity and diversity, both are in the DNA. What is the destiny given to Bharat? Bharat is there to realise, and from time to time, make the world realise this unity in diversity. We are one, and due to this diversity, that oneness is decorated. Diversity has to be celebrated, respected, accepted, and at the same time, we must keep in mind this feeling of oneness. It is a very real feeling," he added.

Bhagwat Recalls Service During Air Crash

Bhagwat also invoked the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, one of the world’s worst air crashes, nearly three decades ago. In his address, Bhagwat brought to notice of the accident saying that they believed in service to humanity without any expectations. 

"Two planes collided over Haryana, which is part of Bharat, over the place named Dadri. Both were from Arab countries. Most of the passengers were Muslims. After that collision, our Swayamsevaks reached there first, and they served. Served in treating the injured. Recovering their bodies, arranging for the funeral rites when their relatives come, helping them in identifying. We never thought at that time that these were Muslims," he said.

He added, "The prominent working organisation was RSS. We could do this because we are not in politics. And we don't go on making these things famous because we don't want anything from this. No return. In Sangha, we only give. We don't want anything. That is why in publicity matters, we are way behind.”

Bhagwat Criticises Politics Driven By Self-Interest

Bhagwat said that political systems and governments could not facilitate such change. In a democratic set up, political actors respond to public sentiments and public demand. Thus, the first step has to come from within. He said that it is impossible for the society to develop cohesiveness only through attainment of political power. This requires sustained engagement and service in day-to-day interactions.

He said, "Politics today, especially in a democracy, depends on the public view. If there is public opinion, then no politician will dare to go against it. Therefore, I think after taking a common resolve today, we have to act in these societies, and we have to act first locally.”

Bhagwat added, "This is the traditional thought of Bharat--unity of humanity. All our leaders, at any point in time, have emphasised that too. After independence, we got the constitution, which emphasises this, but that is not happening. Because these things do not happen through politics. I'm sorry to say, but the fact is, politics has now become a game of self-interest. And where there is me and I, there is no solution. We and ours are the solution. So our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with society.”