Mathura, 24 March (HS): RSS chief
Mohan Bhagwat expressed worry on Tuesday over illegal immigration in India,
urging citizens to keep an eye out for invaders and report them to authorities.
He also maintained his support for a three-child policy, emphasizing the need
for rising birth rates while avoiding forced religious conversions. Speaking
after the ashram's inauguration, Bhagwat raised the problem of illegal
immigration, saying that people should keep a closer eye out for foreigners and
guarantee that they do not work here. However, he stated that Indian citizens
should not face prejudice. Bhagwat's views on invaders come as assembly
elections are about to take place in many states, notably Assam and West
Bengal, where the problem of illegal immigration has recently gained steam. The
BJP has also been talking about it constantly.
Regarding
family health and population, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief stated
that physicians suggest three children for good family health because childhood
interactions assist individuals acquire social skills and the ability to adapt
within a group.
He
stated that demographic studies indicate that a birth rate below three has
long-term consequences. Countries with low birth rates have deliberately
attempted to raise their population beyond three, he stated. Bhagwat suggested
a rethinking of India's population strategy, emphasizing that while legal
measures can be implemented, public comprehension comes first. He stated that a
humanitarian approach encourages couples to aim for three children rather than
two, and that this is critical for societal welfare. Bhagwat also advocated for
an end to forced religious conversions.
The
government may pass legislation, but society must stop this on its own. Many
converts to other religions are descended from Hindus and may aspire to rejoin.
He stated that those who are willing should be invited back. The RSS head also
mentioned the aggressive mentality of countries such as the United States and
China, while hailing India for being more receptive of other people's points of
view. The United States may come around and claim that our economic model is
better, and that everyone should follow it. China may argue that our model is
best suited for everyone. However, India's attitude is not one of imposing its
will on others; instead, it thinks that everyone's point of view is valid. It
is about living with dharma, truth, and cultural pride. The world may be
hostile, but our model emphasizes ethical behavior, which the global community
can learn from, he added.
Bhagwat
stated that he came to open the ashram out of affection, as ashrams play an
important role in developing life perspectives, fostering pride in one's faith
and culture while avoiding hostility. They are vital in today's circumstances,
he added, noting that the term ashram is peculiar to Indian culture
and has no similar meaning in any other language. An
ashram is first and foremost a school that imparts life lessons. Those who
remain disciplined and study here may effectively serve society for decades
while developing their own character, he claims. Bhagwat emphasized that the
ultimate human goal is moksha, or emancipation. He discussed the four sorts of
human endeavors, with the fourth being dharma, which is taught via ashram
education and is extremely important.
He
also linked traditional Indian education to worldwide systems, pointing out
that even Finland's famed education model is similar to the Gurukul-ashram
method. He stated that the ashram system fosters endurance and makes life more
meaningful via education. He
argued that India's traditional cultural values and Sanatan Dharma are relevant
in today's turbulent world, and that ashrams would continue to play
an important role in training society to maintain these values. Several seers,
as well as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Deputy
Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, attended the occasion.
Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi
