Kolkata, 21 December (H.S.) :
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday laid out the organisation’s clear ideological stance on a wide range of issues, from youth engagement and culture to foreign policy and Hindutva, while responding to pointed questions during the Kolkata lecture series titled “100 Years of the Sangh Journey – New Horizons.”
Questions posed by invited guests from diverse sections of society brought into focus the RSS’s social outlook, ideological direction and future priorities. Dr Bhagwat’s responses reflected the Sangh’s core philosophy on nation-building, social harmony and long-term societal transformation.
Addressing concerns related to the youth, the RSS chief said the younger generation is increasingly influenced by social media, substance abuse and distractions, leading to crime and social disintegration. He stressed that merely providing employment opportunities is not enough. “Youth must be connected with character, discipline and a sense of national responsibility,” he said, adding that young people become empowered citizens only when they look beyond personal gain and accept responsibility towards society and the nation. On migration abroad, he said meaningful opportunities and a dignified work culture within the country would naturally encourage talent to stay connected with India.
On questions related to Indian classical music, art and culture, Dr Bhagwat said traditional art forms are not just sources of entertainment but represent the soul of society. He emphasized the need to accord due respect to artists and to instill pride in Indian culture among the youth through coordinated efforts involving society, educational institutions and cultural platforms.
Clarifying the Sangh’s position on Hindutva, he said it is not a narrow religious identity but a way of life. According to him, India’s moral, social and intellectual foundations are rooted in the Hindu ethos, which is characterized by inclusivity and the acceptance of diversity. He said the youth should be inspired to live by these values through conduct and example rather than sermons.
On issues of urban disorder, illegal encroachments and the condition of public spaces such as railway stations, Dr Bhagwat said responsibility does not lie with the administration alone. He underlined the role of citizens in maintaining cleanliness, discipline and a sense of ownership towards public property, stating that lasting solutions are possible only with social participation.
Responding to questions on education and the promotion of Sanskrit, he said integrating India’s knowledge traditions with modern education is the need of the hour. Science and spirituality, he noted, should be seen as complementary rather than contradictory, which would help nurture confident and value-driven generations.
On artificial intelligence, technology and entrepreneurship, the RSS chief said future preparedness cannot be limited to skill development alone. He stressed that technological advancement without ethical values, a sense of duty and social sensitivity remains incomplete. The Sangh’s vision, he said, is to ensure that youth acquire both technological competence and moral grounding.
Speaking on healthcare and medical education, Dr Bhagwat said treatment must be affordable, accessible and humane. He observed that without a spirit of service, medicine risks becoming a mere business, and emphasized the need for affordable and quality healthcare as a national priority.
On foreign policy, relations with neighboring countries and global conflicts, he said India must adopt a balanced and confident diplomatic approach guided by national interest. He added that the goal of a developed India by 2047 would be achievable only if internal unity and social stability are strengthened.
Touching upon Bangladesh, illegal infiltration and the sensitive situation in West Bengal, Dr Bhagwat said serious attention must be given to border security, demographic balance and social harmony. He asserted that solutions would emerge not only through political measures but also through increased social awareness.
Concluding his address, the RSS chief said the Sangh works to unite society, not divide it. After a journey of 100 years, he said, the RSS remains committed to building a more dedicated, value-oriented and nation-conscious society, one where differences of opinion may exist, but unity of purpose and intent prevails.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
