Hyderabad, July 26 (HS): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday called for a renewed understanding of India's civilisational values, saying that the country's ancient concept of motherhood rooted in Sanatan traditions continues to hold relevance despite changing social and cultural realities.

Addressing the Vishwamangalya Sabha in Hyderabad, Bhagwat said motherhood has nurtured humanity since the beginning of creation and has remained a constant force in preserving values while adapting to changing times. He said mothers possess the wisdom of generations and continue to play a vital role in shaping families and society.

He said the subject of motherhood is inseparable from Sanatan philosophy and observed that while circumstances continue to evolve, eternal values must be preserved. According to him, motherhood has continuously adapted itself to changing conditions while fulfilling its responsibility of nurturing future generations and strengthening society.

Referring to social changes across the world, Bhagwat said debates surrounding women's empowerment and the women's liberation movement have undergone significant changes over the decades. He observed that many societies which once embraced certain ideas without reservation are now reassessing their impact on family life. According to him, discussions in several countries have once again highlighted the importance of family and recognised motherhood as an integral part of a woman's life.

Speaking about younger generations, Bhagwat remarked that Generation Z is adaptable and emotionally driven. He said changing social realities have prompted fresh discussions on family structures and values among younger people. He argued that the importance of stable families and the nurturing role of mothers is being increasingly recognised after years of experimentation with different social models.

The RSS chief also reflected on the concept of freedom, saying that modern society often speaks about freedom from traditions, social systems and various forms of social obligations. He questioned whether complete freedom from every form of social and cultural bond is either possible or desirable. Bhagwat said every individual functions within certain natural, social and moral limitations, and that human beings cannot exist entirely detached from responsibilities and relationships.

Turning to India's civilisational journey, Bhagwat said the country gradually drifted away from many of its traditional systems over centuries. He attributed this process to repeated foreign invasions and later colonial rule, which, according to him, weakened confidence in indigenous traditions. He alleged that British colonial policies encouraged Indians to develop an inferiority complex regarding their own heritage while presenting Western ideas as inherently superior.

Bhagwat said India gradually began evaluating itself through standards borrowed from outside, leading many people to distance themselves from their own cultural and philosophical foundations. He argued that several challenges being witnessed in Western societies today stem from incomplete social perspectives, and cautioned against adopting such approaches uncritically without understanding their long-term consequences.

He further said India possesses one of the world's oldest traditions of motherhood but has, over time, forgotten many of its philosophical foundations and social practices. According to Bhagwat, the need of the present generation is not merely to preserve traditions mechanically but to rediscover their essence and adapt them meaningfully to contemporary circumstances.

Emphasising the need for cultural self-confidence, Bhagwat said society should preserve its eternal values while remaining responsive to changing times. He said reconnecting with India's civilisational wisdom would strengthen families, reinforce social harmony and contribute to the holistic development of future generations.

The RSS chief was addressing office-bearers, mothers and citizens participating in the Vishwamangalya Sabha organised in Hyderabad.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar