On Vijayadashami, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that India must become self-reliant by adopting 'Swadeshi' amidst global pressure, neighboring instability, and tariff wars. He inspired the younger generation to embrace patriotism and self-reliance.
Maharashtra: Amidst the tariff war initiated by Donald Trump on Indian goods, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing from Nagpur on the occasion of Vijayadashami, conveyed the message of adopting 'Swadeshi' and self-reliance. He stated that this is the only way forward for India. Bhagwat emphasized that in an interconnected world, dependency on trade partners should not turn into helplessness, and the country should focus on indigenous production.
He said, "Our country should progress in the economic sector, which is why young entrepreneurs are enthusiastic. America might have adopted a tariff policy for its own benefit. The world's life runs on interdependence. A nation cannot live in isolation. This interdependence should not turn into compulsion. We must adopt 'Swadeshi' and self-reliance; there is no alternative to it."
Concern over Instability in Neighboring Countries
The RSS chief stated that the American tariff policy affects all of us. Therefore, India must promote indigenous products in its economic and trade sectors so that dependence does not turn into compulsion. He also added that the instability and turmoil in our neighboring countries are a matter of concern for India. Bhagwat indicated that India needs to strengthen its economic and social structure to face global pressures and external crises.
Patriotism in the Younger Generation
In his address, Mohan Bhagwat stated that the attraction towards patriotism is increasing among the younger generation in India. He said that if the world's standard of developed life is considered to be that of America, then we would need five Earths. Along with this, he mentioned the pace of economic activities and the increasing demand for resources globally. Bhagwat asserted that humans create systems, and systems will function according to the nature of society. It is essential to bring about a change in societal behavior, and for this, individuals must adapt themselves to new conduct. He urged, "Let us live as examples of that change."
Bhagwat stated that the Sangh's experience shows that individual change leads to societal change, and societal change leads to systemic change. He clarified that no real change is possible without changing habits. He said, "You must be the kind of nation you desire. The Sangh's 'shakha' (daily gathering) is a system for changing habits." Bhagwat also mentioned that the Sangh received invitations to indulge in greed and politics, but it did not accept them. He said that Swayamsevaks (volunteers) have been attending 'shakhas' for 50 years and continue to do so today. The sole purpose of this is to maintain habits and build personality and national devotion.
Emphasis on Unity and National Devotion
During his address, the RSS chief emphasized the importance of unity and indigenous products in the country. He stated that national devotion and self-reliance are strengthened only by adhering to habits and discipline at the individual and societal levels. Bhagwat clarified that India must maintain economic and social strength amidst global pressures, tariff wars, and instability in neighboring countries. The country can progress only through adopting 'Swadeshi', inspiring the younger generation, and bringing about changes in society.
