Hindus Must Awaken from Oblivion to Organize: Dr. Mohan Bhagwat

Hindus Must Awaken from Oblivion to Organize: Dr. Mohan Bhagwat

Caste Discrimination and Untouchability are Outside the Framework of Dharma

Cherukolpuzha (Pathanamthitta):
Hindus must awaken from self-forgetfulness and recognize their strength to build a successful Hindu society, said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat. An organized society will always emerge victorious—that is the law of the universe. Dharma is the lifeblood of Hindu society. Practices outside the framework of dharma, such as caste discrimination and untouchability, must be abandoned to rise as a unified force, Bhagwat emphasized. He was inaugurating the Hindu Unity Conference as part of the Cherukolpuzha Hindu Religious Meet.

Truth, compassion, cleanliness, and penance are the four pillars of dharma. Untouchability and notions of superiority or inferiority find no place in these principles. This is the same vision that Sree Narayana Guru propagated, he pointed out.

Dharma must begin with each individual, Bhagwat said. This is a time to spread the nectar of unity. Our dharma is one of universal vision—everything from the grains of sand beneath our feet to the planets in the cosmos, from the tiniest creatures to great thinkers, is driven by the same consciousness. This dharmic practice should be mindfully carried out within each person’s traditions and customs.

Simply lamenting about the rise of adharma (unrighteousness) will not help. Every household must dedicate time—at least once a week—to discuss and reflect on our culture. The six “Bhas”—language (bhasha), dress (bhusha), devotion (bhajan), food (bhojan), home (bhavan), and travel (bhraman)—should serve as tools for the protection of dharma. We must engage in loving conversations and discussions to pass on our cultural values to the next generation. We must find time not only for ourselves but for society as well. The spirit of “My home is everyone’s home” must grow within us. We should begin initiatives to conserve water, plant trees, and stop using plastic to protect the environment, Bhagwat urged.

Just as Hanuman, who overcame self-doubt, crossed the ocean alone and burned Lanka to demonstrate Lord Rama’s power to Ravana, Hindus too must recognize their strength and organize. Truth, compassion, courage, and valor are our heritage. We do not argue over deities. We believe in one divine force that resides in all. We see the cow as a mother, circumambulate mountains, and see divinity in every particle. The world looks to this universal vision—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family)—with hope, Bhagwat added.

The Sangh has been working for a hundred years to organize Hindu society. Participating in the forum of the Hindu Religious Council, which has been working for this cause for 113 years, is a matter of pride, the Sarsanghchalak said. Life is sustained by strength, and the foundation of strength is unity. Selfishness and divisiveness are the roots of all conflicts in the world. The Hindu philosophy of universal vision is the solution, he explained.

Hindu Maha Mandalam President P.S. Nair presided over the function. Prajna Pravah National samyojak J. Nandakumar translated the Sarsanghchalak’s speech. Hindu Maha Mandalam Vice President Adv. K. Haridas welcomed the audience, while Secretary P. Rajagopal delivered the vote of thanks.