Mumbai: India’s concept of the nation cannot be separated from dharma, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Friday, arguing that the country’s ancient knowledge traditions can help address some of the challenges the world is facing.
The world is facing tensions between development and environmental protection, individual freedom and family life, and religious faith and conflict, he said while addressing the 14th conference of the All India Vihar Seva group, a Jain youth service organisation, in Mumbai.
“As development increases, the environment gets damaged. And where the environment has to be protected, development cannot take place. As individual freedom increases, families are breaking apart. There is a breakdown in society,” he said, as reported by PTI.
Contradictions could not be resolved by choosing one side over another, he said, highlighting India’s long tradition of sharing knowledge without conquering other nations or converting people.
“The world knows that the path will come from India,” Bhagwat said.
He listed the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Jain Agamas, Tripitaka, Guru Granth Sahib and teachings of saints as part of India’s vast knowledge heritage.
“Our country has a very great treasure of knowledge, which the world needs today,” he said.
“Our rashtra (nation) and dharma are not separate. The purpose of the nation is dharma, and dharma helps sustain the nation. The two are interdependent. If one exists, the other also exists; if one does not exist, the other also does not,” the RSS sarsanghchalak said.
India’s approach was centred on the welfare of all and not any particular section, he said, pointing to how preserving Jain spiritual traditions had significance beyond the community.
“You are not protecting just one life. You are protecting the safe future of the entire human race,” he said.
Urging members of the Jain community to stay in touch with local RSS workers during their travels, Bhagwat said the volunteers assist people without expecting anything in return.
