RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Urges Youth to Combine Traditional Knowledge With Modern Progress
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stated on Friday that India's national identity is deeply rooted in its rich diversity of languages, faiths, castes, and cultures. Addressing an audience in Mumbai's Prabhadevi area, Bhagwat emphasized that the country is uniquely positioned to help construct a better global society by successfully merging its ancient civilisational teachings with modern technological and scientific progress.
Bhagwat noted that enduring philosophical principles remain consistent across eras, comparing ancient human inquiries with contemporary thought. He asserted that core truths found in ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita are reflected in diverse global traditions, cautioning that focusing narrowly on semantics rather than underlying messages breeds unnecessary societal confusion.
Interfaith Dialogue and Universal Consciousness
Recounting discussions from past interfaith meetings, Bhagwat shared that international participants had expressed deep concern over religious conflicts leading to human casualties. According to the RSS chief, interlocutors had urged him to share India's pluralistic teachings globally to help address spiritual and social fragmentation.
Drawing on contemporary discussions regarding human awareness, Bhagwat asserted that modern scientific studies align with ancient philosophical views on existence. He described the universe as originating from a pre-existing universal consciousness, using the traditional metaphor of a chariot to describe human faculties where the intellect serves as the driver and the soul as the owner.
According to State Times / PTI, for Mohan Bhagwat Mumbai Address, Bhagwat compared the intellect to a driver, the soul to the owner, and body parts to chariot horses, asserting that ego misguides people into sorrow and despair.
Cultural Heritage and Youth Guidance
Addressing the younger generation, Bhagwat observed that young Indians traveling abroad frequently find themselves asked by foreign peers to articulate their cultural origins and civilisational specialities. He recounted an anecdote shared by a visitor who toured a modern oil refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and remarked that spotting a large Ganesha idol amid industrial activity encapsulated India's unique character.
The RSS leader urged elders to actively pass down these foundational values to Gen Z, helping them navigate modern psychological challenges, attention span constraints, and life disappointments. He stressed that structured guidance prevents frustration and equips youth to maintain resilience through both success and failure.