RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's message: A welcome move

India's diversity is non-pareil and will remain a wonder for countries that tried and failed to emulate the same. This country is a breeding ground of diverse cultures geographically, linguistically, and culturally. Different religious communities have lived here for centuries in harmony. Our Constitution provides fundamental freedom to any religious person to follow the creeds, customs and practices set forth by his/her religion, individually or collectively. Religion, remaining within one’s belief system inflicts no harm to society. But when the same is intermixed with politics, the result can be catastrophic.

Thousands of people belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities have lost their lives in riots and other incidents related to the Babri mosque demolition. The decades of dispute saw an end when the court allowed the land for temple construction. With the Ram Temple in Ayodhya becoming a reality, the Babri controversy has died a quiet death. But now, many religious organizations have taken inspiration from the Ayodhya temple dispute to dig up more ground in search of jewels in the form of temple relics. There are ongoing attempts to create conflicts in various parts of the country by making similar claims to the Ram temple.

Organizations claiming to have found temple relics from mosque sites are inviting a riot-like situation across the country. Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the RSS, in an interview with PTI, talked about the unacceptable trend now followed by Hindu leaders to raise controversies at various places like the Ram Temple.

“We have been living in harmony for a long time. Indians should avoid controversial issues, learn from past mistakes and set the country as a pioneer for religious diversity. Some people are trying to become leaders of the Hindu religion by raising issues similar to the Ram temple dispute. This is unacceptable”; Mohan Bhagwat made this comment at a meeting held in Pune as part of a lecture series on Vishwaguru Bharat.

Bhagwat said it was an unknown trait in Indians to support terrorism or insult the gods of other religions. The RSS chief asked people to drop the categorization of minority and majority, but remain united as Indians. If disputes similar to the Ram temple arise, the country will be pulled down from its developmental road, while the streets will witness bloodshed. Moreover, some cantankerous neighbours and other external forces will be waiting on the fences, looking for a chance to pounce on us in case of turmoil. Religion is religion and politics is politics. If this notion is thoroughly followed, India can focus on development and fear not even an ounce over any possible riots.