RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat claims Western selfish interests leading to spread of terrorism, raises 'Swadeshi' pitch

Blaming Western nations for the spread of international terrorism, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday claimed that the 'selfish interests' of the West had led to a growth in newer incarnations of terrorism around the world. Hinting at the United States, Bhagwat said that some countries wish to realise their economic interests and are 'expanding their empires' in the name of globalization.

According to Bhagwat, uprooting this vicious circle of selfish interests and increasing terrorism is the only way to make the world a peaceful place.

The RSS chief spoke in Nagpur on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. In a move that lacks precedent in the history of Indian television, the address was telecast live by Doordarshan and some other news channels.

Mohan Bhagwat's remark on the West comes in the wake of PM Narendra Modi's visit to the United States which was hailed as historic by the BJP. Thus, while hailing Modi's US visit, Bhagwat did not spare the United States, blaming it for the spread of terrorism, while not explicitly mentioning the country by name.

Bhagwat said it was their intention to make India a "Vishwa-Guru" (a model nation) for the world, but that there was a long way to go in order to achieve it. He called India an 'elder brother' in the world community, and added that people saw India as a symbol of hope for the future of the world.

The RSS chief claimed that India was the only example of a nation which had imbibed nationalistic thinking in its residents through the path of non-violence and truth, throughout the length and breadth of the country. He said that India had never attempted to conquer other nations and create an empire. Instead, its saints shared and propagated Indian ethos of love, affection and universal welfare, according to Bhagwat.

Praising Hinduism and Hindu culture, Mohan Bhagwat said that respect and acceptance of each other’s faith, harmony and cooperation is the hallmark of Hindu culture. He also claimed that Hinduism offers complete freedom to people in matters of one's search for truth in life, experience and its inference. Bhagwat offered homage to king Rajendra Chola of the Chola dynasty, whose millenium year is being celebrated this year.

The RSS chief praised Indian sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country during the ongoing Asian Games in South Korea, saying they had made India proud on the world stage.

Bhagwat also congratulated the ISRO scientists on the successful completion of the 'Mangalyaan' mission to Mars. He said that the success of Mangalyaan had increased respect for India and also added to the country's own self-esteem.

In his address, Bhagwat said people should give some more time to the government for expedition and efficient execution of its policies. Unless the last person in the country feels satisfied with welfare initiatives, security and safety, the government cannot complete its task, he said.

"We don't have a magic wand to change but the government seems committed," the Sangh chief said.

He also lauded the efforts of the Centre and volunteers of the RSS for undertaking rescue works in Jammu and Kashmir which has recently witnessed worst-ever floods. While paying homage to those killed in the floods, Bhagwat said, "Our sympathies are with the families."

"We need a vigilant government, strong defence policy, a brave and efficient defence force to ensure the security of the nation. Moreover, we need a society of people who are patriotic, vigilant and of high moral character.The discourse in the society should be such that the morale of armed forces and government is enhanced," Bhagwat said.

He said the Army was short of 23,000 officers and therefore it was "our duty to provide sufficient number of capable youths as soldiers and officers".

Raising the 'Swadeshi' pitch, he advocated self reliance and encouragement of entrepreneurship among countrymen and called for consumption of indigenous products.
"Our tendency of buying imported daily products, and foreign-made idols for worship needs to be abandoned," he said.

He also strongly demanded a ban on export of animal-meat particularly beef. "Today, old parents are sent to old-age homes and old animals (cow) are sent to slaughter houses," he noted.

Read: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat raises concern on surge in jihadi activities, Naxal threat

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(With inputs from Zee News anf PTI)