RSS chief links India’s “global role” to truth, compassion

Agra: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said India must emerge as a Vishwaguru and guide the world towards a more harmonious and prosperous future by drawing strength from its spiritual traditions. Addressing a gathering at Malook Peeth in Mathura’s Vrindavan during the 452nd birth anniversary celebrations of Saint Malookdas Maharaj, he said India’s global role had to remain rooted in spirituality, compassion and truth.Bhagwat made the remarks while speaking about the need to build a better world through the guidance of saints and the path of truth. Referring to the ongoing unrest in West Asia, he said a beautiful world could be built only by following the spiritual inspiration of saints, and added that India could show that path to the world if it shaped its conduct and policies around its civilisational values. “India must illuminate the world. Our traditions should shape both our conduct and policies, and life must be founded on truth,” he said. He said saints and seers offered values that could guide society, and added that the RSS would work in coordination with spiritual leaders to realise that vision. Highlighting India’s spiritual heritage, Bhagwat said saints understood not only words but also the emotions behind them, and said that deeper understanding should guide social progress and public life.Referring to the long tradition of Malook Peeth, he said it had kept the teachings of Saint Malookdas alive for more than four centuries and continued to offer lessons in life philosophy. “Dharma cannot exist without truth and compassion. Compassion arises when one begins to feel the pain of others as one’s own. While it may not be possible for all 1.4 billion citizens to attain saintliness, efforts must be made to ensure a life of purity and integrity for all,” he said.Bhagwat also backed Malook Peeth mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj’s demand for a complete ban on cow slaughter, but said lasting change would come more from social awakening than from law alone. “Make society so cow-devotees that cow slaughter will stop automatically. People must be empowered to do this. Just as there was a strong public sentiment across the country for Shri Ram Temple, a similar sentiment must be awakened for the cow,” he said.He added that once such sentiment gathered strength, govt would also have to recognise it. Reiterating his stand, Bhagwat said RSS would work actively to spread awareness about the importance of cow protection among the public and build wider support around the issue.