Sun Oct 13 11:05:56 UTC 2024: ## RSS Chief Calls for Unity, Warns of Divisive Forces in Vijayadashami Address
**Nagpur, India** – In his annual Vijayadashami address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the urgent need for Hindu society to overcome caste differences and engage with Dalits and weaker sections. He warned of a “Deep State” working to divide the nation along caste and community lines, with certain political parties complicit for their own gain.
Bhagwat argued that the current state of diversity has led to divisions even among saints and deities. He questioned why Valmiki Jayanti should only be celebrated in Valmiki colonies, emphasizing that Valmiki’s legacy belongs to the entire Hindu community. He advocated for collective celebrations of festivals like Valmiki Jayanti and Ravidas Jayanti, emphasizing that the RSS aims to spread this message of unity.
The RSS chief stressed the importance of individual and family friendships in fostering societal harmony, noting that mere symbolic programs are insufficient. “Languages can be diverse, cultures can be diverse, food can be diverse, but this friendship of individuals and families will bring harmony in society,” he said. He also highlighted the need for inclusive environments in public spaces like temples and community facilities, urging society to understand the specific needs of weaker sections.
Bhagwat also addressed contemporary political discourse, mentioning terms like “Deep State,” “Wokeism,” and “Cultural Marxism” as threats to cultural traditions. He argued that such concepts are designed to create divisions and foster a sense of victimhood among identity-based groups, leading to conflicts and an atmosphere of distrust.
He criticized the competition among political parties for power, suggesting that when selfish interests overshadow mutual harmony and national unity, it undermines societal integrity. He drew parallels between current political tensions in India and global events like the Arab Spring, cautioning against destabilizing narratives that threaten unity, particularly in border and tribal regions.
Bhagwat raised concerns about a narrative emerging in Bangladesh suggesting that India poses a threat, encouraging a closer alignment with Pakistan. He emphasized the need for unity among Hindus in Bangladesh, who face atrocities and must defend themselves against such challenges.
Additionally, Bhagwat condemned the West Bengal government over a recent crime involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor, calling it disgraceful and alleging attempts to protect the perpetrators.
This year’s address comes in the wake of the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it fell short of a simple majority. Concerns have been raised about the BJP’s electoral prospects being negatively impacted by the defection of Dalits and backward communities. This situation coincides with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s focus on caste politics, advocating for a caste census nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently countered this narrative, claiming that Gandhi’s emphasis on caste could be divisive.
Bhagwat’s speech reinforces the RSS’s focus on promoting social harmony and unity within Hindu society, particularly amidst growing political polarization and concerns about caste divisions.
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