'Country belongs to everyone': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urges against discrimination; calls to rise above caste, language

RAIPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, addressing gatherings in Raipur, called for social harmony by rejecting divisions based on caste, wealth, language or region, stressing that India belongs to everyone.

He emphasised stronger family bonds, inclusivity in religious and public spaces, environmental responsibility and disciplined civic life, while urging youth to counter loneliness and addiction through dialogue, values and collective engagement.

Addressing a Hindu Sammelan at Sonpairi village in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district, Bhagwat said true social harmony begins by removing feelings of separation and discrimination from one’s mind and by treating every individual as one’s own. “The entire country belongs to everyone. This spirit alone defines social harmony,” he said. Emphasising the need to revive family bonding, Bhagwat urged families to spend at least one day every week together, engage in prayers according to their faith, eat home-cooked food collectively and hold meaningful discussions, which he termed “mangal samvad”. He said loneliness often pushes people towards bad habits and addiction, and regular interaction within families can help prevent this.

Calling for social harmony, environmental responsibility and disciplined civic life, the RSS chief urged people to rise above divisions and work collectively for society and the nation. He said temples, water bodies and cremation grounds should be open to all Hindus, describing such inclusiveness as an effort towards unity rather than conflict. “Do not judge people by caste, wealth, language or region. Treat everyone as your own.

The entire India is mine,” Bhagwat said, describing this outlook as samajik samrasta (social harmony). On kutumb prabodhan, he said individuals must introspect on how much time and resources they devote daily to society and the nation, adding that if the country is in danger, families too cannot remain secure. He stressed that values must be practised at home and reflected in everyday conduct. Expressing concern over global warming and environmental degradation, Bhagwat urged people to begin conservation efforts at home by saving water, adopting rainwater harvesting, reducing single-use plastic and planting more trees. He also advocated the use of one’s mother tongue at home, respect for Indian attire and promotion of swadeshi and self-reliance by purchasing locally made products, except in unavoidable cases such as medicines. Calling for strict adherence to the Constitution and civic discipline, Bhagwat said the Preamble, Fundamental Duties and citizens’ responsibilities should be read and followed regularly, along with traditional values such as respecting elders and helping the needy. Referring to the RSS journey, he said the organisation, which began with a small shakha in Nagpur, has today spread across the country. Earlier, addressing a youth dialogue at AIIMS Raipur, Bhagwat advocated a balanced path that harmonises development with environmental conservation, asserting that India is uniquely pursuing this approach. He linked religious conversions to a breakdown of social trust, urged respectful reintegration, supported community-led temple management and defined Hindutva as unity amid diversity. Expressing concern over rising loneliness, substance abuse and digital isolation among youth, he called for stronger family bonds and logical, value-based engagement on social media. A Samajik Sadbhavna (social harmony) meeting is scheduled to be held at the Ram Mandir premises here on Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm, with participation from heads of various communities, social organisations and intellectuals. The initiative is seen as part of the RSS’s outreach efforts in Chhattisgarh during its centenary year.