Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised the inseparable link between morality and spirituality during a visit to the Preksha Vishva Bharati Dhyan Kendra in Koba, near Gandhinagar, on Wednesday. Speaking at the spiritual retreat while meeting Jain leader Acharya Mahashramanji, Bhagwat described spirituality as the foundation of both personal and national character, asserting that “morality has no meaning without spirituality.” The visit, part of his annual Gujarat tour, was described by Bhagwat as an opportunity to “charge my batteries” for his organisational duties, underscoring the importance of spiritual renewal in his leadership role.

Bhagwat highlighted Acharya Mahashramanji’s teachings on non-violence, particularly the mantra, “I am in everyone, and everyone is in me,” as a solution to curb societal violence. He urged individuals to adopt this principle to foster peace and unity, aligning it with the RSS’s broader mission of social cohesion. The remarks come at a time when India grapples with sporadic communal tensions, with organisations like the RSS often advocating for cultural unity. Bhagwat’s focus on non-violence resonates with Jainism’s core tenets, which emphasise ahimsa (non-violence) and mutual interconnectedness, offering a philosophical framework for addressing modern societal challenges.

Marking the RSS’s centenary year in 2025, Bhagwat downplayed grand celebrations, stating that the organisation’s 100 years of service to the nation was a duty, not a milestone requiring fanfare. Instead, the RSS plans to focus on grassroots initiatives to promote social harmony. “We have planned five types of programmes centred on family education, social harmony, environmental protection, civic duty, and Swadeshi (self-reliance),” Bhagwat said. These initiatives aim to strengthen community bonds and encourage sustainable, indigenous practices, reflecting the RSS’s long-standing ideological priorities.

Also Read: No ‘Us vs Them’ in Hindu Culture Says Mohan Bhagwat

RSS volunteers have already begun implementing these programmes, engaging communities to spread awareness and inspire collective action, Bhagwat noted. By prioritising dialogue and outreach over large-scale events, the RSS seeks to reinforce its influence in shaping India’s social fabric. The organisation, founded in 1925, remains a significant force in India’s socio-political landscape, with its centenary programmes signalling a renewed commitment to its vision of a unified, value-driven society.

Also Read: CM Siddaramaiah’s Son Compares RSS to Taliban, BJP Hits Back