Bhagwat lauds Modi, wants terrorism destroyed

Nagpur, Oct 22:

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday lavished praise on the Narendra Modi government and urged it to destroy terrorism within “once and for all”.

Addressing the 90th Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra rally here, Bhagwat lauded the BJP-led central government, saying it had raised India’s esteem globally “manifold”.

“It seems the world is being introduced to a new modern Bharat (India), which is full of self-respect and self-confidence. India is reincarnating itself into an altogether new manifestation and the world is enchanted to see her new avatar with utmost optimism,” Bhagwat said to applause.

He also credited Modi, who became prime minister in May last year, for taking pro-active steps to improve bilateral relations with neighbouring countries “with successful results”.

But while referring to “hostilities by Pakistan (and) expansionism from China” besides the ISIS, he warned of the enemy within the country.

“Rising fundamentalism and chauvinism in the world order, and unfair international diplomacy, resulting in rise of terrorist outfits like ISIS, are acting as a catalyst to an already complicated and serious internal and external security of our country.

“Fostered by external powers and inspired by external ideologies, some people from within are walking the path of terrorism.

“It goes without saying that it is the government’s responsibility to come out with a comprehensive and a firm policy to root out all such problems once and for all,” Bhagwat said.

He said the advent of Modi regime had replaced “an atmosphere of disappointment and lost faith which existed a couple of years back” by “an atmosphere of optimism and expectations”.

But India’s growing population was a cause for concern, he said.

He called for a debate on population growth, wondering if current systems and resources would be adequate to provide employment and basic amenities to people after 50 years.

Without mentioning any particular community by name, he said the last two census reports had highlighted population imbalances “which impact our present and future.

“We need to rise above vote-bank politics to formulate a holistic approach, equally applicable to all citizens, towards the population policy.

“It cannot be enforced by laws or government, but require efforts to tune the society’s psyche to it,” Bhagwat said.

For this, the RSS chief called for “a respectful dialogue, to bring about a change in natural instincts, behavioural pattern, customary religious practices and cultural traditions in accordance with current times”.

However, the change should come from within and not be guided by cheap popularity or political incentives as it could affect social cohesion and harmony, he said.

Praising the government, he said efforts of the Niti Ayog, which replaced the Planning Commission, was in the right direction though it would take time for metamorphosis and patience for fructification.

He commended the Mudra Bank, Jan Dhan Yojana, voluntary surrender of cooking gas subsidy, Swachh Bharat drive and Skill Development as useful initiatives in the developmental process.

Bhagwat underlined the role of education, including ethical education, to build a better society.

He said that for prosperity and security, the government, administration and people must be on the same page, and “Hindutva could act as the common chord”.

Noted scientist V.K. Saraswat was the chief guest at RSS 90th anniversary function. (IANS)