Pune: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat cautioned against creating disputes akin to the Ram temple controversy, stressing the importance of harmony among different faiths and ideologies in India. Speaking in Pune at a lecture series titled “Vishwaguru Bharat” on Thursday, Bhagwat addressed recent debates surrounding places of worship, including Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal and Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan.
Bhagwat remarked that the Ram temple issue was deeply rooted in faith, and Hindus had long believed it should be built. However, he condemned the trend of raising disputes over new sites out of hatred or enmity, calling such actions unacceptable. He urged Indians to learn from past mistakes and avoid fostering divisive agendas, emphasizing that unity and inclusivity are the keys to national progress.
Highlighting India’s ancient tradition of coexistence, Bhagwat stated that extremism, aggression, and disrespect toward other religions have no place in Indian culture. He added that there is no majority or minority in the country, as everyone is part of one collective identity. He called on citizens to respect each other’s ways of worship, asserting that inclusivity is central to India’s societal fabric.
Bhagwat stressed the importance of reducing social friction by embracing the values of ancient Indian culture. He warned that repeating past mistakes could hinder the country’s progress. His comments come at a time when debates over the origins of historical religious sites are reigniting tensions, and his message underlined the need for a balanced approach to preserve harmony.
In closing, Bhagwat urged the nation to aspire toward becoming a global role model of inclusivity and peace, embodying the vision of “Vishwaguru Bharat.”
