From Announcing Installation Of Lord Ram Idol To Denouncing Woke Elements: Here Are Five Highlights From RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Annual Vijaydashami Speech

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Mohan Bhagwat, in his address at the annual Dussehra rally and Vijaydashami event in Nagpur, cautioned against exploiting emotions for electoral gains in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He emphasised the importance of making informed decisions based on performance and merit rather than emotional manipulation.

The event featured singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan as one of the chief guests. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the event.

Here are the five highlights from his speech:

1. Upcoming Installation Of An Idol Of Lord Ram In Ayodhya

Bhagwat mentioned the upcoming installation of an idol of Lord Ram in the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, slated for 22 January, and encouraged the organisation of programmes across the country on that day.

He said, "...A temple of Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya...Lord Ram (idol) will be installed at the temple on January 22...On that day, we can organise programmes at our own temples in the whole country...".

2. World Is Looking Towards Bharat To Lead By Example Based On Own Sanatan Values And Sanskars In The Context Of The Israel-Hamas War

He stated that the world is looking to India to provide an example of peace and prosperity based on its traditional values and principles, especially in the face of conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war.

He added, "terrorism, exploitation, and totalitarianism are getting a free run to wreak havoc. It has become abundantly clear that the world cannot counter these problems with its inadequate vision. Therefore, the world is looking towards Bharat expectantly to lead by example and show a new path to peace and prosperity, based on its own Sanatan (eternal) values and Sanskars."

3. Cultural Marxists And Woke Elements Are Using Their Influence In Media And Academia To Spoil The Country's Education And Culture

Bhagwat expressed concerns about the influence of "cultural Marxists" and "woke elements" on education and culture, suggesting that they are creating confusion and chaos in society.

He stated, "...there are some people in the world and also in India who do not want that India should move forward... They try to create factions and clashes in society. Because of our unawareness and lack of belief, we also sometimes get entangled in it, and unnecessary nuisances are created...If India progresses, they will not be able to play their games; therefore, they continuously oppose. They adopt particular ideologies just for the sake of opposing".

4. The Manipur Violence Benefits External Forces

Bhagwat said, “for many years, Meitei and Kuki communities have been living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict benefits external forces. Are external factors involved.”

He further added, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah was there for three days. Who actually fueled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen.”

5. India's Leadership Gave The Country A Place In The World

He stated, "every year, India's pride is increasing in the world. The G20 Summit held here (in India) was special. The hospitality of Indians was praised. People from different countries experienced our diversity. They saw our diplomatic skills as well as our honest goodwill. Our leadership gave India a place in the world."