Secularism a ‘Modern Concept’; ‘Adharm’ a ‘Threat to Human Existence’: Mohan Bhagwat

He claimed that dharm is in “our DNA and conduct, guiding our actions”, and that “adharm” (unrighteousness) has led to deforestation,

The Wire Staff

He claimed that dharm is in “our DNA and conduct, guiding our actions”, and that “adharm” (unrighteousness) has led to deforestation,

secularism a ‘modern concept’ ‘adharm’ a ‘threat to human existence’ mohan bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks during Yuva Dharma Sansad, in Ujjain. Photo: YouTube/RSS via PTI

New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak (head) Mohan Bhagwat has termed secularism as a “modern concept” that does not fit India’s traditional understanding of religion, society and the state.

Speaking at the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday (September 18), the RSS chief said he was happy to see “Gen Z” people discussing “dharm” (religion) at a time it is considered an “old people’s affair”.

He claimed that dharm is in “our DNA and conduct, guiding our actions”, and that “adharm” (unrighteousness) has led to deforestation, and that it poses a threat to human existence, reported PTI.

The RSS chief termed secularism a “modern concept” and said that India’s traditional approach has been “sarva-pantha-samabhava”, or equal respect for all religions, which he said was based on “non-discrimination”.

The Western concept of secularism, the RSS chief claimed, emerged from a historical conflict “between kings and religious authorities over who should have power”, The Hindu reported.

“After much bloodshed, a compromise was reached which was that the king would look after this world, and the religious authorities would look after the other world. So, secular came to mean the material or worldly sphere,” he said, adding that India’s tradition seeks “material prosperity”, “freedom from anger, greed and jealousy”, and “viewing life holistically through dharma”.

“Whenever India was governed by Indians, the country followed the path of dharma,” he added.

He also said that young people should not live under the illusion that everything operates according to their authority and control. “Take the example of the Sun,” he said, “Even if you do not believe in the Sun, it will still rise and set.”

“If there is a rise, there will also be a fall”, he added, cautioning the Gen-Z audience that the belief that everything should happen according to one’s wishes is a “misconception”.

This was the sixth edition of RSS's Yuva Dharma Sansad. It was previously held in Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar and Kanchipuram. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav is reportedly going to attend the concluding session on September 19.

This article went live on September nineteenth, two thousand twenty six, at thirty minutes past one in the afternoon.

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