Stop fighting over petty issues and stay united, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

With Ram Lalla's consecration in Ayodhya, India's self-pride has returned, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir, in Ayodhya, on January 22, 2024 | Photo Credit: PTI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said people should stop fighting over petty issues and stay united.

Speaking after the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Mr. Bhagwat said the event marked the break of a new dawn in India, which will soon emerge as a power that will provide relief to the entire world during crisis.

Shri Ram Lalla idol unveiled; PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Ram Temple | Video Credit: Special Arrangement

Mr. Bhagwat, who participated in the ceremony along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Governor Anandiben Patel, said he was always tasked with talking sense amid passionate conversations. 

“In Ram Rajya, we will have to stop fighting over petty issues. We must move forward with truth, compassion, wisdom, discipline, and charity. Ram Rajya will come by giving up greed and by staying disciplined,” Mr. Bhagwat said.

Terming January 22 a swarna diwas (golden day), Mr. Bhagwat said that Ram Lalla (child Ram) had come back to Ayodhya after 500 years. He paid tributes to all those who fought for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Explaining why Lord Ram had left Ayodhya, Mr. Bhagwat said that it was due to the kalah (disputes) during his times. “Ayodhya is the name of a land where there is no strife, no doubts ... when strife happened, Ram left for 14 years of forest exile and came back after the strife was over. He came back after ending strife in the whole world,” he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the RSS chief said there was enough on earth for “everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s greed”, highlighting the importance of charity.

“It should be our duty to serve people who are in crisis and pain. We must earn with both hands, keep whatever is needed for our own lives and donate everything else to charity,” Mr. Bhagwat said.

Praising the Prime Minister, Mr. Bhagwat said he had always known Mr. Modi as someone who followed discipline. “He used to keep fasts and is an ascetic. He always observed a stricter fast than the one he was asked to do,” Mr. Bhagwat said.