MUMBAI, Jun 4 : RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the world does not possess a guiding principle that can ensure progress across multiple dimensions of human life simultaneously, and global systems remain confused over balancing individual welfare, societal interests and environmental protection.
Addressing the concluding event of a volunteer training camp of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Nagpur, Bhagwat said the world understands the development of the human body, mind and intellect separately, but has failed to evolve a framework that advances all three together.
“The world knows human body’s development, as well as mind and intelligence. But the world does not know how to achieve progress on all the three fronts,” he said.
Referring to contemporary global conflicts, Bhagwat said their effects are felt even by countries not directly involved. “War is (going on) between Iran and the US, but oil prices are increasing here in India,” he said, adding that while people often focus on challenges and uncertainties, they should also recognise the opportunities available in such difficult situations.
He said the world remains trapped in dilemmas involving individual rights, societal interests and environmental conservation. “To give a person individual rights, society’s interest is compromised. If society needs to be given powers, individual person’s rights are suppressed,” Bhagwat said.
Highlighting environmental concerns, he said material growth is often pursued at the cost of nature, while environmental protection is frequently viewed as an obstacle to development. “For materialistic growth, environment will be exploited. And to protect the environment, (some people demand) stop the development. The world is stuck, and confused in such types of issues,” he said.
Bhagwat maintained that the world lacks a principle that can ensure happiness, peace and environmental protection at the same time. While solutions may exist in theory and in traditional knowledge systems, their implementation remains difficult because of human habits and limitations, he said, stressing that effective action requires coordination among the body, mind and intellect.
The RSS chief further said India’s time had come as the world seeks alternatives to conflict-driven and self-centred models of development. India historically led the world in knowledge, science and economic strength, and many foundations of present-day knowledge could be traced back to the country, he claimed.
The values and strengths forgotten over time should be rediscovered, said the RSS chief.
Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla attended the event as the chief guest.( PTI)
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