'There might be struggle but no quarrel': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on relationship with BJP
New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has dismissed speculation that the organisation dictates the BJP’s decisions, insisting that the Sangh works independently while maintaining coordination with governments across the board.
"RSS is an independent, autonomous organisation," Bhagwat said at a question-and-answer session during the RSS’ three-day lecture series on “100 years of Sangh journey.”
He emphasised that there is no conflict between the Sangh and any government.
"We have good coordination with every government, not just this government. There is no quarrel anywhere," he remarked.
On the Opposition’s perceptions of the RSS, Bhagwat pointed out how views evolve over time.
"From JP Narayan to Pranab Mukherjee, people have changed their views on us. So we should never deny the possibility of change in someone's perspective," he said.
Addressing the question of internal struggles, Bhagwat admitted differences may arise but clarified, "There might be a struggle, but no quarrel. When we talk of compromise, the struggle deepens. We know our swayamsevaks work honestly. They don't believe in -isms."
Education and values
Shifting focus to India’s education system, Bhagwat criticised its colonial legacy. "The British imposed their education system on India. Indian education system went extinct," he said.
For him, the purpose of learning is not memorisation but cultural grounding. "Education is not about cramming information," he said, stressing that "our values and traditions must be taught to students."
He highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) was “a step in the right direction” and praised its inclusion of Panchakosiya education. "Technology and modernity are not opposed to education. Education is not merely information; it is about making a person cultured," Bhagwat noted.
He also argued for balancing global exposure with Indian traditions.
"We shouldn't try to turn into British, but there is no problem in learning English. What is the problem in learning English? It's just a language," he said.
Recalling his school years, he added, "I was in the 8th grade when my father made me read Oliver Twist. Reading Oliver Twist and leaving behind Premchand is also not okay."
The RSS chief said Sanskrit remains central to understanding Bharat and urged mainstream education to link with the Gurukul tradition.
On the issue of unemployment, he rejected the idea that education’s sole purpose is securing jobs.
"The thought that the education's goal is to get a job is the wrong way to go about things. Try to be a job creator rather than a job seeker," he said.
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