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Imphal: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat called for social unity during a tribal (tribal) leadership meeting in Manipur capital Imphal on Friday. The RSS chief interacted with tribal leaders on the second day of his three-day visit to the state and appealed to strengthen unity and character building to ensure lasting peace, harmony and progress in the region as well as the nation.
As part of the programme, a traditional Manipuri lunch was organized at the RSS center ‘Bhaskar Prabha’ in Imphal, where more than 200 leaders representing various tribal communities of Manipur joined Bhagwat to exemplify the essence of Samaj Samara – social equality and mutual respect. Addressing the gathering he reiterated that RSS is a purely social organization dedicated to strengthening the society.
He said, “RSS is not against anyone; it is not created to destroy, but to complete the society. Leaders, politics, governments and even divine incarnations are helpful forces, but what the society really needs is unity.”
The RSS chief said that the Sangh neither does politics nor controls any organization remotely.
“RSS works only through friendship, affection and social harmony,” he said. Emphasizing on India’s civilizational continuity, he said studies show that the genetic and cultural DNA of the people of India has remained the same for more than 40,000 years.
He said, “We are united because of our shared consciousness. Despite our beautiful diversity, we belong to one civilizational family. Unity does not demand uniformity.”
Quoting Dr BR Ambedkar, Bhagwat said the constitutional principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are rooted in the teachings of Gautam Buddha and can flourish only when fraternity – the spirit of unity – is strong.
“Many nations failed despite having liberty and equality because they lacked fraternity. But fraternity is religion for India.”
Explaining that the RSS was created not as a reaction to any external force but to address internal disunity, he recalled Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s resolve to unite the society. ”The RSS is a person-building and character-building movement,” he said, encouraging everyone to visit shakhas to understand how the Sangh works on the ground.
Bhagwat said anyone working for the betterment of society with a commitment to Indian civilization is already an undeclared volunteer.
He commented, “RSS people are burden-free; we want nothing but a good society.”
On the issues raised by the tribal leaders, he assured them that their concerns were national concerns. He stressed on self-reliance and solutions within the constitutional framework. “Family issues should be resolved within the family. Dialogue should be based on unity and not contractual bargaining,” he said. He also pointed out that many regional issues and divisions have historical roots in colonial policies.
Calling manushya-nirman — the building of responsible, ethical and socially conscious individuals — the foundation of national transformation, Bhagwat highlighted the ongoing Sadbhavana Baithaks and the Sangh’s Panch Parivartan initiatives. These include Samajik Samarasata (social harmony without discrimination), Kutumb Prabodhan (strengthening family values), Paryavaran Sanrakshan (environment conservation), Swabodh (civilisational awareness) and Nagarik Kartavya (civic duties).
He urged tribal leaders to take pride in indigenous traditions, languages and scripts and embrace indigenous lifestyles rooted in cultural identity.
He said, “Other nations are now looking to India for guidance and civilizational alternatives. We have to build a strong nation and the RSS will continue to work tirelessly for this.” The historic dialogue and community meal between tribal leaders concluded with a message of cultural unity and collective responsibility, evoking the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
Speaking separately with youth leaders in Imphal, Bhagwat urged the younger generation to recognize that India is not a nation born in recent centuries, but an ancient, continuous civilization.
He said epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata make reference to regions like Manipur, Brahmadesh and even present-day Afghanistan, highlighting India’s vast cultural and spiritual footprint.
He called on the youth to be proud of their identity and lead with cultural confidence, saying, “Hindu civilization is based on acceptance, mutual respect and a deep sense of shared consciousness. Our diversity is our strength because religion unites us at the core.”
Encouraging participation of youth in nation building, he said that RSS shakhas aim to shape responsible, capable and selfless citizens who contribute their skills and talents to the country. True progress, he said, moves from individual excellence to collective development and transformation of systems. Warning against excessive materialism and self-centeredness, he stressed that strong families and value-based parenting are vital for a strong nation.
He said, “Young minds must rise above selfish ambitions. When India rises, the world rises. Our duty, as a society, is to remain united and awakened with a resolve.”
Bhagwat arrived in Imphal on Thursday on a three-day visit, his first since the outbreak of ethnic hostilities in the state in May 2023.
A state RSS functionary said the Manipur visit is part of the organisation’s nationwide centenary celebrations. Mohan Bhagwat was warmly welcomed at Imphal airport after his four-day visit to Assam.
–IANS