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Mohan Bhagwat Calls for Inter-Caste Marriages to End Caste-Based Politics

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for inter-caste marriages to eradicate caste-based discrimination in society. He stated that politicians exploit caste divisions to gain votes, and if society forgets caste, politics will self-correct. Bhagwat cited a 1942 inter-caste marriage supported by Babasaheb Ambedkar and MS Golwalkar as an example. He also urged people to be mindful of discriminatory language and behavior in daily life.

Key Points: Mohan Bhagwat: Inter-Caste Marriages Key to Ending Caste Politics

  • Mohan Bhagwat advocates inter-caste marriages to eradicate caste discrimination
  • Politicians exploit caste for votes, says RSS chief
  • Cites 1942 inter-caste marriage supported by Ambedkar and Golwalkar
  • Urges mindful language and behavior to avoid discrimination
2 min read

"Forget caste, politics will correct itself": Mohan Bhagwat pushes for inter-caste marriages

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urges society to forget caste, support inter-caste marriages, and says politics will correct itself if caste divisions end.

"Society has to forget caste, then politics will correct itself. - Mohan Bhagwat"

Mysuru, May 8

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for inter-caste marriages to eradicate discrimination in the society of which, he said, politicians have taken advantage.

Addressing a special lecture at JSS Mahavidyapeetha in Mysuru, Mohan Bhagwat pushed the public to "forget" caste-based differences and support proactive measures beyond the constitution and law.

Bhagwat said if the public takes corrective steps to eradicate differences, then the politicians will also stop using them to influence voters.

"Politicians take advantage of caste. They cannot get votes by working, but they can get them through caste. Society has to forget caste, then politics will correct itself. Without trying to eradicate caste, one must behave as if there is no caste. Support all proactive measures, not only those given by law and the constitution. Support individuals who marry inter-caste," he said.

The RSS chief shared an instance when MS Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of RSS, had supported inter-caste marriage. He shared that Golwalkar viewed inter-caste marriage as an example to set aside the differences, an attitude that Bhagwat said people must adapt.

"The first inter-caste marriage in Maharashtra happened in 1942. It received two well-wisher messages, one from Babasaheb Ambedkar and the other from MS Gowalkar. Later, Gurji (MS Gowalkar) wrote that he was very delighted to hear that you are marrying inter-caste, not for the purpose of fulfilling your desire but to set an example before society that there is no caste. This should be our attitude. If we forget caste, it will stop working in politics, and politicians will forget caste," he said.

Bhagwat also pushed for corrective measures in our day-to-day actions that come out as discriminatory to others. He pointed out that sometimes some words, which have become part of our speech, can also be discriminatory. RSS chief asked people to be more mindful and not come out as "distant" through their acts.

"Instead of lecturing, we should start by taking small measures. Our language contains so many words which express this discrimination. It has come in the colloquial flow. We have to make our speech pure. Our behaviour and small acts should not hurt others, should not make them feel that I am something distant or I am something different. He doesn't see me as his equal and as his own," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Vikram M
Easy to say 'forget caste' when you're at the top of the social hierarchy, sir. The reality is that inter-caste couples still face violence, ostracism, and even honour killings in many parts of India. The constitution and laws exist for a reason - to protect the vulnerable. We need both legal protection AND social change, not one at the expense of the other. But good that this conversation is happening.
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Rohit P
This is exactly the kind of leadership we need! Bhagwat ji is right - politicians exploit caste divisions because we let them. If society moves forward, politics will follow. My college had a campaign for inter-caste dating and it was eye-opening. The youngsters are already doing this, the elders need to catch up. Also loved the part about purifying our language - so many casual casteist words we use without thinking. 🙏
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Sarah B
As a foreigner living in India, I find this discussion fascinating. In the US we have our own issues with race, but the caste system seems so deeply entrenched here. It's encouraging to see a major religious leader openly advocating for inter-caste marriage. Having said that, change has to come from education and economic empowerment, not just sermons. Actions speak louder than words.
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Priya S
Bhagwat ji saying this is a BIG DEAL. My grandmother still asks 'which caste?' when we talk about marriage. The RSS traditionally has been seen as a upper-caste dominated organisation, so for their chief to say this publicly... maybe times really are changing. But I wish he'd also acknowledge the role of reservation and affirmative action in helping this change happen. Can't just 'forget caste' without addressing historical injustices.
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