People from five continents want RSS-style youth training: Mohan Bhagwat
Nagpur, July 3
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday claimed that the Sangh's model of character building has drawn global interest, with visitors from India and all five continents asking whether RSS workers could train them to impart similar value-based training to the youth in their own countries.
Speaking at the launch of the 100th YouTube video in a series highlighting the lives and contributions of RSS pracharaks, Bhagwat said the Sangh's mission extends beyond building individuals of character. "The journey is still ongoing. There are miles to go. The work of the Sangh does not stop merely at setting an example of character building," he said.
Bhagwat said the principles of the Sangh cannot be understood merely by reading books or listening to lectures, but only by living them. According to him, the primary quality of a swayamsevak is not activism alone but leading an organised, disciplined and value-based life.
He also sought to dispel the perception that the RSS directly controls organisations working in different sectors. Bhagwat said swayamsevaks who receive training in the Sangh work independently in different fields according to the needs of society, while the RSS itself remains focused on developing individuals with character, discipline and a spirit of selfless service.
Claiming that there is no truly effective method anywhere in the world to shape human beings the way the Sangh seeks to do, Bhagwat said people from India and abroad regularly visit the organisation to understand its functioning. "People from all five continents have come and asked whether the people of the Sangh could train them so that they, in turn, can provide similar training to the youth of their own countries," he said.
Reflecting on the organisation's growth, Bhagwat said the present generation of workers was paying tribute to those who laid the foundation of the Sangh. He noted that while the organisation has expanded and earned greater trust, affection and respect in society, its fundamental character and core values must remain unchanged even as circumstances evolve.
Referring to India's global role, Bhagwat said the world continues to believe that India has the potential to show the right path to humanity. However, he added that this would become possible only when India itself advances on the foundation of its civilisational values and emerges as a nation of "supreme glory and supreme strength."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from the US, I can see why there's interest. Youth in many Western countries are searching for structure and meaning beyond materialism. The RSS's emphasis on selfless service and organised living is refreshing. However, I hope the training remains about character building and not about any particular ideology. Character building should be universal and non-political.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings. The discipline and character building are commendable, but the RSS's history and its role in Indian politics can't be ignored. If they're outsourcing their model globally, I worry about the underlying intent. At the same time, if it's purely about value-based training and service, why not? But let's keep an eye on transparency and inclusivity.
Absolutely brilliant! 🇮🇳 The Sangh has been doing yeoman service for decades quietly. We need more such disciplined youth with character. The world is finally recognising India's strength in human development. Jai Hind!
From Canada, this sounds promising. Many youth programs here focus on skills and careers, but not enough on character and service. The RSS model seems holistic. However, I'm curious about how they handle diversity and dissent within their own ranks. Character building should also teach critical thinking, not just obedience.
I'm all for character building, but the RSS's vision of 'supreme glory and supreme strength' sounds a bit too nationalistic for my taste. Who defines these 'civilisational values'? India is a diverse country with many traditions. I
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