RSS Chief Critiques US Tariff Policy and Advocates for Self-Reliance
In his Vijayadashami address, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat criticized the US tariff policy, urging a focus on self-reliance and the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties. He highlighted India's role in addressing global issues and the need to respect diversity within the nation. Bhagwat also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, emphasizing their contributions to India's independence and values. His speech calls for unity and adherence to law amidst diversity, while rejecting violence and unrest.
| Oct 2, 2025, 12:48 IST
Mohan Bhagwat's Vijayadashami Address
During his Vijayadashami speech in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed his disapproval of the tariff policy implemented by the United States. He emphasized the importance of relying more on indigenous resources. Bhagwat pointed out that the new tariff policy from the US was designed with their own interests in mind, affecting everyone globally. He remarked that the world operates on mutual dependence, and relationships between nations are maintained in this manner. No country can remain isolated; this interdependence should not turn into compulsion. We need to focus on self-reliance while striving to maintain diplomatic relations with all our friendly nations, based on our own will and not out of necessity.
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Bhagwat further stated that the world is looking towards India for solutions to global concerns. He believes that the universe expects India to set an example and guide the world. He highlighted India's unique diversity and noted that attempts are being made to transform this diversity into uniformity. He mentioned that whenever foreign ideologies have entered India, they have been embraced. We acknowledge the diversity of the world, and in our country, efforts are being made to ensure that this diversity does not turn into uniformity. Everyone must ensure that no faith or belief is insulted through our words.
He acknowledged that when people with diverse beliefs coexist, there may occasionally be noise and chaos. However, it is crucial to ensure that laws and harmony are not violated. Taking the law into one's own hands, resorting to violence, and creating unrest is unacceptable. Attempts to incite specific communities and display power are all part of a premeditated conspiracy.
On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, Bhagwat paid tribute to him. In his annual Vijayadashami address, he remarked, "Today marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was not only a leader in the fight for our freedom but also held a special place among those who envisioned post-independence India based on its essence." He also honored former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, highlighting his dedication, commitment, and service to the nation.
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He stated, "Today is also the birth anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who symbolized simplicity, humility, integrity, and determination, sacrificing his life for the nation." Bhagwat further added, "He is an exemplary symbol of dedication, commitment, and service to the nation. He teaches us how a person can truly become human and live accordingly."