NEW DELHI: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following Tuesday’s terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised the importance of non-violence as a cornerstone of Indian culture, while underlining the necessity of addressing threats to society and the nation.Speaking at a book relesease event on Saturday, he said, “We never insult or harm our neighbours, but still if some don’t change or continue creating trouble to world, teaching a lesson is also a non-violence and religion.”Without directly naming Pakistan, Bhagwat alluded to the country while asserting: “Non-violence is our nature, our values. Our non-violence is to change people and make them non-violent. Non-violence is our nature… But some people will not change, no matter what you do, they continuously remains creating trouble to the world. What needs to be done for this is to reach a lesson those who provoke us.”While Bhagwat did not explicitly endorse the Modi government’s actions following the Pahalgam attack, he appeared to signal support, saying, “Raja ka kartavya hai praja ka raksha karna” (the duty of the king is to protect the people). He added that it was the responsibility of the ruler to safeguard the populace, citing the demon king Ravana as an example of how failing to embrace goodness led to downfall.Bhagwat reiterated that while India does not seek to harm its neighbours, those who create trouble must be taught a lesson. His comments come amid growing anger against Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, which were blamed for the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam.The RSS chief said that teaching a lesson to oppressors was consistent with Hindu dharma and its tradition of non-violence. “To teach a lesson to them who are non-violent and indulged in hooliganism is a religion,” he remarked.Reflecting on global challenges, Bhagwat criticised materialistic models of development, saying they had led to widespread dissatisfaction and environmental degradation. He described Bharat’s civilisation path as a “third path,” balancing material and spiritual well-being.He said true dharma emphasises righteous action, societal prosperity and adherence to the four purusharthas without rejecting worldly responsibilities.The Hindu Manifesto proposes a framework for governance, prosperity and justice rooted in dharma and draws upon the wisdom of ancient Hindu texts such as the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and Shukranitisar.Swami Vigyananand’s Hindu Manifesto outlines eight guiding principles or sutras advocating prosperity for all, national security, quality education, responsible democracy, respect for women, social harmony, the sacredness of nature, and respect for heritage. The book notably calls for a model of responsible democracy inspired by Ram Rajya, where governance is based on justice and public welfare.
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