Protests, agitations alone cannot solve issues like graft: RSS

Hyderabad The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday said protests and agitations alone cannot provide solutions to corruption and other systemic shortcomings; and it requires positive and constructive approach from the government as well as the society in resolving the public grievances

Hyderabad The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday said protests and agitations alone cannot provide solutions to corruption and other systemic shortcomings; and it requires positive and constructive approach from the government as well as the society in resolving the public grievances.

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Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the RSS’s three-day All India Coordination Meeting near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, RSS Sah Sarkaryavah C R Mukunda said wherever there were shortcomings in the system, awareness in society, along with efforts by the government, was necessary to correct them.

Responding to a question on the recent agitation at Jantar Mantar and allegations of corruption and shortcomings in various government systems, the RSS joint general secretary said the organisation did not view such issues merely through the prism of corruption.

Mukunda cited issues such as the NEET examination and other systemic problems as examples of concerns that could create anxiety among young people about their future. He said these concerns needed to be understood and addressed rather than being allowed to escalate into wider social discontent.

“Solutions will not emerge merely through protest or disruption,” Mukunda said, emphasising the need for the Centre, state governments and society to jointly work towards improving systems.

The RSS and 32 Sangh-inspired organisations concluded their three-day coordination meeting, during which they discussed a range of issues concerning society, including demographic changes, drug abuse among youth, the aspirations of the younger generation, environmental conservation, family values and the impact of artificial intelligence.

The meeting was attended by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale and senior functionaries of the participating organisations.

Mukunda linked the issue of systemic shortcomings directly to the concerns of young people, saying that problems affecting education and other public institutions can have a wider impact on their confidence about the future.

The RSS has been placing increased emphasis on engaging with the younger generation. Mukunda said around 21,000 young Swayamsevaks participated in the organisation’s 21-day training camps this year, while more than 60 per cent of those attending daily Shakhas are young people.

He said youth engagement should go beyond speeches and formal messaging. “Organisations need to maintain continuous contact with young people, understand their aspirations and concerns and engage them through dialogue,” he said.

The coordination meeting also expressed serious concern over the growing reach of narcotic substances among students and young people. Mukunda said combating drug abuse could not be left exclusively to government and police agencies and called for coordinated action involving educational institutions, parents, social organisations, administrators and law-enforcement agencies.

Mukunda said the meeting also discussed demographic changes and population imbalance, including the implications of declining fertility rates and ageing populations in several countries.

As part of its centenary-year preparations, the RSS also reviewed its ‘Panch Parivartan’ initiative, with particular emphasis on strengthening families, preserving cultural values and promoting environmental responsibility.

Under ‘Kutumb Prabodhan’, the organisation discussed ways to strengthen family bonds and traditional values. On environmental conservation, it stressed that change must begin with everyday behaviour, including judicious use of water, reducing plastic consumption and increasing green cover.

Mukunda said environmental protection could not be achieved merely through resolutions and called for changes in the lifestyles of individuals and families.

The meeting also discussed the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence. A detailed presentation examined both the opportunities and risks associated with the rapid expansion of AI.

“The participants observed that AI should be viewed in the Indian social context, with efforts directed towards using the technology for societal benefit while creating awareness about its potential adverse effects,” he said.

The meeting also reviewed the work of 32 Sangh-inspired organisations and discussed plans for expanding their activities across different sections of society in the coming year.

On the proposed visit of Mohan Bhagwat to the United States, Canada and Britain, Mukunda said the visit was part of a broader global outreach on the occasion of the Sangh’s centenary year. It has three main objectives.

“First, it is aimed at presenting a fact-based and positive perspective amid misconceptions and misinformation prevailing around the world regarding Bharat, Hindu society and the RSS. Second, it is to take the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and universal oneness, given by the Rishis and Munis of Bharat, to different societies across the world,” he said.

Besides, Bhagwat would also take initiative to hold dialogue with mainstream society in those countries regarding the interests and rights of Hindus and people of Bharatiya origin living in different parts of the world.

“As part of this, Bhagwat will participate in the Universal Oneness programme in New York and community leadership programmes in Toronto and London,” he added.