Bhagwat calls for regulation of OTT platforms, says protests should aim at solutions

RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering in Nagpur at the Vijayadashami event marking the conclusion of the organisation's centenary year. He spoke on the Sangh's 100-year journey, India's cultural identity, social harmony and present-day global challenges, and appealed to countrymen to unite and contribute to nation-building.

Bhagwat stressed an awareness of "swa" (self) and putting swadeshi into practice. According to him, the Constitution addresses the people as one citizenry and, despite diversity, as an emotionally united society, in the words "We, the people of India". He said the directive principles of the same Constitution state clearly that this emotional bond must be strengthened continuously.

Recalling great figures, the speech mentioned the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Ravidas, 100 years since the martyrdom of Swami Shraddhanand, and the work of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, and called on people to draw inspiration from their lives. Bhagwat said the late Raj Narayan Basu of Bengal, the inspirer and promoter of the Hindu Mela, tried to awaken the same self-awareness for which these great men made sacrifices, through swadeshi fairs. The 200th year of his birth is also under way.

Expressing concern over the tragedy in Nepal, Bhagwat said thousands of people lost their lives there and that, somewhere at its root, lies the one-sided development across the entire Himalayan region, in India, Tibet, Bhutan and China. He said a holistic and balanced approach to development is necessary.

Bhagwat said Sanatan culture is the main basis of the country's unity and respects all faiths and castes. To bring positive change in society, he appealed to people to adopt five things in life: social harmony, family enlightenment, environment, self-awareness and civic discipline.

Voicing concern over the harmful effects of modern technology and social media, he said the new generation must be taught the discernment to tell right from wrong, and that OTT platforms need proper regulation. According to Bhagwat, such values are being passed on less and less each day by elders in the family, school curricula or the atmosphere in society. He said that in many countries the new generation takes in information from these media without discernment, and after seeing the bad results those countries have imposed some discipline and restrictions on them. In his view, society in India too feels such a need, particularly with regard to OTT platforms.

On drugs, Bhagwat said it is because of a lack of discernment that the new generation across the world is falling prey to drug addiction. He called drugs a serious national problem and said the government, the administration and society should begin efforts in time. According to him, swayamsevaks will take everyone along and try to build a nationwide resistance against it.

On the "Hindu bhav", Bhagwat said it is not limited to any mode of worship or language, but symbolises spirituality, humanity and universal brotherhood that can connect the whole world. He said it does not make any particular mode of worship, food, way of living, political or social ideology, caste, language or region mandatory.

Bhagwat asked people to remain alert to forces that weaken the country. He said a storm has risen from the West, with a demonic vow to destroy the decency, auspiciousness and cultural and human values that exist across the world, including India. He said the game of forces that spread chaos and seat their puppets would end with India's progress, which is why India is their biggest competitor and final target. Bhagwat also said some ambitious leaders join in this because of petty lust for power and lack of discernment.

On protests, Bhagwat said that in so large a society there will be problems and shortcomings in the system, so protests are natural, but protests should be meant to deliver solutions. He said those protesting, the government and administration, and political leaders must ensure that their actions do not create hatred or division, and that everything stays within the limits of the Constitution and the law even when emotions run high. He said concern must be taken that the lure of votes, cheap popularity or political gain does not overpower discernment and goodwill.

Finally, Bhagwat asked every citizen to move ahead, while performing their duties, with the resolve to make India a "vishwaguru" once again and a nation endowed with supreme glory. He said this will be achieved only through the effort of each one of us and that there is no other option or shortcut. According to him, even the most ordinary person can do their duty by bringing change through small good efforts every day in personal, family, social and professional life.