American Hindu leaders praise Mohan ji Bhagwat RSS new president

Shri. Mohan Bhagwat

Hindu community leaders of America welcomed appointment of Shri. Mohan Bhagwat as Sarasanghachalak or Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India. Hindu community activists witnessed the dynamic personality of Mohanji during his visit to USA in 2007. His clarity of though and friendly and humble attitude impressed people. Bhagwat represents the unique combination of nationalism, social service, cultural mooring and scientific temper.

Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat, a 58-yearold veterinary doctor, becomes one of the youngest to head the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He is a pioneer of RSS work in Gujarat and was the president of its Chandrapur zone. Mohan Madhukar, the sixth Sarasanghachalak comes from three generation of RSS activists.

Mohanji was born on September 11,1950. A veterinary surgeon by education, he dedicated himself for the service of society and became a pracharak (full time volunteer) of RSS in 1974.

Mohanji held various responsibilities in Sangh from a district pracharak for Akola to Sar-karyawah, (General secretary) of RSS, which he held for last 9 years. During his long career of 28 years as Pracharak he has traveled extensively in and outside Bharat and has guided countless activities and activists.

Girish Naik President of Hindus of Greater Houston said, “Hindus of Greater Houston welcome the appointment of Shri Mohanji to lead the responsibilities of, one of the most influential Hindu organization - RSS. We wish Mohanji the very best as he takes this huge responsibility of leading RSS in the coming century.”

Ved Nanda, Professor of Law at the University of Denver, who was with Mohanji Bhagwat on the West Coast, remarked: “Shri Bhagwat has the utmost clarity of vision and thought. He demonstrates total integrity and humility. An eloquent speaker and effective communicator, he has a very warm personality and easily endears himself even to strangers. My very best wishes for him in his new role.”

Beth Kulkarni, a prominent Hindu worker remembers her meeting with Sudarshanji, former chief of RSS and Mohanji Bhagawat, “I feel Mohanji will lead the RSS wisely and that his influence on associated organizations will be positive”

Prominent businessman of Houston Ramesh Bhutada feels that appointment of Mohanji as the next Sarsanghchalak of RSS signals a new generation taking over the responsibilities in RSS. “I always believed that Sangh is an evolving organization which is flexible in its approach in dealing with the current situation while maintaining its core beliefs. Since the ideals and purpose of the organization are much more important than personalities. No wonder Sangh has functioned for the last 84 years without any organizational or party politics.”

The principles of RSS ideology, according to Mohanji are based on the oneness of the whole humanity. India is threatened by the lack of unity, equality and untouchability among the Hindus that is eroding our moral strength and values, Bhagwat said. “Hindu-Muslim unity is a must be Hindus must united throwing all shackles of discrimination among themselves first,” Bhagwat lambasted. “RSS is above or beyond politics”, Bhagwat said. Though many feel Bharatiya Janata Party is close to RSS, Bhagwat argues that, “Politics divides. We want to build bridges.” RSS works with anyone, including politicians, in the cause of national unity and interest. And often RSS helped political parties other than the BJP, including the Congress.

Bhagwat’s worldview is, “The borders are porous, Pakistan is not any friendlier, Nepal is in turmoil and Bangladesh has training centers for terrorists”. On Indo-US nuclear cooperation, regarding nuclear treaty, Bhagwat accepted need of cooperation and understanding but he warned that the treaty should not harm the sovereignty of any nation.

Bhagwat worries about poverty, unemployment and inflation are growing and politicians are exploiting the difference between communities and castes, he warned about danger of religious conversion of Hindus. On other hand Bhagwat is hopeful. India has emerged as an economic power. A fearless, alert public and strong government are needed to fight terrorism, Bhagwat said.

Bhagwat described India’s condition as a mixed bag of positives and negatives. He emphasized upon unity of Hindu society and awakening of people power.

RSS is one of the largest social organizations in India dedicated to create selfless volunteers to serve the humanity with humility. Today with tireless efforts, RSS volunteers are involved in wide range of social movement through over 43 national organizations such as Sewa Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalay, Madhav Eye bank, Blood banks, Health clinics, orphanages, self help groups, cooperative banks etc.

Bhagwat worries about poverty, unemployment and inflation are growing and politicians are exploiting the difference between communities and castes, he warned about danger of religious conversion of Hindus.

BY SURENDRA K. ULLAL