New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that the Indian Constitution is the “most secular in the world”, highlighting that its makers were inherently secular, shaped by 5,000 years of tradition rooted in the values of Lord Ram, Krishna, and Shiva. Speaking at a gathering in Indore, Bhagwat talked about the ‘s deep-rooted secular traditions and the pivotal role of the Ram Temple in awakening the nation’s cultural identity.
Bhagwat attributed India’s secular ethos to its ancient cultural values. “Our secularism is not borrowed; it is intrinsic to our civilisation. This is the same ‘self’ that has been passed down from Ram and Krishna,” he remarked. “Our Constitution reflects the ‘self’ (swa) of India. It is not just about secularism as a concept; it is the embodiment of India’s innate values cultivated over millennia,” he said. Bhagwat emphasised that this historical secularism is India’s true identity.
‘Livelihood doesn’t just depend on policies or slogans’
Addressing questions raised during the 1980s Ram Temple movement, Bhagwat recalled being asked why the focus was on building a temple instead of addressing economic concerns. He responded by pointing out that, despite decades of efforts like socialism and poverty eradication slogans, India remained economically stagnant compared to nations like Japan.
“Livelihood doesn’t just depend on policies or slogans. The path to self-reliance and progress for India goes through the gateway of the Ram Temple,” he explained. Bhagwat stressed that the movement was aimed at reigniting India’s self-awareness and inspiring the nation to reclaim its leadership role on the global stage.
‘True independence of Bharat’
Reflecting on the long struggle for the temple, Bhagwat noted that the journey spanned over three decades. He had once told audiences to “stay alive” to witness the completion of the temple, which is now a reality. “The Ram Temple has been built without conflict or discord, and it stands as a testament to India’s unity and spiritual resilience,” he said.
Bhagwat also said that the date of Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya should be celebrated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi”, as the “true independence” of Bharat, which faced “parachakra” (enemy attack) for several centuries, was established on this day. Bhagwat asserted that the Ram temple movement was not started to oppose anyone.
