It must be noted that winning the 500 years of struggle to reclaim the Ram Mandir by oozing out blood and sweat, is an achievement which no other ancient civilization can flaunt other than the Hindu civilization. With the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya came a divine courage and hope among the billions of Hindus where they started believing that they could reclaim their sacred temples back and re correct the historical wrongs done to them. Efforts to reclaim Kashi Viswanath Mandir, Krishna Janmbhoomi, Sambhal’s Harihar Temple and many other sacred Hindu temples are in full swing but amid all these RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has recently expressed strong opposition to raising Mandir- Masjid disputes. On the 19th of December, he spoke at an event titled “India – The Vishwaguru” organised in Pune where the RSS Chief emphasized the need for harmony and warned against exploiting such issues for personal or political gain.
Referring to the completed construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Mohan Bhagwat stated, “After Ram Mandir, some think they can become Hindu leaders by raking up similar disputes in other places. This is not acceptable.” He cautioned against creating daily controversies that foster enmity and disdain, asserting that such actions disrupt India’s social fabric.
Mohan Bhagwat underscored the importance of India serving as a model of coexistence and unity for the world. He advocated focusing on harmony rather than reigniting historical grievances. “Coming to the question of devotion, there should indeed be a Ram Temple. But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not happen,” he stated.
Highlighting India’s diversity, Bhagwat said the country thrives on the coexistence of varied ideologies, sects, and communities. He further referenced India’s colonial history, citing the British role in sowing seeds of communal discord, which eventually led to the formation of Pakistan.
Mohan Bhagwat also commented on the historical context of religious staunchness, citing Mughal ruler Aurangzeb as an example, while contrasting him with Bahadur Shah Zafar, who banned cow slaughter in 1857. He noted that while external influences brought rigidity, modern India functions under its Constitution, which promotes equality and secularism.
This isn’t the first time Bhagwat has spoken against extreme measures. Previously, he advised Hindus against searching for Shivlings beneath every mosque. While speaking up at Nagpur in June, 2022, he said “ For historical reasons, we got involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign and we completed it. Now, we don’t want to lead any movement”. He further questioned “Why escalate the fight? Why look for a ‘Shivling’ in every Masjid?”
