Speaking during his three-day visit to Chhattisgarh, Bhagwat said the global development model often presents a binary choice: cut forests to enable growth or preserve nature by halting development altogether. “The challenge before India is to evolve a model where forests remain protected and development also takes place. At present, India is the only country seriously thinking in this direction,” he said.
On the issue of religious conversion, the RSS chief said distrust within society is a major reason people drift away from their communities. “When our own people lose faith in us, they look elsewhere. If trust is restored, many will naturally return,” Bhagwat said, emphasising the need for social engagement rather than confrontation. He added that those who have converted should be approached with respect and empathy, and efforts should be made to address their social and economic insecurities.
Bhagwat also touched upon the management of religious institutions, noting that India has a mixed system where some temples are privately managed while others are under government control. “Irregularities exist in both systems. There is a growing awareness that temples should be managed by their own communities,” he said, adding that the matter may need to be addressed through legal means, including approaching the Supreme Court.
On ideological challenges, Bhagwat urged young people to engage actively on social media and respond to opposing viewpoints with logic and clarity. “One must be firm in thought and expression, without aggression,” he said, referring to debates around communism and other ideologies.
Expressing concern over rising loneliness and substance abuse among youth, Bhagwat said weakening family संवाद and reduced interpersonal communication have pushed young people towards mobile phones and addiction. Rebuilding family and community bonds, he said, is essential to address these challenges.
The programme was attended by professionals including doctors, engineers, lawyers and chartered accountants. Bhagwat also announced that a social harmony meeting will be held on January 1 at the Ram Mandir complex, bringing together representatives from various communities to discuss social cohesion and contemporary issues.
Observers note that Bhagwat’s visit, taking place during the RSS centenary year, holds strategic significance in a state with a large tribal and youth population. His remarks on development, religion and social trust are expected to feed into wider social and political discussions in the coming months.
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