MUMBAI, Oct 7: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday called upon people in Bharat to remain connected with their traditions and actively contribute to the welfare of society and the wider world.
Bhagwat made the remarks after inaugurating several initiatives at the Gau-Vigyan Anusandhan Kendra in Deolapur, Nagpur district, during events organised to commemorate the birth centenary year of former VHP president Ashok Singhal.
He said Bharat’s traditional values could play an important role in promoting the safety and welfare of individuals, society and the world. He stressed that every person should contribute in some way towards creating a fulfilling life for others.
According to Bhagwat, the responsibility of social welfare cannot be left to a limited number of people. He observed that the number of individuals involved in constructive social work remained small compared with the size of society and urged greater public participation in such efforts.
The RSS chief said there were two ways of remembering people who had made significant contributions to society. One was simply to recall their achievements, while the other was to carry forward their spirit by undertaking meaningful work.
He noted that people often recognise social problems and understand what needs to be done, but still expect somebody else to take responsibility. Personal commitments such as employment and family responsibilities are sometimes cited as reasons for staying away from social initiatives, he said.
Bhagwat emphasised that positive developments are rarely the result of an individual’s efforts alone and generally reflect the participation and support of society as a whole.
He also spoke about the importance of personal sacrifice and perseverance. According to him, individuals who demonstrate commitment and endurance in their own lives can encourage others to accept challenges and pursue difficult but meaningful goals.
Referring to the contributions of late Moropant Pinglay and Ashok Singhal, Bhagwat said both devoted themselves to larger social causes instead of pursuing personal benefits. Their dedication, he said, eventually earned them widespread respect and recognition.
Bhagwat said people who work selflessly for society may not immediately see the broader impact of their efforts, but their contributions can influence future generations.
He added that when beneficial initiatives produce results, people often remember those who originally took the initiative and laid the foundation for the work.
Remembering such individuals, he said, becomes more meaningful when their values are reflected through continued service and constructive action.
The RSS chief’s remarks focused on the need for collective responsibility, social participation and continuity of service. He encouraged people to move beyond merely appreciating those who contributed to society and instead take inspiration from them by becoming involved in causes that benefit others.
He said a stronger sense of responsibility among individuals could help address social challenges and contribute to the broader welfare of the community.
The event in Nagpur was held as part of programmes marking the centenary year of Ashok Singhal, whose life and public work were recalled during the gathering.
Bhagwat’s address highlighted the connection between cultural traditions, social responsibility and service, while urging people to translate these principles into action in their daily lives.