Bhagwat: Lack of Belongingness Root Cause of All Problems in the World
RSS chief calls for a spirit of universal kinship, compassion and selfless service, saying people must move beyond the mindset of 'me and mine'.
NAGPUR, Nov 7: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said the absence of a sense of belongingness among people was the root cause of all problems across the world, emphasising the need to cultivate mutual affection, compassion and collective responsibility.
Addressing the silver jubilee celebrations of social service organisation Samarpan Foundation in Nagpur, Bhagwat said a feeling of kinship could unite people, help them understand societal challenges and encourage efforts to resolve them.
He observed that most conflicts and difficulties arise from an excessive attachment to the ideas of “me and mine”, which prevents individuals from recognising their connection with others.
Recalling his recent visit to the United States for a conference, the RSS chief referred to an observation made by a speaker from Nigeria, who said that lasting peace would remain elusive as long as people continued to prioritise themselves and their immediate interests.
Bhagwat said overcoming this narrow outlook required developing an attitude in which everyone was regarded as part of one’s own family. He stressed that people should wish for the happiness and well-being of others with the same sincerity with which they seek their own welfare.
Describing this outlook as an essential human disposition, he said nurturing such values would contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.
The RSS chief also highlighted that compassion was inherent in human nature and had encouraged people to embrace the tradition of helping others.
Emphasising the importance of voluntary service, Bhagwat said social work should not be undertaken to gain recognition or public attention. Instead, it should be carried out consistently, sincerely and without expecting appreciation.
Citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, he recalled asking RSS volunteers in Nagpur about the relief and assistance activities undertaken during the crisis. He was informed that around 40 service initiatives had been carried out within two months, with Samarpan Foundation being one of the organisations involved.
Bhagwat further said sensitivity and compassion distinguished human beings from animals. According to him, people possess the ability to understand the difficulties of others and extend concern beyond their personal needs and circumstances.
He described service as a lasting human instinct, adding that the desire to contribute to others’ welfare would continue even if no individual in the world faced hardship.
The RSS chief maintained that genuine service was not merely a response to suffering but an expression of human values that should remain an integral part of everyday life.
