RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat engaged deeply with Jharkhand’s tribal representatives, portraying Hindu religion not as rigid worship methods but as a blueprint for living together. This Saturday’s intimate dialogue underscored the beauty of India’s pluralistic fabric.
Quoting Bhagwat via an RSS statement, India’s hallmark is unity woven through diversity. Worship styles may differ, yet civilizational ethos unites us. ‘After years of observation and thought, it’s evident: we thrive by working as one society,’ he said, transcending apparent variances.
Bhagwat traced ‘Hindu’ to elemental connections—rivers, woods, farmlands—birthing Vedas and Upanishads from nature’s embrace. Atharvaveda exemplifies respect for multiplicity, with Mother Earth sustaining all, embracing every tongue equally.
Tribal voices dominated: forced conversions, PESA Act shortcomings, and tribal status erosions. Bhagwat positioned these as pan-India challenges, vowing advocacy to PM Modi for remedies.
Prominent critic Nisha Uraon spotlighted PESA’s defects post-Jharkhand’s recent notification. ‘Customary laws and traditions are absent, undermining the Act’s foundation,’ she told Bhagwat. ‘Tribals face existential threats from this oversight.’ Enacted in 1996 for scheduled areas’ rights, PESA demands faithful implementation.
Attendees spanned political lines: ex-CMs Arjun Munda, Champai Soren; Babulal Marandi; others. Following Friday’s RSS meets, Bhagwat’s visit amplifies calls for cultural preservation amid modernization, urging a return to roots for national strength.
