'Small episodes' cannot damage Hindu culture, says RSS chief
Mohan Bhagwat was speaking at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's annual Dussehra function in Nagpur.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday made a veiled reference to incidents such as the Dadri lynching, saying that such "small episodes" cannot damage "Hindu culture". Addressing the RSS's annual Dussehra function in Nagpur, Bhagwat praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for ushering in hope and confidence in the country.
With incidents such as the Dadri lynching triggering widespread outrage in the country, Bhagwat did not refer to any particular case, but said, "Small episodes happen. They get exaggerated and presented in a big way. But it does not distort Indian and Hindu culture. Since time immemorial, [Hindu culture] respects diversity. Our country has stood as one and will stand as one."
Bhagwat said that there is a new feeling of hope in the country now after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power at the Centre in 2014, compared to an "atmosphere of disappointment" two years ago. He also said that India's image in the world has improved since then.
Bhagwat also praised Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar for making provisions in the Constitution to remove social and economic inequality faced by the weaker sections, in a reference to the quota system. He also called for a holistic discussion on population, saying its continuous rise was becoming a burden.