Ramayana, Mahabharat & 1962 Warfare: How Bhagwat Stitched Historical past With Scriptures To Search ‘Sensible Retaliation’ – News18

Final Up to date:April 29, 2025, 09:32 IST

Two essential public speeches by the RSS chief calling for a robust however measured response to the Pahalgam assault that aligned with India’s conventional values introduced a tremendous steadiness

One week after the devastating terror assault in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, popularly generally known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath and the profound loss, whereas clamour over ‘motion’ in opposition to Pakistan grows. The anger is so deep that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), seen as the important thing ideological pillar of India’s ruling political institution, is now going through a big inside battle vis-à-vis its response to the tragedy.

Whereas a bit inside the organisation demanded speedy navy retaliation in opposition to Pakistan, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat navigated the extraordinary strain with a extra nuanced strategy. With Ramayana, Mahabharat and a reference to the 1962 warfare, Bhagwat weaved a message that emphasised “clever retaliation” and restraint from “aggression”.

Over the previous week, two essential public speeches by the RSS chief calling for a robust however measured response that aligned with India’s conventional values of knowledge, restraint, and strategic diplomacy, introduced the tremendous steadiness required at the moment of disaster. His speeches in Mumbai and Delhi following the Pahalgam terror assault are important for understanding his nuanced stance on nationwide safety and strategic response.

In each speeches, he confronted the fragile process of balancing anger and patriotism with restraint and knowledge, a theme that emerged as a tenet of his post-attack rhetoric.

By citing Ravana’s destiny in Ramayana and invoking a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, alongside Arjun’s position in Mahabharata, Bhagwat urged a plan of action rooted in Indian ethos. He additionally urged to not repeat the errors of 1962. His measured strategy performed a vital position in tempering requires aggression between communities and likewise advocating for a extra measured and strategic response to the disaster.

From Ramayana To 1962 Warfare

On Saturday, whereas addressing a e book launch programme in Delhi, Bhagwat’s speech seemed to be a transparent name for restraint in opposition to aggression, regardless of the comprehensible anger and frustration that adopted such a brutal assault. He stated, “Aside from utilizing weapons in opposition to one another, there are methods of sturdy retaliation which can shake those that attacked us. We is not going to envy anybody or assault anybody, however we can even not tolerate terrorism and unprovoked hooliganism on our soil. We’ve to remain united.”

His response got here after Swami Vigyananand, worldwide coordination and joint basic secretary of VHP, stated the enemy needs to be “destroyed”, whereas referring to the Pahalgam assault. Following his speech, Yogesh Singh, vice-chancellor of the Delhi College, requested why Hindus at all times face such assaults. “Bhagwat-ji’s speech in Mumbai was really inspiring and it reaffirmed my perception that solely a Hindu can communicate with such depth and conviction. But, at instances, a query lingers in my thoughts—is our goodness the very purpose we proceed to face such assaults?” Singh stated.

Nonetheless, Bhagwat’s tone remained constant, although the speech delved deeper into the concept of India’s strategic restraint. He acknowledged the deep ache and anger of the individuals over the assault however once more emphasised that India ought to select its response fastidiously. He made it clear that whereas navy choices remained accessible, the nation wanted to make sure that any motion was aligned with its core values and wouldn’t compromise the way forward for India or its relationships with different nations.

Assertive Condemnation, Strategic Restraint

Even in Mumbai, Bhagwat expressed a robust condemnation of the fear assault in Pahalgam, emphasising the necessity for India to defend itself in opposition to the threats posed by cross-border terrorism. The assault, he stated, was a direct assault on India’s sovereignty and the victims deserved justice.

However not like others, he didn’t instantly name for navy retaliation, a stance that some factions inside the RSS and affiliated organisations had been pushing for. He stated, “All of us noticed what occurred in Pahalgam. In a terrorist assault, vacationers have been requested their faith after which shot lifeless. However no Hindu would ever do that. If we have been all united, nobody would look down upon us.”

He added: “Our hearts are full of sorrow. Our hearts are full of anger. If we’ve to free ourselves from demons, we want the facility of eight arms. Ravana was not prepared to alter his thoughts and mind. There was no different approach. In the long run, Ram killed Ravana as a result of he needed to reform him. Nature taught us a lesson in 1962.”

Bhagwat’s tone was assertive, stressing that the nation should not be intimidated by these assaults. But, not like some hardliners inside the organisation, he didn’t take pleasure in rhetoric that would simply result in escalation. By advocating for a strategic strategy, he prevented what may have been a harmful plan of action, reminding the Sangh Parivar and the broader nationwide discourse that India’s actions on the worldwide stage should be measured.