What Did Mohan Bhagwat Emphasize About Narmada's Role in Inner Transformation?

Indore, Sep 14 (NationPress) In a profoundly reflective speech at the Brilliant Convention Centre on Sunday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat encouraged citizens to seek truth within themselves and adopt spiritual discipline as a means to achieve personal growth and national unity.

The event marked the launch of Parikrama Kripa Saar, a book by Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, detailing his sacred pilgrimage along the revered Narmada river.

Bhagwat’s address, presented to an audience filled with scholars, saints, and community members, transcended a mere ceremonial function—it served as a philosophical exploration of India’s spiritual legacy.

He articulated the Narmada not simply as a river, but as a vibrant symbol of resilience, sanctity, and inner awakening. “Narmada is not just a river; she is a living presence,” Bhagwat expressed.

“She flows not just through the landscape but through the consciousness of those who accompany her. The parikrama is not merely a physical journey—it is a spiritual voyage.”

He elaborated on how the river, cherished for generations, provides more than mere aesthetic beauty or ritual importance. It teaches lessons of surrender, patience, and the cyclical nature of existence.

“Those who traverse her banks in parikrama do more than observe nature—they experience transformation,” he remarked.

“The river guides you to slow down, listen, and let go of the ego in the embrace of something larger.”

Bhagwat highlighted that the Narmada’s spiritual essence lies in its gentle consistency. Unlike rivers that roar or flood, the Narmada flows with elegance and moderation—qualities he deemed vital for both personal development and societal harmony.

“In her silence, she communicates. In her stillness, she touches hearts,” he noted. He also commended the book’s author, Prahlad Patel, for capturing not only the physical journey but also the emotional and metaphysical aspects of the pilgrimage.

“This is not merely a travelogue—it is a testament to what unfolds when one walks with faith, not just feet,” Bhagwat asserted. By invoking the Narmada, Bhagwat conveyed a broader message; true strength is rooted not in conquest or noise, but in introspection and spiritual discipline.

His insights resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had embarked on the parikrama themselves, serving as a reminder that the journey toward national rejuvenation begins with inner exploration.

Addressing a crowded gathering, RSS chief Bhagwat highlighted that while science is based on external validation, India’s spiritual traditions are grounded in direct inner experience.

“What is scientific is best substantiated by evidence,” he stated.

“However, contemporary scientists often seek proof externally, while our shraddha—our inner faith—provides its own direct evidence. To access these, one must engage in sincere effort and personal experimentation.”

He referred to the symbolic form of “Bhawani Shankar” to illustrate the union of shraddha (faith) and vishwas (trust), affirming that divinity resides within.

“God is within,” the RSS chief proclaimed.

“Yet, the modern era has ceased to search for truth within. The notion that ‘nothing exists’ is a fallacy. In all names and forms, there exists only One. Diversity is an illusion—enduring truth lies in unity.”

Bhagwat connected this spiritual understanding to the roots of global discord, attributing unrest to the duality of “me and mine” versus “you and yours.”

He acknowledged that while this division has spanned history, it is not everlasting.

“Our ancestors realized that this sense of separation is temporary. They also imparted that it does not endure indefinitely.”

Calling for sadhna (spiritual discipline), Bhagwat urged the audience to pursue inner clarity through various avenues. “There are numerous paths to achieve sadhna,” he remarked. “However, one must navigate through confusion and conflict to attain clarity.”

In a lighter moment, Bhagwat recounted a theatrical depiction of Aurangzeb, where the actor, momentarily breaking character, shouted in English: “Get out! You cannot conquer them.”

This brief anecdote highlighted the futility of external domination when inner conviction remains unwavering. Bhagwat's discourse intertwined metaphysical reflection with cultural commentary, urging listeners to rise above superficial divisions and rediscover the unity that underpins all existence.

His comments arrive amid ongoing discussions surrounding science, tradition, and national identity that continue to shape public dialogue across India.