RSS Chief Highlights Concerns Over Increasing Temple-Mosque Conflicts
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Pune, Dec 20 (NationPress) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed his worries about the increasing occurrences of temple-mosque conflicts throughout the country, condemning those who take advantage of these matters to present themselves as leaders of Hindus.
During a lecture series on the topic 'Vishwaguru Bharat', Bhagwat stressed that India should serve as a model for peaceful coexistence among various faiths and ideologies.
His comments were prompted by recent controversies surrounding places of worship and demands for mosque surveys aimed at uncovering claims of hidden temple foundations, such as those related to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh.
On December 12, the Supreme Court issued a ruling preventing courts nationwide from accepting new cases or authorizing mosque surveys to validate such claims.
Bhagwat urged citizens to draw lessons from past errors and strive to make India an exemplary role model of inclusivity. He highlighted the importance of avoiding the revival of such disputes, which he deemed detrimental to the nation’s unity.
While referencing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Bhagwat recognized its importance as a matter of faith for Hindus but warned against fostering hatred in discussions about other religious sites.
"The Ram Temple was about faith, and Hindus desired its construction. However, instigating disputes about new sites fueled by hate is unacceptable," he remarked. "Some individuals believe they can ascend as leaders of Hindus by generating new controversies. How is this permissible?"
He further denounced acts of extremism and religious intolerance, asserting that such actions contradict India's cultural values. "Force and contempt towards other religions are not part of our heritage," Bhagwat asserted.
Emphasizing equality, he stated, "Who constitutes a minority, and who is a majority? Everyone is equal here. This nation's tradition permits everyone to practice their own faith. The sole requirement is to coexist peacefully and abide by the law."
Bhagwat also called for a united effort to maintain India's tradition of inclusivity and unity, cautioning against divisive narratives that threaten the nation’s advancement.
