RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urges youth to drive India’s future, embrace entrepreneurship

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urged India's young generation to take responsibility for the nation's future, adopt entrepreneurship and hard work, and maintain unity amidst diversity. Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony in Nagpur's Kasturchand Park on the 80th Independence Day, Bhagwat reminded the audience of the sacrifices made by previous generations, which enabled today's youth to contemplate India's future.

Bhagwat stressed that India should not compare itself to countries like the US, China, Australia or New Zealand, but should shape its development model based on its own population, geography, culture, and aspirations. He highlighted India's demographic advantage, stating that a well-utilized young population could position India as a 'Vishwaguru' or guiding force for the world.

Bhagwat emphasized the importance of seeing employment not just as a job but as providing dignity to manual work and entrepreneurship. He encouraged young people to be courageous, take risks, and turn those risks into success, calling youthful courage both a strength and a responsibility. Bhagwat warned that the world's struggle is due to an incomplete vision focused largely on material progress.

He argued that India should pursue material development while also valuing values, social responsibility, peace, non-violence, environmental protection, and mental purity. Bhagwat recalled a story about Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore during his visit to Japan, illustrating the connection between individual achievement and national prestige.

He emphasized that India's global standing would improve when the country is prosperous, secure, and respected. Bhagwat discussed the symbolism of the Indian national flag, associating each color with specific values. He stressed that India's diversity should not harm the Constitution, laws, culture, or social values, and that democracy requires dialogue.

Bhagwat concluded by urging the youth to retain their courage, work towards shaping their own destiny and India's destiny, and work towards building a strong and prosperous India that would 'fly proudly' and illuminate the world.