Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat with singer Shankar Mahadevan and others during the RSS 'Vijayadashami Utsav', in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. PTI Photo
Addressing the rally, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over the influence of cultural Marxists and 'woke' elements in media and academia, alleging that they are negatively impacting India's education and culture. Bhagwat described these forces as being selfish, discriminatory, and deceitful, using their media and academic influence to disrupt the country's education and cultural fabric.
Bhagwat criticized these elements, referring to them as "woke," and claimed that they purport to work for lofty goals, but their true intentions are to create disorder on a global scale. Bhagwat argued that these forces, driven by their selfish interests, aim to disrupt social cohesion and sow the seeds of conflict. Some of these individuals identify as cultural Marxists or 'woke.'
According to Bhagwat, cultural Marxists promote anarchy and take control of media and academia, leading to confusion, chaos, and corruption in education, culture, politics, and society. This assertion was made during his speech at the RSS Dussehra rally in Nagpur.
Meanwhile, noted singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, who attended the annual Vijayadashami program as chief guest, commended the organization's “significant role” in preserving the ideology of "Akhand Bharat," as well as the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the nation. Mahadevan, a Padma Shri awardee, began his address at the Reshimbagh event with the Saraswati Vandana, paying homage to the “goddess of knowledge”.
Expressing his deep appreciation for the RSS, Mahadevan stated, "What can I say on it? I only salute you. The contribution of the RSS is greater than anyone in preserving our ideology of 'Akhand Bharat,' our traditions, our culture."
He recounted receiving congratulatory calls from many well-wishers after accepting the invitation to attend the RSS event as the chief guest. Mahadevan described his meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Mumbai as a fulfilling experience and conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm invitation. "I consider myself fortunate. The invitation was personal and extended with a lot of warmth," he said.
During his visit to the Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, the memorial of RSS founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in Nagpur, Mahadevan expressed his admiration for the organization's Dussehra program and the efficient coordination with which it was organized. He concluded by emphasizing the pride he felt as an Indian citizen and encouraged people to contribute to the nation's growth by excelling in their respective fields.
Meanwhile, Bhagwat said the Manipur violence was orchestrated, and blamed "outside forces" for the situation in the north-eastern state. "Meiteis and Kukis were living together for a long time there. It is a border state. Who benefits from such secessionism and internal conflict? Outside forces also benefit. Were people from outside involved in what happened there," Bhagwat asked.
Bhagwat said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in Manipur for three days. Who actually fueled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen. Which foreign powers may be interested in taking advantage of unrest and instability in Manipur? Does the geopolitics of south east Asia also have a role in these events," he asked. "When peace restoration is in sight, some incident occurs. It widens the gap between the communities. Who is behind the people who were doing such acts? Who is instigating the violence?" he asked.
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