RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Stresses Importance of Vedas in Modern Times

Knowledge of Vedas can instill faith in common people," said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday. He was speaking at a function to honor Veda Sevaks, jointly organized by Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Nyas and Shree Sadguru Group, Pune, at Balgandharva Rangmandir.

Dr. Bhagwat emphasized that the Vedas have been the source of integral wisdom and science, and traditionally, Indians have been protecting them. To keep the faith alive in society today, up-to-date knowledge of the Vedas should be conveyed to the common people.

The Veda Sevaks were felicitated after performing a lengthy Anushthan (ritual), chanting all four Vedas at Ayodhya. The ritual, performed in 36 phases over 16 months from November 2022 to February this year, involved 240 Purohits and volunteers from different parts of Maharashtra.

Dr. Bhagwat stressed that the Vedas are not just ancient texts but the very foundation of India's spiritual heritage, offering profound wisdom and insights into every aspect of life. "There is a need to carry forward this knowledge, in an up-to-date form, to the newer generation, who can take it to the world with the message of global peace."

Citing recent cases on the global front, Dr. Bhagwat noted increasing apathy and disharmony everywhere. "Evil forces across the world have united to destabilize the peace of the world. Bangladesh is not the first example. It started with 'cultural degradation' of America, Poland, and the Arab world (with the Arab Spring), and it may reach Bharat soon."

"We have the ability and can tackle these evil forces. We can do this because we have knowledge in the form of our scriptures, such as the Vedas. The idea of our knowledge should be presented in a language that is relevant to the times and understood by society."

Dr. Bhagwat also stressed the importance of sharing family values with the younger generation to keep them rooted in Indian tradition and family value systems. "When the family system all over the world is being destroyed, it's still strong in India since ancient times because of the prevailing value system of family in the country."

He called upon the Veda Sevaks to preach these values wherever they perform Pooja. "Humans learn from practice, so practice has to be taught in the light of philosophy."

Dr. Bhagwat also emphasized the need to do away with any discrimination. "When there is no place for untouchability in the scriptures, why should there be this unwholesome discrimination?" he questioned.

Other speakers, including Champat Rai, vice president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust; Swami Govindadev Giri Ji Maharaj, treasurer of the Trust; Dr. Hanumant Gaikwad of Bharat Vikas Group, Pune; Abhijeet Pawar, chairman of Sakal Media Group; and Yashwant Kulkarni, founder chairman of Sadguru Group, also addressed the gathering.

Champat Rai elaborated on the future plans for the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, including the construction of 18 temples in the premises, including temples of Seshnaga, contemporary Rishis -- Valmiki, Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya -- king of tribals Nishadraj and Shabari. He also highlighted the environmentally friendly systems being implemented to cater to 25,000 pilgrims visiting the temple.

Acharya Govindadev Giri Ji extolled the virtues of penance and said that Pasayadan by Sant Dnyaneshwar is the "manifesto of Ram Rajya". "Many evil forces are bent on destroying this country. To suppress them, we have to create a system where everyone should give some years of our life for the society, country," he added.