In a thought-provoking address at the Nagpur Book Fair, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat delved into the pressing challenges of the modern era, emphasising the imperative for humans to remain masters of technology, the need for authentic nationalism rooted in Indian ethos, and the preservation of culture in a fluctuating global landscape.
Speaking to a gathering of authors and literary enthusiasts, Bhagwat’s discourse wove together themes of technological ethics, cultural identity, and a vision of global harmony.
Humanity Must Command Technology, Not Be Consumed by It
A central pillar of Bhagwat’s address was the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He issued a stark warning against the danger of humans becoming "machines ourselves" in the face of technological advancement. While acknowledging that the march of technology cannot and should not be halted, he stressed that it must be harnessed solely for the betterment of humanity.
"We must stay its owners and set its limits," he asserted, using the ubiquitous mobile phone as a metaphor. "We must use mobiles as tools, and not let them use us." He pointed to the growing addiction to devices, where people find it difficult to endure even a few hours without them, as a symptom of this imbalance.
The true challenge of AI, according to Bhagwat, lies in its confrontation with human emotions. He called for holistic preparation for a balanced life that encompasses the body, mind, intellect, and soul to navigate this new frontier.
Distinguishing Information from Wisdom, and the Role of Indian Languages
Bhagwat drew a critical distinction between mere information and true knowledge. He defined knowledge as comprising both raw data and profound understanding, or 'bodh'. He emphasised the vital role of Indian languages in conveying emotional and cultural nuances with a precision that is often absent in English or other foreign tongues.
He cautioned that globalisation, if engaged with without proper translation and preservation of native expressions, risks diluting core sentiments and leading to a permanent cultural loss. He urged authors to act as custodians of these authentic native expressions.
Rejecting Western Nationalism for a Harmonious ‘Rashtravaad’
Clarifying the ideological stance of the RSS, Bhagwat delineated a clear difference between the organisation's concept of 'rashtravaad' and the aggressive Western model of 'nationalism'. He described the latter as being born from ego and a sense of superiority, which fueled global conflicts like the world wars.
In contrast, he stated, India's idea of 'rashtra' emerges from the dissolution of ego, fostering a natural unity without inherent conflict. "We are brothers as sons of Bharat Mata—beyond religion, language, or customs," he said, promoting a vision of coordination and inherent harmony over strife.
Dispelling the ‘Illusion’ of Globalisation and the Path Forward
Bhagwat labelled the current model of globalisation a "myth," pointing to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Hamas-Israel tensions, and the US-China cold war as evidence of its failure. He noted that even the originators of this globalisation model had admitted as early as 2005 that it had failed to fit all societies into a single mold.
True globalisation, he argued, is one that aligns with diverse cultural traditions for mutual welfare, and he urged preparedness for swadeshi (self-reliance) in this context.
Guidance for Education and the Younger Generation
On the domestic front, Bhagwat praised the ongoing reforms in the education sector for improving accessibility and affordability but called for their continuous evaluation.
Offering guidance to the youth (Gen Z), he urged them to study the nation's true history from primary sources and authoritative books, rather than relying on platforms like Wikipedia. He encouraged a spirit of reasoned inquiry towards traditions, advocating for their evolution through scrutiny rather than blind acceptance or outright rejection.
The address served as a comprehensive philosophical roadmap from the RSS chief, advocating for a future where technological progress is balanced with cultural wisdom, and national pride is expressed through unity and harmony.
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