Mohan Bhagwat is the current chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization in India. He was born on September 11, 1950, in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. His father, Madhukar Rao Bhagwat, was a renowned social worker and founder of the Keshav Srushti, a nature conservation organization. His mother, Malati Bhagwat, was a teacher.
Education and Early Career: Mohan Bhagwat completed his schooling from Lokmanya Tilak Vidyalaya, Chandrapur. He then went to Government Engineering College, Nagpur, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked briefly as a lecturer at the Government Polytechnic in Pune before joining the RSS in 1975.
Rise in RSS: Bhagwat started his career in the RSS as a pracharak (full-time worker) in Gujarat. He rose through the ranks of the organization, holding various positions in different states. In 1991, he became the RSS pracharak in charge of the northern region of India. He was later appointed the Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh, responsible for overseeing the activities of all RSS pracharaks across the country.
Bhagwat’s leadership style: Bhagwat is known for his affable and approachable personality. He has emphasized the importance of social harmony and has been critical of divisive politics. He has advocated for a “Hindu Rashtra” (Hindu nation) but has clarified that it does not mean a nation exclusively for Hindus but rather a nation where everyone is free to practice their religion.
Controversies: Bhagwat has been involved in several controversies during his tenure as the RSS chief. In 2013, he made a statement that rapes happen in India, not Bharat (the rural areas of India). The statement was widely criticized for being insensitive to rape survivors and perpetuating a patriarchal view of rural India.
In 2014, Bhagwat sparked controversy when he said that Mother Teresa’s service to the poor was motivated by a desire to convert them to Christianity. The statement was widely criticized as being disrespectful to Mother Teresa’s legacy.
In 2017, Bhagwat made a statement that the army could be ready in three days if required, unlike the six to seven months it currently takes. The statement was criticized for undermining the Indian army’s capabilities and for being a politically motivated statement.
Philosophy: Bhagwat’s philosophy is heavily influenced by the RSS ideology, which emphasizes the importance of Hindu culture and values. He has spoken extensively about the need for a Hindu renaissance and has emphasized the importance of self-reliance and self-respect.
He has also emphasized the importance of women’s education and empowerment. He has spoken about the need to provide women with equal opportunities and to empower them to take on leadership roles in society.
Personal life: Bhagwat is known for his simplicity and frugality. He lives in a modest house in Nagpur and travels by economy class whenever possible. He is a vegetarian and a teetotaler. He is married and has no children.
Conclusion: Mohan Bhagwat is a controversial figure in Indian politics. He is known for his Hindu nationalist views and his leadership of the RSS. While he has been criticized for his controversial statements, he is also respected for his dedication to the RSS and his efforts to promote Hindu culture and values.
