Ahmedabad, March 5 Sanatan Dharma promotes social harmony and unity, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Thursday, asserting that discrimination based on caste harms both religion and society.
Addressing a function at the Swaminarayan temple in Jetalpur village near here, he said that every creation of God has a purpose, and the feeling of belonging towards all is the essence of social harmony.
"In God's creation, even a simple blade of grass has a purpose. Embracing everyone with such a feeling and having a sense of belonging in the heart is what we call social harmony. Everyone is a creation of God," he said.
"Where did the distinction between 'high' and 'low' come from? While caste and class systems may have existed, they were not intended for discrimination. When discrimination enters such a system, it harms both religion and society," he added.
He said that religion is not confined to scriptures, speeches, or imagination, but exists in practice.
"When we practice Sanatan Dharma, the protection of religion happens automatically. Unity among people is essential to safeguard religion and culture. If you want to protect religion and culture, then protect those who follow them," the RSS chief said.
Unity brings strength, Bhagwat said.
To unite people, there must be a feeling of belonging and completeness in the mind, and this approach is the solution to the challenges we face today, he said.
"India will eventually have to guide the world in addressing its problems. India will be tasked with showing the way to the entire world one day. We cannot avoid this; we will have to do it sooner or later. The world does not have answers to its problems. We will have to be prepared for this responsibility," Bhagwat asserted.
Religion unites, so one must be a unifier and never a divider, he said, adding, "We have to unite everyone."
"Religion is eternal and everlasting. Neither we nor anyone else created it. The universe was formed by God's will, and the rules that came with it are religion," Bhagwat said.
Quoting the phrase "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshita" (Religion protects those who protect it), he said that those who follow religion are protected by it.
He also emphasised the importance of aligning the mind, intellect, and actions, saying that individuals must begin with self-discipline.
"Religion and values are upheld not through words, but through conduct. It is not achieved by dreaming or talking; it is achieved by doing," the RSS chief said.
