Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at ‘Hindu Vishwa Bandhu: Embrace the World in Friendship’
All nations thrive, prosper and contribute to human progress is the dream of Hindus
Toronto, Canada. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Ji addressed a gathering at ‘Hindu Vishwa Bandhu – Embrace the World in Friendship’ event in Toronto, Canada, on August 31 held by CHORD (Canadian Hindus for Outreach Relations and Dialogue). Over 2000 delegates from 175 host organizations from all ten provinces of Canada took part in the congregation.
Speaking at the conglomeration, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat ji emphasised Bharat’s tradition of helping others without discrimination. He said that Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Parsis have historically found peaceful refuge in Bharat without fear of persecution.
By giving example, he said, “During Second World War, residents of Poland, many of them became refugees. They travelled the seas and came to Bharat. Bharat was not independent then. Then there was British rule in Bharat and they refused to give asylum. At that time, Jamnagar was a princely state. Prince of Jamnagar called them and said “Come here, settle here. I will protect you till your country is again free for you to leave”. And this has been going on.
When some years back in Middle East war, people were trapped. The military planes of Bharat went there and rescued people. Not only Bharatiya, citizens of seven countries were rescued from there. Whenever there was crisis anywhere in the world and help from Bharat was sought Bharat never said no and without even calling for help it helps. This is the tradition. This is the DNA of Bharat”.
While explaining Bharat’s tradition of unity, he said, “Our (Bharat) tradition tells us not only unity in diversity, but also diversities of unity. All the diversities are expression of unity. So that we who have to live for some years on this earth should not be bored. We have to serve, accept, respect this diversity because it is expression of unity. It beautifies it. It is the decoration. We celebrate it. We always see the unity. In Bharat there have been many castes, many creeds, many languages. Everything is many. Nothing is alone. Nothing is single. But it is all one. We don’t say all are one. We say all is one.”
“Whenever Bharat became big (it never became a superpower. It became a glorious country. Yes, one may call Bharat superpower at that time. But it was not superpower), It served the world. By its own character it became Vishwa Guru, not Mahashakti. So, the rise of Bharat means more united, more emancipated humanity. We did it long back when there were no roads, no boats, no airplanes, no motor vehicles, only bullock carts and horses. Our ancestors have gone to regions in Mexico to Siberia giving them all knowledge. On foot they crossed the Himalayas, went to China, went to Siberia, Mongolia by small boats. They went to Southeast Asia. The known world at that time was reached by them. And what did they do? They conquered no country. They converted nobody. Wherever they went, they gave knowledge, they gave mathematics, they gave astrology, they gave the Ayurveda, they imparted the civilizational values,” he said.
On diversity in Bharat, Sarsanghchalak Ji said, “When I say Hindu, the word Hindu cannot be defined by any specific language, through any specific worship or through any living style. Hindus respect all. Hindus accept all. They don’t mind. We say all our prayers originated in the land called Bharat, but never were for only Bharat. They were for the whole of the universe that we know. I am not telling you anything new. I am telling you what you have been traditionally learning, traditionally chanting, but you are not paying attention to it, and it is high time now that Hindus should pay attention to this because the world needs all these things. We have to create what the world needs, and then give it. But how do we give? We don’t force. Our ancestors went abroad to every country. They never forced anything. We are the leaders who lead from within and lead by example.
On the role played by Hindu society Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Ji said, “Hindu society provides direction. The direction is of values, is of a particular knowledge very pertinent and permanent knowledge. We are one and, on that basis, how to live life? Hindu society must provide example. Even in Bharat if one you want to have this exemplar life in the society of Hindus you will find such lives. But we have to make it more in proportion. So that people can see, nations can see and with their own specific tendency and on their own basis with this in mind they can reconstruct their life. All the nations will thrive, will prosper, will cooperate, will contribute to the human progress and progress of the creation. That is the dream Hindus have in mind. We have to develop ourselves. We have to become like a flower and give its fragrance to whole atmosphere. So, we get developed and we get devoted, dedicated to human cause. That is the life of Hindu.”
Former Canadian Defence Minister and Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney lauded the growing bilateral relations between Bharat and Canada. He said, “It is so wonderful to see renewed momentum in the Canada – India relationship that will be represented by second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Canada later this year.”
Rajinder Parsad of Hindu Sabha Temple, Greater Toronto Area (GTA) said, “Dr Mohan Bhagwat’s visit has carried the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. We should bring the message of values of our culture to the world. We welcome Mohan Bhagwat ji,” Parsad said.
While addressing the gathering Guest of Honour Kashmir Singh Dhaliwal, representing the Khalsa Diwan Society and the historic Ross Street Gurdwara, said, it is privilege today to speak on behalf of TUSHA (the United States and Hindu Association of North America). Hindus and Sikhs may follow different religions, traditions, but we share something very precious. We share languages, food, music, family traditions, festivals, values and above all spirit of community and service.
Today, Hindus and Sikh community are among the most contributors to Canada’s multicultural society. We are really proud that we are born in world’s oldest multicultural country Bharat and we are living in world’s youngest multicultural country Canada.
