Development gap between top and bottom must be minimised: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasizes Antyodaya, stating that India's progress must prioritize the welfare of the most disadvantaged person.
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Minimize Development Gap Between Top and Bottom: RSS Chief
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has emphasized that while India is progressing, the nation must work to ensure the disparity between the most developed and the least developed individuals is kept to a minimum. Speaking at an event in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Bhagwat highlighted the importance of inclusive growth.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat noted that in a society as vast as India, it might be impossible for every citizen to reach the same level of prosperity at the exact same moment. However, he stressed that the primary goal of national progress should be to ensure that the distance between the highest and lowest tiers of development remains as small as possible.
The Philosophy of Antyodaya and the Weakest Link
Drawing from the concept of Antyodaya, Bhagwat explained that the true measure of a society's strength and well-being lies in the condition of its most vulnerable member. He used a powerful metaphor to drive this point home:
"The strength of a society should be judged by the condition of its most disadvantaged person, just as the strength of a chain is determined by its weakest link."
He further connected this thought to the principles of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, noting that his philosophy was rooted in compassion and universal welfare. Bhagwat also referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s approach, suggesting that every major decision should be tested by asking whether it improves the life of the person standing at the very end of the social spectrum.
Six Basic Necessities for Every Citizen
Bhagwat outlined a vision for what every individual should fundamentally have access to in a developed society. He identified six essential pillars of human dignity:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Essential education
- Healthcare, including access to doctors and medicines
- The capacity to offer hospitality to guests
Reflecting on the past, he remarked that while poverty has always existed, people in earlier times were not necessarily deprived of these fundamental necessities. He noted that even if homes were made of mud instead of stone, or clothing was cotton rather than silk, the basic requirements for a dignified life were being met.
Integral Humanism and Sustainable Agriculture
The RSS chief argued against the narrow pursuit of "the maximum good for the maximum number of people," suggesting instead that development should aim for the welfare of everyone. This perspective is deeply linked to the concept of Integral Humanism (Ekatma Manav Darshan).
Turning his attention to the agricultural sector, Bhagwat called for a balanced approach that harmonizes several critical factors:
- The welfare of farmers
- Maintenance of soil fertility
- Forest conservation
- Sustainable farming practices
He advocated for a move toward self-reliant farming, where farmers can produce their own seeds and manure, thereby reducing their heavy reliance on chemical inputs. According to Bhagwat, agricultural development must protect both the producer and the natural environment to truly align with the principles of Integral Humanism.