If RSS chose BJP president, would it have taken so long?: Mohan Bhagwat

New Delhi: With the BJP’s organisational changes and the appointment of a new party president drawing attention, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday dismissed speculation of the Sangh’s role in the process.

“If RSS chose BJP president, would it have taken so long?” Bhagwat remarked, clarifying that the organisation does not have any subordinate units. 

Speaking during the three-day centenary lecture series, “100 years of the Sangh’s journey – New Horizons,” Bhagwat also underlined the importance of education reforms, pushing for the gurukul model and promotion of Sanskrit.

“There should be emphasis on scientific education as well the gurukul model… There should be more focus on the Sanskrit language,” he remarked. 

On the New Education Policy, Bhagwat stressed that it should prioritise values over rote learning.

“People should be the owners of technology; the technology should not become our owners. Hence, education is important. If technology falls into the hands of the uneducated, it can backfire. Education is not just about information cramming. One should become a human. Such a kind of education is expected,” he said.

He further noted, “Our earlier education vanished, a new system came when we were slaves. They made the system according to them. But we are now free, we not only have to run the state, but people should also follow. We need to go in that direction… In the new education policy, these points should be covered.”

Bhagwat also emphasised the need to educate people about India’s culture and values beyond the prism of religion.