Mohan Bhagwat Called Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha India’s 'Awakening': RSS On 'Independence Day' Row - News18

Mohan Bhagwat Called Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha India’s 'Awakening': RSS On 'Independence Day' Row - News18

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (File image/PTI)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s speech during a programme in Indore on Monday sparked controversy after it was widely interpreted as comparing India’s Independence Day to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which took place in January 2024. However, senior functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh clarified that Bhagwat’s remarks were “misconstrued".

According to the RSS functionaries, Bhagwat referred to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir as a day of “Swa Ka Jagaran" (self-awakening) and “Pratistha Dwadashi" (symbolising the establishment of sovereignty), not as a comparison to Independence Day.

“The speech was in contention of Bhagwat ji’s idea of Bharat’s awakening. Ayodhyay was invaded, and our ancient culture and tradition, our temples, were destroyed. The act of invasion affected Bharat’s pride, dignity, and vitality. Reclaiming our land and establishing the Ram temple there is akin to the re-establishment of Ram Rajya. This is about Bharat’s awakening; it is also about reclaiming our pride. That is why he called the day Pratistha Dwadashi," a senior RSS functionary told News18.

The Sangh functionaries further explained that Bhagwat described the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir as a historic moment for India’s civilisational resurgence. The term “Swa Ka Jagaran" reflects the awakening of India’s collective consciousness, rooted in its cultural and spiritual ethos, and that is why the consecration ceremony happened without any trouble, opposition, or resistance because everybody’s heart was into it, added a functionary.

Senior RSS functionaries also stressed that Bhagwat’s intention was to highlight the spiritual and cultural significance of the event, which transcends political timelines or comparisons.

They further clarified that Bhagwat did not equate the Ram Mandir’s consecration with Independence Day but rather portrayed it as a symbol of sovereignty for Indian civilisation and its resurgence.

The phrase “Pratistha Dwadashi" reflects the idea of re-establishing Dharma and national identity, reclaiming India’s roots from centuries of suppression, they added.

Bhagwat emphasised the importance of reconnecting with India’s cultural roots and civilisational history. The concept calls for pride in India’s heritage, philosophy, and indigenous systems of knowledge. The idea encourages individuals and communities to focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and self-confidence. According to the RSS, his speech reflects the need to be independent in thought and action, free from colonial or external mentalities.

During his speech, Bhagwat quoted former President of India Pranab Mukherjee extensively. He said that the socialist movements and the slogans of socialism, including “Garibi Hatao" did not yield results. “Ram Mandir se bana hai rozi-rozgar ka rasta (Ram temple has paved the way for employment)," added Bhagwat.

“Swa Ka Jagaran" also reflects the idea of integrating diverse communities and traditions under a shared vision of a harmonious and unified India, he added. Bhagwat differentiated this concept from political independence, emphasising cultural and intellectual freedom instead.

True independence, according to him, lies in freeing the mind from inferiority complexes about one’s own nation and external ideologies. He advocated for India to lead the world with its unique value system of dharma, harmony, and environmental balance while staying true and sincere to its roots.

The RSS chief’s remarks triggered criticism, with the opposition, including Congress, alleging that he undermined the importance of India’s Independence Day.

However, RSS functionaries countered these allegations, saying that Bhagwat’s focus was on the spiritual awakening tied to the Ram Mandir’s completion and Ram Lalla’s consecration, which represents a cornerstone of India’s identity, not a political milestone.

“The Pratistha Dwadashi symbolises not only the establishment of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya but also the reaffirmation of India’s cultural sovereignty," said another senior RSS functionary.