RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that laws such as population control measures and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) can succeed only with active public participation and social acceptance. Speaking at an interactive session at JSS Mahavidyapeetha after a lecture on “Social Harmony as a Catalyst for National Development,” Bhagwat stressed that equality should be practised in daily life rather than only spoken about. ‘RSS is not a government’ Responding to questions on population control and UCC, Bhagwat said the RSS is a social organisation and not a governing body. He said effective implementation of any law requires public awareness and participation. Recalling population control measures during the Emergency period, he said forced sterilisation had created public resentment, which later led to political consequences. He added that population policy should consider factors such as demographic balance, women’s education, empowerment and health, and should be implemented without discrimination once framed. UCC being implemented state by state On the Uniform Civil Code, Bhagwat noted that some states have already taken steps towards implementation, citing Uttarakhand as an example. He said such reforms are progressing gradually and may eventually be adopted nationwide, adding that democratic decisions naturally take time. Remarks on caste and social unity Speaking on caste, Bhagwat said caste-based politics would end only when society itself stops thinking in caste terms. He urged people to practice equality in behaviour rather than merely advocating it. He also highlighted the importance of inter-caste relations and marriages, citing a historical example from Maharashtra in 1942 that received support from Dr B.R. Ambedkar and M.S. Golwalkar. Call for religious harmony On religious harmony, Bhagwat said all religions ultimately aim for truth despite different paths, comparing them to rivers flowing into the same sea. He said religion should be reflected in conduct, discipline and morality, and cautioned against conflict in the name of faith.
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