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| Demographic change takes centre stage at RSS crucial meet | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 21: The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak (All India Coordination Meeting) of organisations inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) concluded on Friday at Visakhapatnam, with detailed deliberations on contemporary social issues, emerging challenges and the future course of action.
Representatives of 32 RSS-inspired organisations working in different fields participated in the meeting. As many as 326 delegates, including 49 women, were invited to the three-day deliberations.
RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale were among the prominent leaders present at the meeting, along with national-level office-bearers and senior functionaries of participating organisations.
During the three-day meeting, participants reviewed the work being undertaken by various organisations, shared their experiences and discussed emerging challenges facing society and the country, besides considering action plans for the coming year.
Addressing a press conference at the venue, RSS Sah Sarkaryavah C.R. Mukunda said the meeting reviewed relief, rehabilitation and service initiatives undertaken during natural disasters.
He said representatives shared details of relief and rehabilitation work carried out by organisations and their workers, including Rashtriya Sewa Bharati, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, National Medicos Organisation and Arogya Bharati, during the floods in Assam.
The meeting also reviewed programmes organised across the country to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas and initiatives aimed at promoting social harmony and goodwill based on his teachings. Participants emphasised the need to expand such efforts.
Demographic change and population imbalance also figured prominently in the deliberations. Participants discussed the challenges arising from ageing populations and declining fertility rates in several countries and examined demographic changes across different regions and communities in Bharat.
The social impact of such changes and the need to maintain social balance and harmony were also discussed.
The meeting expressed concern over the growing reach of narcotic substances among young people and students.
Participants stressed that the fight against drug abuse cannot be left solely to the government or police and requires coordinated participation from educational institutions, parents, social organisations, the administration, police and other stakeholders.
The need for a comprehensive, society-wide campaign to build a drug-free society was emphasised.
The aspirations, concerns and creative potential of the younger generation also came under discussion, with participants focusing on the role of youth in nation-building.
According to the RSS, around 21,000 young Swayamsevaks participated in its 21-day training camps this year, while more than 60 per cent of those attending daily Shakhas across the country are young people.
Mukunda said engagement with youth should go beyond one-way communication and speeches. He emphasised the need to understand their concerns, maintain continuous dialogue with them and help develop a sense of connection with the country's culture and social values.
The meeting also discussed a development model based on what the RSS described as a Bharatiya perspective, emphasising self-reliance, environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
The work of organisations involved in economic and skill-development activities was reviewed. It was noted that Laghu Udyog Bharati's skill-development centres had provided training to more than 41,000 people during the year.
With the RSS entering its centenary year, participants held detailed discussions on the various dimensions of 'Panch Parivartan', aimed at bringing about social transformation.
Particular emphasis was placed on 'Kutumb Prabodhan' and the need to strengthen family bonds, values and cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Environmental conservation was also discussed as an integral part of social transformation. Participants stressed the need for practical changes in daily life, including judicious use of water, reducing plastic consumption and increasing green cover.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was another major subject discussed during the meeting. A detailed presentation was made on the growing influence of AI on society, including its potential benefits as well as the challenges and precautions associated with the technology.
The RSS said discussions focused on examining AI from a Bharatiya perspective and within the country's social context, while exploring ways to harness technology for social good and create greater awareness about its possible adverse effects.
The meeting also reviewed the expansion of activities undertaken by the 32 participating organisations in different fields.
Plans for the coming year were discussed with an emphasis on expanding organisational work, reaching more sections of society and promoting a society-centric approach with a national perspective.
Responding to questions about corruption and shortcomings in various systems, including protests at Jantar Mantar, Mukunda said the issue should not be viewed only through the lens of corruption.
He said shortcomings in systems require greater awareness in society along with corrective measures by governments. Referring to issues such as NEET, he said systemic shortcomings could create anxiety among young people about their future and needed to be addressed.
He stressed that solutions would not emerge merely through protests or disruption and called for governments at the Centre and in the states, along with society, to work together to improve systems through a positive and constructive approach.
On Dr Mohan Bhagwat's proposed visit to the United States, Canada and Britain, Mukunda said the tour would form part of the RSS's broader global outreach during its centenary year.
He said the visit would focus on presenting what the RSS described as a fact-based and positive perspective on Bharat, Hindu society and the organisation; conveying the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and universal oneness; and strengthening dialogue with mainstream communities on issues concerning Hindus and people of Bharatiya origin living abroad.
Dr Bhagwat is scheduled to participate in a Universal Oneness programme in New York and community leadership programmes in Toronto and London.
The RSS said the three-day meeting concluded with an emphasis on expanding its social outreach, strengthening engagement with youth and families, addressing emerging social challenges and encouraging collective efforts towards nation-building. |
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