Motherhood Central To Civilisation, Says Bhagwat
Bhagwat said India is the oldest civilisation in the world, and also the oldest in its understanding of motherhood. He argued that the nation’s long social decline began when society forgot the message of motherhood and its civilisational values, allowing foreign powers to dominate both the land and the mind. He said colonial rule deepened this self‑forgetfulness by making Indians believe that indigenous traditions were outdated and inferior
HYDERABAD: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said motherhood is one of the most ancient and indispensable pillars of civilisation, and stressed that a mother’s role remains central to the family and society. Addressing a session on ‘Contemporary Motherhood’ organised by Vishwa Mangalya Sabha at Komaram Bheem Adivasi Bhavan, he said creation itself begins with motherhood, describing it as a natural force that sustains life and social continuity.
Bhagwat said India is the oldest civilisation in the world, and also the oldest in its understanding of motherhood. He argued that the nation’s long social decline began when society forgot the message of motherhood and its civilisational values, allowing foreign powers to dominate both the land and the mind. He said colonial rule deepened this self‑forgetfulness by making Indians believe that indigenous traditions were outdated and inferior.
Turning to younger generations, Bhagwat said Gen Z is quick to absorb global trends, but often does so without calm reflection. He said young people ask questions and should be engaged with dialogue, reasoning, affection and time rather than blind obedience. He added that modern households have seen a sharp decline in meaningful conversation, leaving families weaker than before.
Bhagwat also criticised live‑in relationships, saying they reflect an unwillingness to take responsibility. He said marriage and family remain the core social, cultural and economic units of society, and that external models should not be followed blindly simply because they are presented as progressive. He added that women do not need to be measured against men, nor men against women, since both roles are equally important and distinct.
People are talking about motherhood now, he said, but there is a need to analyse why this question has arisen. He said the entire society is responsible for it. India is the most ancient country, and in the same way, India is also the most ancient in the context of motherhood. However, he said, society has declined because it forgot the inspiration and message of motherhood, and foreign powers took advantage of this to plunder and dominate the country. He added that the last foreign rulers, the British, left after further strengthening this state of self‑forgetfulness. He also said they shaped our minds in such a way that we began to think all ancient Indian traditions were worthless.
The RSS chief said contemporary debates about motherhood should begin with the question of why such a discussion has become necessary at all. He said the answer lies not in women alone, but in the social environment shaped by families, traditions and changing values. According to him, motherhood is not a relic of the past but a living strength that continues to nurture and guide society.
