Nagpur, November 13: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday called for greater compassion and social responsibility, saying that helping people in distress should be a natural human duty rather than an activity driven by personal benefits or recognition.
Addressing a gathering in Nagpur after presenting the ‘Vidarbha Gaurav’ award to Dr Sanjay Paithankar, Bhagwat said service should not be viewed merely as a profession or a means of earning a livelihood, but as a responsibility towards society.
He stressed that people should extend help to those facing difficulties, regardless of whether they have any personal connection with them. According to him, responding to someone’s suffering with sensitivity is an essential expression of humanity.
Bhagwat also spoke about the significance of awards, saying that recognition should acknowledge the contributions of individuals already engaged in social service rather than motivate people to begin working for society.
He said compassion and sensitivity were essential for the survival of society, adding that economic prosperity alone could not sustain humanity without these values.
Referring to the challenges people encounter in their lives, the RSS chief said difficult circumstances should not make individuals lose their sense of compassion. What mattered, he said, was the ability to preserve humane values irrespective of whether someone was wealthy or struggling financially.
Bhagwat further explained that earning a livelihood and fulfilling family responsibilities should go hand in hand with contributing to the welfare of society. He described earning money as a by-product of work, with serving society being its broader purpose.
Speaking about the concept of dharma, he linked it with humanity and brotherhood, identifying truth, compassion, purity and self-discipline as its essential principles.
He also narrated an anecdote about a disciple who could not find a place where nobody could see him eating a fruit, as instructed by his teacher. The disciple explained that he believed the divine was present everywhere, including within himself.
Bhagwat said such an understanding of the divine could encourage people to develop a sense of belonging towards others and serve humanity without expecting anything in return.
