BENGALURU, 4 FEB

Hindus should have thoughtful discourse rather than showing excessive enthusiasm by hailing Jai Shri Ram, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat here on Sunday.

“Now, there is a need for Hindus to have thoughtful discourse and speak with wisdom rather than exhibiting excessive enthusiasm,” Bhagwat said at All India Kala Sadhak Sangam organised by RSS-affiliate Sanskar Bharati here.

Bhagwat noted the return of India's "self" with the completion of the newly-built Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Reflecting on India's 75 years of independence, he said the rise of 'swa' (self) in 'swatantra' (independence) took time to manifest in the form of widespread self-esteem among the masses.

The RSS Chief said there is a need to strengthen India's cultural roots and position its art prominently on the global stage. “Earlier, art was used to achieve popularity and alter the culture of the society. But sometimes, art is now used to spread bad culture and Sanskar Bharat has to get ready for that as well," the RSS Chief said.

RSS organises All India Kala Sadhak Sangam across the country to showcase and promote Indian art. This year, the event was held in Bengaluru’s Art of Living centre and it featured around 500 artists across the State and 50 art stalls. Artistic expressions from across the country, ranging from Kirtan of West Bengal to Odissi dance of Odisha and Dollu Kunitha dance of Karnataka to Manipur's Lai Haraoba were showcased at the event.

Arun Yograj, the creator of ‘Ram Lalla’ idol installed at Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and GL Bhat, another sculptor responsible for crafting the idol of Lord Ram, were honoured during the event which saw a participation of around 2000 attendees.

Laxman S, an RSS member from Maharashtra, said the construction of the Ram Mandir had brought Hindus together. "This triumph is not just ours; it is a victory resonating with Hindus worldwide. It feels as if Lord Shri Ram has finally returned to Ayodhya, his home, after many years of struggle," Laxman told Salar News.