RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat urges Hindus to wear traditional attire, avoid English, consume local food
Thiruvananthapuram: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has called on Hindus to wear traditional clothing at public events, avoid speaking English, and consume local cuisine. He made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Hindu Unity Conference’ on Wednesday in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, The Print has reported.
The event was part of the annual Cherukolpuzha Hindu Convention, organised along the Pampa River. Bhagwat emphasised that "Dharma" is central to Hinduism and should be practiced individually. He urged families to meet at least once a week to assess whether their lifestyle aligns with tradition.
“We should reflect on the language we speak, the places we visit, and the clothes we wear. Our travels should prioritise local areas, and we should extend support to those in need within our community. At public gatherings, we must adhere to traditional attire, avoiding Western outfits,” Bhagwat said.
During his two-day visit to Kerala, Bhagwat also launched a book on social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. He previously visited the state from 16 to 21 January for RSS organisational activities.
Bhagwat stressed the need for Hindu unity, stating that while strength is necessary for survival, it should not cause harm. He attributed global conflicts to religious supremacy and asserted that Hinduism, through Sanatan Dharma, promotes unity.
“Dharma must be practiced within the framework of rules. Any practice outside these rules should be abolished. As Guru (Sree Narayana Guru) taught, casteism and untouchability are not part of Dharma and must be eradicated,” he added.
The Cherukolpuzha Hindu Convention, organised by the Hindumatha Mahamandalam, was established in 1913 by reformer Chattambi Swamikal to combat untouchability and advocate for social reforms. The 113th edition of the event was inaugurated on Sunday by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, alongside state Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony, and Leader of Opposition V.D. Sateesan. Hindumatha Mahamandalam’s vice president, advocate K. Haridas, described Bhagwat’s participation as an honour for the organisation.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
