RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat calls marriage 'dharma', slams live-in relationships: 'We don't want responsibilities but happiness'

On Sunday, Mohan Bhagwat, chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), referred to marriage as a practice that “instils dharma.” He also commented on live-in relationships saying, “reality of live-in relationships can be seen all over the world.”

RSS chief while speaking at an event in Hyderabad said, "Marriage is a discipline which instils dharma. Its alternative is live-in relationship. Modernity. What are its consequences? We don't want responsibilities but happiness. Stay together when it is wanted and part ways when not wanted. No responsibilities. What will grow with it? What is growing, look around the world.”

He also talked about the importance of modernity while pointing out that the need to adapt to changing times has been part of our tradition.


Read More: Bombay HC allows Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, X over alleged E20 deepfakes: Report

Bhagwat did not miss a chance to criticize live-in relationships, calling it a form of “degradation” and “blind imitation of Western culture”, while still welcoming modernity in general.

Bhagwat expressed the view that LGBTQ people also belong to society, and they must not be stigmatized.
Bhagwat urged parents to practice mobile phone discipline in the family and also stressed the need to have open discussions with the members of the family.

Bhagwat addressed concerns about the lifestyle choices of the youth such as overuse of phones, and he implored the elders to do what they want their children to do.

"Be the change you want to see in society. Reduce your time on social media. Follow mobile discipline. We look to the government. In our tradition, the government is second; society is first. (We say) the government should make this law or that law... we can do that at our home," he said.

"We tell children about mobile discipline, but we are attached to mobiles. So much so that a mother gives a mobile to a child if the child is crying," Bhagwat said.

Read More: NEET protest: SC says police excesses cannot be justified merely because there is agitation, to hear pleas on Tuesday

He added that the British rule led Indians to think that everything ancient was “worthless." He said Western countries face issues because they have adapted India’s problems without realizing them.