RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat proposes teaching about Hindu gods in school textbooks
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday advocated for the inclusion of knowledge about Hindu gods in school textbooks. Speaking at an event organised by the RSS on 'Contemporary Motherhood' in New Delhi, he said that children nowadays seek logic and prefer discussion over dictation.
Bhagwat remarked, 'Sometimes children ask questions, especially abroad, why this god has a monkey face and why that god has an elephant face. They come home and ask, but the father doesn't know, the mother doesn't know. This should be part of textbooks, though children cannot be left to textbooks alone.'
At the outset, he acknowledged the irony of a man speaking on motherhood, stating, 'Being asked to speak on the subject of motherhood is, in itself, a contradiction. In a way, it is women's right, and it is not appropriate for men to speak about it.' He emphasised that women today must be given opportunities and empowered.
The audience included Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumar, BJP MPs Kangana Ranaut, Swati Maliwal, and Bansuri Swaraj, as well as Mallika Nadda and Lakshmi Puri, spouses of Union ministers. BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, who had earlier expressed concern over student protests and handling of youth, was also present.
Bhagwat said, 'Being in accordance with the times is also a subject of motherhood that does not require discussion. It happens on its own. Human beings change all their ways according to time.' However, he stressed that since the mother is the focus of the family unit, she ought to be 'sanskari and vichaarsheel' (cultured and visionary). 'It is the mother's role to shape the perspective of her children, and not only their career,' he added.
He urged parents to spend more time with their families and maintain open communication with children. 'Children learn more through observation than instruction, making it important for parents to lead by example,' he said, adding that parents should continue to expand their knowledge to address their children's questions and curiosity.
The three-hour event, organised by Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, included a brief question-and-answer session with women leaders. The next such session is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad later this month.
