Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday called for unity among Hindus citing the example of Bangladesh where, he said, for the first time, Hindus united and came out on roads to protect themselves.

Addressing the annual Vijayadashami program held at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, Bhagwat said what is happening in Bangladesh is also a learning for Hindus in India.

“What happened in our neighbouring Bangladesh? It might have some immediate reasons and those who are concerned will discuss it. But the underlying issue is the repeated atrocities against Hindus,” he said.

The RSS chief, condemning the violence against Hindus in the neighbouring country, said that as long as the radical nature of committing atrocities out of anger persists – not only Hindus, but all minorities will be in danger.

“If we are weak, we are inviting atrocity. Wherever we are, we need to be united and empowered and weakness is not an option,” he asserted.

Bhagwat expressed concern over a prevalent narrative in Bangladesh that portrays India as a threat, leading to discussions about aligning with Pakistan due to its nuclear capabilities in response to the perceived threat from India. He highlighted how a country that India actively supported during its formation is now fostering such a negative narrative against India.

Indicating the countries behind such discussions, the RSS chief underscored their desire to instigate similar conditions within India. This push is driven by a goal to impede India’s progress and is attributed to forces promoting ideas like “Deep State”, “Wokeism” and “Cultural Marxism”.

Regarding the threats posed by these ideologies, Bhagwat emphasised how they aim to dismantle cultural traditions by influencing key societal institutions like education, media, and intellectual discourse. This process involves subverting the values, beliefs, and thoughts of society under the guise of these ideologies.

He further explained the tactics of these groups, which involve creating divisions within society based on identity, needs, or grievances, leading to a sense of victimisation and discontent. By exploiting these fault lines through the education system, media, and other institutions, they manipulate segments of society, fostering aggression and distrust to establish their dominance, and perpetuating an environment of dissent and fear.

The Kerala police on Saturday said that it had booked three well-known Malayalam actors for allegedly defaming a woman artist through their YouTube channels.

According to reports, cases were registered against television-cinema actor Beena Antony, her actor-husband Manoj and award-winning actress Swasika for allegedly under Section 79 of BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), which refers to word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

The complainant was the one who had recently raised allegations against some prominent actors in the Malayalam cinema after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report following which cases were against them, Nedumbassery police said.

The petitioner has filed complaints against several individuals, including actor-politician M Mukesh and the former secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes, with the SIT. She alleged that the accused in this case made derogatory comments about her because she had complained against film personalities.

“In the complaint, she alleged that Beena Antony, Manoj and Swasika insulted her through their YouTube channels out of revenge as she raised allegations against prominent actors,” a police officer said.

The three well-known actors have been booked under the BNS Section 79 and the Kerala Police Act Section 120(o) (nuisance of himself to any other person through a means of communication).

The case against the Malayalam actors will be taken over by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cases against film personalities following the report of the Hema Committee.

Last month on September 25, Malayalam actor Edavela Babu was arrested by Kerala Police on Wednesday in a sexual assault case in the wake of the Hema Committee report. However, the actor was later released on bail soon since he had secured anticipatory bail from a district court in Ernakulam earlier this month.

The Justice Hema Committee, established by the state government in 2017, presented its report in 2019. However, legal obstacles delayed the public release of the report until recently.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday greeted members of the RSS on the occasion of its foundation day.  

In a post on X, Shah said since its inception, the organisation has been doing a remarkable job of protecting Indian culture and inculcating the ideas of patriotism in youth. Swayamsevak Sangh, a unique symbol of discipline and patriotism, added Shah.

Nadda said RSS is the world’s largest voluntary organization committed to inculcating the spirit of service to the motherland, upliftment of culture and the powerful thoughts of nation first in the minds of every person.

“The contribution of @RSSorg in spreading national ideas in the society and nurturing the ideas of service to Mother India is commendable,” Nadda said in a post on X.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur on Vijayadashami.

The Union Home Minister said RSS is empowering every section by accelerating the work of social service and through its educational efforts, creating patriots dedicated to the country’s welfare.

“On the one hand, RSS is empowering every section by accelerating the work of social service, and on the other hand, it is creating patriots dedicated to the country’s welfare through educational efforts,” the senior BJP leader said.

In another post on X, Shah also greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Vijayadashami. He said Vijayadashami is a symbol of the victory of ‘Dharma’ over ‘Adharma’ and truth over falsehood.

“This festival of Vijayadashami inspires everyone to eliminate the evils within themselves and follow the path of ‘Dharma’ and humanity. May Lord Shri Ram bless everyone. Jai Shri Ram,” he said in the message in Hindi.

Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja and commemorates Lord Ram’s victory over demon king Ravan.

In a separate message, Shah also paid tributes to BJP leader Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia on her birth anniversary. He said she was an epitome of simplicity and her courage and struggle during the Emergency played an important role in the restoration of democracy.

“The country will always remember Rajmata Scindiaji’s loyalty towards the country and her work for public welfare,” he said.

Scindia, who belonged to the Gwalior royal family, was a BJP vice-president and MP. She was born on October 12, 1919.