“Dattopant Thengadi, till his last breath, thought about harmony and elimination of inequality. Harmony was his faith. He was visionary. Through this vision he had formed organizations in various fields and also guided them taking into consideration ‘ country-time and situation’ . While doing all this, he maintained the motto of organization of Hindu society i.e. elimination of inequality,” asserted Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
He was talking on ‘Social Harmony from the Perspective of Dattopant Thengadi’ organized by the Shraddhey Dattopant Thengadi Birth Centenary Celebration Committee.
The lecture was organized today (October 14) at the Ganesh Hall of Golwalkar School on Tilak Road on the occasion of the birth centenary of Dattopant Thengadi, a senior pracharak, thinker and founder of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Govinddev Giri Maharaj, National Member of the Ceremony Committee presided over the function. Committee convener Ravindra Deshpande was present on the dais.
Dr. Bhagwat further said, “Dattopant Thengadi assimilated all the ideals in the context of harmony which were found in the thoughts of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Sarsanghchalak Dr. Hedgewar, Golwalkar Guruji and Balasaheb Deoras. Not only that, but he was closely associated with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The comprehensive vision created by Dattopant Thengadi through the association and dedication of these great personalities was in line with “our traditions” and the same vision belongs to the Sangh. He was of the clear view that the country could not survive if there is inequality in the society. He used to insist on elimination of inequality . His approach was sincere, with no political implications. Equality is not possible without harmony, it requires brotherhood. Harmony is created in the society only when we have to bend down a little to uphold those who are left behind in the society. Harmony is not a matter of speech, but of faith and action.
There is a “Sense of oneness” in our ancient thought traditions. To develop the country on this basis, social harmony is to be achieved. It can never be achieved through violence. The path of revolution does not create equality, it only create a new exploiting class, it does not bring constructive change. Brotherhood, positive and constructive discussions and enlightenment are the ways to end inequality. Harmony should be the National goal and it requires patience and restraint. Changes does not come through revolutions but it requires Sankranti (process of comprehensive evolution). While doing all this, one should be constantly alert, because those who are trying to break the country, does not have sense of unity in their minds . So don’t let the diversity in our country become the basis of disparity.” We have to eradicate inequality from the country.
At the beginning of the program, Govinddev Giri Maharaj said in his speech. The sage’s wisdom can be seen in his writings. The idea of harmony presented by Dattopant Thengadi is an expression of our culture. It is necessary to recognize that oneness and practice.
The event was attended by only fifty invitees, complying with all the restrictions required during the Corona epidemic. The program was introduced and moderated by Ravindra Deshpande.
