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India must lead world with tradition-rooted development model: RSS chief
Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has called for India to present an alternative development paradigm grounded in traditional values. He emphasised the need for self-restraint and balanced growth that protects human welfare alongside environmental and animal well-being.
LSN India ·

The RSS chief advocated for a development framework that departs from conventional Western models, arguing that India's civilisational heritage offers valuable insights for sustainable progress. Bhagwat underscored the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary development strategies to create a holistic approach to nation-building.
Central to his vision is the concept of self-restraint, which he positioned as essential for achieving equilibrium between human advancement and ecological preservation. Rather than pursuing unchecked growth, Bhagwat stressed that societies must adopt measured approaches that account for the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental welfare.
The RSS chief's remarks reflect a broader ideological stance that seeks to position India as a thought leader in reimagining development priorities. By drawing on India's historical and philosophical traditions, he contended that the nation could offer the world an alternative model that addresses contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in enduring cultural values.
Bhagwat's call comes amid ongoing debates in India regarding the balance between rapid industrialisation and environmental conservation, as well as discussions about the sustainability of current development trajectories in the Global South.