Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recently claimed that India achieved its ‘true independence’ on the day of the Ram Mandir’s construction in Ayodhya. According to Bhagwat, the consecration of the Ram Mandir, which took place on January 22, 2024, should be celebrated annually as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,” marking the day India’s real sovereignty was restored. Bhagwat’s remarks have raised eyebrows, as they challenge the conventional understanding of India’s independence.
‘True Independence’ Through Ram Mandir Construction
Bhagwat’s statement on India’s ‘true independence’ refers to the day the Ram Mandir’s foundation was consecrated in Ayodhya, an event he believes signifies the country’s return to its ‘self’ or ‘swa’. He emphasised that while India gained political independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, the nation’s spirit, according to him, remained dormant until the Ram Mandir issue was resolved. Bhagwat argued that India’s Constitution, created after independence, did not align with the true spirit or vision of the country, which he believes was awakened with the completion of the Ram Mandir.
According to Bhagwat, the day of Ram Mandir’s consecration should be celebrated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,” referring to the Hindu calendar date marking the temple’s consecration in the Paush month. The RSS chief painted the temple’s construction as a symbolic act of restoring India’s self-pride and spiritual independence, a country that had been historically subjected to foreign invasions and attacks.
Ram Mandir movement
Mohan Bhagwat also addressed the historical context behind the Ram Mandir movement, stating that it was never about opposing any particular community but about awakening the country’s ‘self’. He described India’s struggle against foreign invaders who had destroyed its temples and cultural symbols as an effort to weaken the nation’s core identity. Bhagwat noted that the long duration of the Ram Mandir movement stemmed from forces that opposed building a temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram, which he sees as central to India’s identity.
The RSS chief also recalled how the Ram Mandir movement of the 1980s faced considerable opposition, especially from those who questioned the importance of building a temple when the country’s economic conditions were difficult. Bhagwat said that during this period, some critics asked why the temple was being prioritized over the concerns of livelihood. His response to such questions was to point out the economic successes of countries like Israel and Japan, contrasting them with India’s struggles in the 1980s. Bhagwat argued that India’s path to prosperity would come through reclaiming its spiritual roots, with the Ram Mandir being a crucial starting point.
The RSS chief emphasised that India’s true independence goes beyond just political freedom and material progress. He argued that the country’s economic and social development must be built on a solid foundation of cultural and spiritual revival. Bhagwat’s comments about the Ram Mandir movement suggest that he views this temple as a key symbol of national unity and strength. According to him, true independence for Bharat is not merely about political sovereignty but also about reconnecting with its roots, its spirituality, and its cultural identity.
The Ram Mandir, in Bhagwat’s view, is not just a religious site, but a symbol of the country’s return to its ‘self’. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his assessment, it is clear that Bhagwat is presenting a vision of India where spirituality and nationalism are inseparable, suggesting that the nation’s path forward involves embracing both its ancient traditions and modern aspirations.