New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has underscored the changing dynamics between generations, observing that today’s youth are far more inclined to ask questions rather than practice uncritical obedience. Speaking at the concluding session of the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha’s National Enlightenment Meeting on Contemporary Motherhood at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Bhagwat emphasised that elders must engage the younger generation with affection, open communication, and patience. Reflecting on how family interactions have shifted, he noted that while earlier eras prioritized obedience without question, modern youth expect logical explanations and meaningful dialogue from their parents and mentors. He cautioned against the breakdown of regular conversation within households and urged parents to spend quality time with their children, listen to their queries, and continuously expand their own knowledge to answer those questions effectively.
Highlighting the overarching theme of the conference, Bhagwat described motherhood as the essential foundation of human civilization, asserting that the creation, nurturing, and continuity of life remain impossible without it. While acknowledging the paradox of a man addressing a forum centered on motherhood, he acknowledged the domain naturally belongs to women and cited historical thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore who extensively reflected on its societal importance. He reiterated that a mother serves as a child’s first teacher and primary emotional anchor, guiding human thought toward constructive directions. Furthermore, he warned against deliberate misconceptions surrounding Indian culture, encouraging society to stand confident in its civilisational heritage, history, and core principle of unity amidst diversity rather than adopting unexamined external lifestyles. The two-day national gathering brought together hundreds of female delegates and leaders from across the country to deliberate on preserving family values and navigating changing social realities.
