.jpg)
.png)
Bhagwat appeals for restraint in Wangchuk's arrest at RSS centenary celebrations: 'Make change through democratic process, not violence'
Nagpur, October 2, 2025 (Reporter: Grok News Desk) – The grand centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were celebrated in Nagpur today on the occasion of Vijayadashami. In this historic event, RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat delivered an important speech in front of lakhs of volunteers present. In this speech, he indirectly commented on the arrest of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh and gave a message of bringing about change through democratic means. "Change should not be brought about through violence, but peacefully within the framework of democracy," he said. This message is being seen in connection with Wangchuk's arrest, and it is proving to be a lesson in restraint for the growing movements in the country.
The event was particularly important on the occasion of completing 100 years since the founding of the RSS. In 1925, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Sangh in Nagpur. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was invited as the chief guest for today's event. Around 21,000 volunteers took out a disciplined procession at Nagpur's Race Course Ground, where they reviewed the ideals of the Sangh. The event began with a floral tribute to Dr. Hedgewar's portrait, during which Bhagwat credited the founder for the growth of the Sangh. "The Sangh has become like a banyan tree, which has spread its umbrella of service and dedication across the country," Bhagwat said at the beginning of his speech.
Against the backdrop of this event, everyone's attention was drawn to the latest developments in Ladakh. Environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by the Leh police on September 26. The arrest was made under the National Security Act (NSA). The movement led by Wangchuk had demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection of the Sixth Schedule. However, four people were killed and many injured in violent protests in Leh on September 24. Protesters attacked government property, leading to the shutdown of mobile internet services. The Union Home Ministry blamed Wangchuk's 'provocative' speech for the violence. His NGO's FCRA license has been revoked and there are allegations of misuse of foreign funds.
Bhagwat's statement assumes significance in this context. He said in his speech, "There is discontent in some parts of the country. This discontent should be resolved through democratic processes. We oppose any agitations that are motivated by violence or foreign powers. We will not allow instability like Nepal to come to India." Without directly mentioning Wangchuk's arrest, he endorsed the demands for environment and indigenous rights, saying, "Environmental protection is in the national interest, but it should be done peacefully. Dialogue should be increased between the government and the citizens. Even if there is a demand for change, it should not be through violence, but through constituencies and elections." Political analysts say this statement is a reference to revolutions like Sonam Wangchuk's 'Arab Spring'.
Background of the Ladakh agitation
Sonam Wangchuk is a famous engineer from Ladakh and the inspiration behind the film '3 Idiots'. She founded the organization SEMOL (Students Educational and Music Society), which provides education and environmental awareness to local children. Since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019, discontent has grown in Ladakh. Under Wangchuk's leadership, organizations like the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been agitating for statehood, job reservation and environmental protection. In March 2024, she had gone on a hunger strike in the bitter cold, in which hundreds of activists participated. However, the continued agitations led to tensions and violence broke out in September. Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali J. Angmo led a candlelight march in Delhi for her release.
Bhagwat's speech reviewed the centenary of the RSS. He said, "The Sangh has taught service, discipline and patriotism for 100 years. Even today, we keep the Hindu community free from the 'us vs. them' mentality. Our aim is to promote social harmony." He paid tribute to the 26 Indians who died in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and supported the government's tough action. "It is a matter of pride that the government has taken a firm stand to stop terrorism," he said.
The event, which included traditional games, exercises and cultural programmes, was attended by volunteers. Former President Kovind praised the contribution of the Sangh in his speech and said, "The Sangh has played a significant role in the unity of the country." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders were also present.
The statement is being discussed in political circles. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted on Twitter (now X), saying, "Dissent cannot be suppressed in democracy. Wangchuk's arrest is wrong." On the other hand, BJP leaders welcomed Bhagwat's message. According to analysts, this statement is to strengthen the 'inclusive' image of the RSS, especially in the centenary year.
The RSS's centenary year programmes were announced. Various activities will be carried out across the country from October 2025 to October 2026, in which volunteers will go door to door to propagate the ideals of the Sangh.
Nagpur, October 2, 2025 (Reporter: Grok News Desk) – The grand centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were celebrated in Nagpur today on the occasion of Vijayadashami. In this historic event, RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat delivered an important speech in front of lakhs of volunteers present. In this speech, he indirectly commented on the arrest of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh and gave a message of bringing about change through democratic means. "Change should not be brought about through violence, but peacefully within the framework of democracy," he said. This message is being seen in connection with Wangchuk's arrest, and it is proving to be a lesson in restraint for the growing movements in the country.
The event was particularly important on the occasion of completing 100 years since the founding of the RSS. In 1925, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Sangh in Nagpur. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was invited as the chief guest for today's event. Around 21,000 volunteers took out a disciplined procession at Nagpur's Race Course Ground, where they reviewed the ideals of the Sangh. The event began with a floral tribute to Dr. Hedgewar's portrait, during which Bhagwat credited the founder for the growth of the Sangh. "The Sangh has become like a banyan tree, which has spread its umbrella of service and dedication across the country," Bhagwat said at the beginning of his speech.
Against the backdrop of this event, everyone's attention was drawn to the latest developments in Ladakh. Environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by the Leh police on September 26. The arrest was made under the National Security Act (NSA). The movement led by Wangchuk had demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection of the Sixth Schedule. However, four people were killed and many injured in violent protests in Leh on September 24. Protesters attacked government property, leading to the shutdown of mobile internet services. The Union Home Ministry blamed Wangchuk's 'provocative' speech for the violence. His NGO's FCRA license has been revoked and there are allegations of misuse of foreign funds.
Bhagwat's statement assumes significance in this context. He said in his speech, "There is discontent in some parts of the country. This discontent should be resolved through democratic processes. We oppose any agitations that are motivated by violence or foreign powers. We will not allow instability like Nepal to come to India." Without directly mentioning Wangchuk's arrest, he endorsed the demands for environment and indigenous rights, saying, "Environmental protection is in the national interest, but it should be done peacefully. Dialogue should be increased between the government and the citizens. Even if there is a demand for change, it should not be through violence, but through constituencies and elections." Political analysts say this statement is a reference to revolutions like Sonam Wangchuk's 'Arab Spring'.
Background of the Ladakh agitation
Sonam Wangchuk is a famous engineer from Ladakh and the inspiration behind the film '3 Idiots'. She founded the organization SEMOL (Students Educational and Music Society), which provides education and environmental awareness to local children. Since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019, discontent has grown in Ladakh. Under Wangchuk's leadership, organizations like the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been agitating for statehood, job reservation and environmental protection. In March 2024, she had gone on a hunger strike in the bitter cold, in which hundreds of activists participated. However, the continued agitations led to tensions and violence broke out in September. Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali J. Angmo led a candlelight march in Delhi for her release.
Bhagwat's speech reviewed the centenary of the RSS. He said, "The Sangh has taught service, discipline and patriotism for 100 years. Even today, we keep the Hindu community free from the 'us vs. them' mentality. Our aim is to promote social harmony." He paid tribute to the 26 Indians who died in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and supported the government's tough action. "It is a matter of pride that the government has taken a firm stand to stop terrorism," he said.
The event, which included traditional games, exercises and cultural programmes, was attended by volunteers. Former President Kovind praised the contribution of the Sangh in his speech and said, "The Sangh has played a significant role in the unity of the country." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders were also present.
The statement is being discussed in political circles. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted on Twitter (now X), saying, "Dissent cannot be suppressed in democracy. Wangchuk's arrest is wrong." On the other hand, BJP leaders welcomed Bhagwat's message. According to analysts, this statement is to strengthen the 'inclusive' image of the RSS, especially in the centenary year.
The RSS's centenary year programmes were announced. Various activities will be carried out across the country from October 2025 to October 2026, in which volunteers will go door to door to propagate the ideals of the Sangh.
The event was particularly important on the occasion of completing 100 years since the founding of the RSS. In 1925, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Sangh in Nagpur. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was invited as the chief guest for today's event. Around 21,000 volunteers took out a disciplined procession at Nagpur's Race Course Ground, where they reviewed the ideals of the Sangh. The event began with a floral tribute to Dr. Hedgewar's portrait, during which Bhagwat credited the founder for the growth of the Sangh. "The Sangh has become like a banyan tree, which has spread its umbrella of service and dedication across the country," Bhagwat said at the beginning of his speech.
Against the backdrop of this event, everyone's attention was drawn to the latest developments in Ladakh. Environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by the Leh police on September 26. The arrest was made under the National Security Act (NSA). The movement led by Wangchuk had demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection of the Sixth Schedule. However, four people were killed and many injured in violent protests in Leh on September 24. Protesters attacked government property, leading to the shutdown of mobile internet services. The Union Home Ministry blamed Wangchuk's 'provocative' speech for the violence. His NGO's FCRA license has been revoked and there are allegations of misuse of foreign funds.
Bhagwat's statement assumes significance in this context. He said in his speech, "There is discontent in some parts of the country. This discontent should be resolved through democratic processes. We oppose any agitations that are motivated by violence or foreign powers. We will not allow instability like Nepal to come to India." Without directly mentioning Wangchuk's arrest, he endorsed the demands for environment and indigenous rights, saying, "Environmental protection is in the national interest, but it should be done peacefully. Dialogue should be increased between the government and the citizens. Even if there is a demand for change, it should not be through violence, but through constituencies and elections." Political analysts say this statement is a reference to revolutions like Sonam Wangchuk's 'Arab Spring'.
Background of the Ladakh agitation
Sonam Wangchuk is a famous engineer from Ladakh and the inspiration behind the film '3 Idiots'. She founded the organization SEMOL (Students Educational and Music Society), which provides education and environmental awareness to local children. Since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019, discontent has grown in Ladakh. Under Wangchuk's leadership, organizations like the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been agitating for statehood, job reservation and environmental protection. In March 2024, she had gone on a hunger strike in the bitter cold, in which hundreds of activists participated. However, the continued agitations led to tensions and violence broke out in September. Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali J. Angmo led a candlelight march in Delhi for her release.
Bhagwat's speech reviewed the centenary of the RSS. He said, "The Sangh has taught service, discipline and patriotism for 100 years. Even today, we keep the Hindu community free from the 'us vs. them' mentality. Our aim is to promote social harmony." He paid tribute to the 26 Indians who died in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and supported the government's tough action. "It is a matter of pride that the government has taken a firm stand to stop terrorism," he said.
The event, which included traditional games, exercises and cultural programmes, was attended by volunteers. Former President Kovind praised the contribution of the Sangh in his speech and said, "The Sangh has played a significant role in the unity of the country." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders were also present.
The statement is being discussed in political circles. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted on Twitter (now X), saying, "Dissent cannot be suppressed in democracy. Wangchuk's arrest is wrong." On the other hand, BJP leaders welcomed Bhagwat's message. According to analysts, this statement is to strengthen the 'inclusive' image of the RSS, especially in the centenary year.
The RSS's centenary year programmes were announced. Various activities will be carried out across the country from October 2025 to October 2026, in which volunteers will go door to door to propagate the ideals of the Sangh.
.jpg)
