RSS slams adoption of Western growth model

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has criticised the adoption of the western model of development as it had led to lopsided development in the country.

Addressing a public meeting in Bangalore, he said though it was encouraging to note that Indian companies were acquiring firms globally, incidents of farmers' suicides could not be ignored.

Stating that the western model of development was unsustainable, he said India must develop its own model of development taking into account resources available here and people's aspiration and psychology.

He said as long as India adhered to its ancient legacy of ensuring environmental balance, it did not face balance. Over consumption and exploitation of natural resources and use of science and technology to over harvest energy and nature's resources had raised its own share of problems.

Conservation and not exploitation was key to today's problems, he said.

He said India was called to play a great role in the world scenario with its ancient legacy, its intellectual capital and varied resources. India was being looked upon by the world as a source of inspiration and new teaching, he said.

Calling on the members of the RSS to gear up to the challenge of nation building, he said it was time those who were on the fringe watching its activities and donating money, come forward and actively participate in its activities.

Stating the activities of the Sangh had not still reached all the corners of the country, he said the Sangh had a social objective in its agenda besides a political one.