‘Marriage Instils Dharma, Live-In Relationships Reflect Blind Imitation Of West’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Published 27 July 2026 · local

‘Marriage Instils Dharma, Live-In Relationships Reflect Blind Imitation Of West’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 15:40 IST Mohan Bhagwat

‘Marriage Instils Dharma, Live-In Relationships Reflect Blind Imitation Of West’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 15:40 IST Mohan Bhagwat said that while modernity and adapting to changing times are welcome, blindly following Western social practices amounts to cultural degradation. Rapid Read Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. (Image: @RSS/YT/PTI) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday backed marriages over live-in relationships, saying that marriage is a discipline which instils dharma, while the reality of live-in relationships can be seen all over the world. While speaking at an event on ‘Contemporary Motherhood’ organised by the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha in Hyderabad, Bhagwat said that marriage is a discipline that instils responsibility and questioning the growing acceptance of live-in relationships, which he said reflect an unwillingness to take responsibility. “Marriage is a discipline which instils dharma.

Its alternative is live-in relationship. Modernity. What are its consequences? We don’t want responsibilities but happiness. Stay together when it is wanted and part ways when not wanted. No responsibilities. What will grow with it? What is growing, look around the world," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. He added that while modernity and adapting to changing times are welcome, blindly following Western social practices amounts to cultural degradation. He further said the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society and deserves dignity and equal respect. “LGBTQ+ community is a part of our society; they deserve dignity and equal place," he said, stressing the need for an inclusive and respectful approach towards members of the community. He also called Generation Z as “emotional by nature", while cautioning that they often do not think with a “calm mind" and are easily influenced by things that appear authentic.

“Gen Z is good, adaptable and emotional by nature. They do not think with a very calm mind. If what is in touch with them is visibly authentic, it appeals to them," Bhagwat said as quoted by news agency PTI. Bhagwat favoured following mobile phone discipline by parents and stressed the importance of conversation among family members to answer the questions of new generation children and to address various family-related issues. Addressing parents’ concerns over the new generation’s lifestyle, including excessive mobile phone use, he said elders must embody what they want to see in the new generation. “Be the change you want to see in society. Reduce your time on social media. Follow mobile discipline. We look to the government. In our tradition, the government is second; society is first. (We say) the government should make this law or that law… we can do that at our home," he said.