Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said that issues like love jihad can be stopped only when families start talking openly with each other. He said people must honestly think about how their daughters from their own home could be influenced by a stranger.
The biggest reason behind such cases is the lack of communication within families. While addressing the “Stree Shakti Samvad” programme organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Bhopal, on 3rd January, he said.
Mohan Bhagwat outlines ways to stop 'love jihad', calls for family-level awareness. #MohanBhagwat #RSS #LoveJihad | @AnchorAnjaliP pic.twitter.com/jPbHWgLw1Z
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 4, 2026
Three steps to deal with love jihad
Bhagwat said that efforts are needed at three levels. First, there should be regular and open conversations inside families. Second, girls should be taught to stay alert and be capable of protecting themselves. Third, strict and effective action must be taken against those who commit such crimes. He added that social organisations must stay alert, and the whole society must stand together. Only collective resistance can bring a real solution, he said.
Women protect religion and culture
Bhagwat said that women play the most important role in protecting religion, culture and the social system. He said that the time when women were kept inside homes only for safety is long gone. Today, men and women work together for the progress of family and society, so awareness and responsibility are equally important for both.
Empowerment of women is the key
The RSS chief stressed that women must be empowered, given opportunities, and made aware of their cultural and social strength. He said this process has already started, as women are moving ahead in every field, but it still needs to grow stronger. He also spoke about how Indian tradition values women through motherhood, unlike Western societies, where a woman’s status is often defined only after marriage.
Warning against blind Western influence
Bhagwat said that Western culture forced in the name of modernity has become a blind race. He urged people to think seriously about the values being passed on to children from a young age. He said Indian traditions do not weaken women but make them strong and confident. Referring to examples like Rani Lakshmibai, he said Indian women have shown courage and strength in every era.
Unity, caste and social harmony
Talking about social harmony, Bhagwat said that Hindu is not just a word but a way of life. As long as one remains Hindu, caste exists, and society functions like a healthy body where every part supports the other. He said unity in diversity is India’s identity. Even though people may look different, at the level of nation, culture and values, everyone is one.
Bhagwat said goodwill should not be limited to times of crisis. Regular meetings, dialogue and understanding each other’s work are necessary to keep society united. He suggested holding social harmony meetings every year at district, block and village levels, saying this responsibility belongs to society as a whole, not just organisations.
