NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday criticised the United States and China, alleging that “Western countries spread fundamentalism,” and asserting that India holds solutions to many of the world’s problems.Speaking at a Shodharthi Samvad programme at Lucknow University, Bhagwat said, “Western countries spread fundamentalism. Their thinking is to become powerful, live on their own, and abandon the rest, eliminating those who become obstacles. This is what America and China are doing today.”

Bhagwat maintained that India can offer solutions to global crises but must first strengthen itself.“Today, India has the answers to the problems the world is facing. If we want to become a world leader, we must become powerful in all areas. The world only believes it when truth is backed by power,” he said.“Research plays a major role in changing India’s direction and condition. Truthful information should be brought to light. We will not be able to understand India through ignorance,” he added.He further alleged that Western powers had distorted India’s traditional education system. “Westerners have messed with education. They replaced our education system and imposed their own, so they could find black Englishmen to do the work. What the British did wrong must be rectified,” he said.“Today globalisation means marketisation, which is dangerous. We talk about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. That means we consider the entire world as our family. Unless everyone is happy, no one can be happy,” he said.“Therefore, our lives should be restrained, not consumerist. A life of restraint and sacrifice is in our cultural self-realisation,” he added.‘Not a single speck of dust can be secular’Speaking on religion, Bhagwat said that religion remains eternally relevant and governs the laws by which the universe operates. “The eternal nature of religion is always relevant. Religion is the laws by which the universe operates. Not a single speck of dust can be secular,” he said.“Religion brings happiness to everyone. Religion is applicable in everything we do. Our behaviour changes according to religion, country, and time. Religion tells us that we should live with everyone, not alone,” he added.Bhagwat also stressed the importance of environmental protection, urging people to adopt sustainable practices in daily life.Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) should be acceleratedEarlier on Tuesday, Bhagwat expressed concern over “a decline in the Hindu population”. According to a release, he called for a halt to religious conversions allegedly driven by greed or coercion.He said the process of “Ghar Wapsi” (homecoming) should be accelerated and that those who return to Hinduism must be supported.Bhagwat further stated that Hindus should have at least three children. Citing scientific studies, he claimed that a society with an average of fewer than three children faces long-term decline. He added that newly married couples should be informed of this view.