New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Arun Kumar said on Monday that a “New India” will be built on Indian thought and values, urging citizens and policymakers to draw on the country’s civilisational heritage while pursuing modern development goals.
Speaking at a public event organised by the RSS in the capital, Arun Kumar said that economic progress must be matched by a revival of cultural and ethical moorings. “Our future must be rooted in the wisdom of our traditions,” he said, adding that Indian ideas on duty, community and moral responsibility should guide policymaking and social life.
Arun Kumar called on young people to engage with both contemporary education and indigenous knowledge systems, arguing that a synthesis of the two would produce leaders equipped to address present-day challenges. He emphasised the role of education, social service and disciplined public life in shaping citizens who can contribute to national renewal.
The RSS leader also highlighted the organisation’s programmes aimed at youth training, community outreach and social welfare, saying these initiatives were designed to foster a sense of civic duty and collective purpose. He urged volunteers and local leaders to intensify efforts to reach underserved communities.
On governance, Arun Kumar said policymakers should prioritise policies that promote self-reliance, equitable growth and social cohesion, while ensuring that development benefits reach all sections of society. He framed the call as a long-term project that requires sustained public engagement rather than short-term political gains.
Organisers described the event as part of a broader campaign to stimulate public debate on values and nation-building. While supporters welcomed the emphasis on cultural continuity and civic responsibility, the speech is likely to prompt discussion across the political spectrum about how cultural narratives should inform public policy.
Arun Kumar concluded by urging dialogue across communities and institutions, saying the task of nation-building required both pride in India’s past and practical steps to secure its future. “Building a New India is a collective responsibility,” he said, “and it must be guided by ideas that unite rather than divide.”
