Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group, called for greater representation of women in the RSS leadership and urged the right-wing outfit to work towards weeding out corruption as it prepare its blueprint for the next 100 years. Speaking at a book launch event, Purie also praised the RSS for its role in promoting social harmony, environmental consciousness, selfhood, and civic responsibility.
00:00Well, what started as a routine book launch quickly transformed into one of the most compelling Q&A moments leading up to the RSS centenary.
00:08India Today's Executive Editor-in-Chief Kali Puri boldly called for greater female representation within the RSS leadership.
00:16In a rare and candid public exchange, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat responded directly, sparking widespread conversation and headlines across the nation.
00:25Take a look at this report.
00:30What began as a ceremonial book launch to usher in the RSS's centenary year quickly turned into a moment of national significance.
00:54In a packed auditorium, a seemingly routine event took an unexpected turn as India Today's Executive Editor-in-Chief Kali Puri made two suggestions in her speech
01:11to RSS Sarsangchalak Mohan Bhagwat, who promptly replied, rare and thought-provoking exchange.
01:19Amid her praise for the Sangh's centenary roadmap built on five guiding pillars, social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental consciousness, selfhood and civic responsibility,
01:38Kali Puri shifted the conversation towards a bold new idea.
01:42She proposed a fresh lens for measuring progress, gross domestic behaviour.
01:53Economic growth, she argued, must be matched by ethical growth.
01:59India Today's GDP findings revealed a disturbing reality about the nation's social fabric.
02:05Since I have been given free reign, which I greatly appreciate and value, I would like to end with two suggestions for the RSS as they draw up their blueprint for the next hundred years.
02:19Firstly, in our first gross domestic behaviour study, Indians' attitude to accepting corruption of a way of life is very disheartening.
02:29In one state, corruption is accepted as a necessity by 94% respondents.
02:37We must not allow this collective surrender to corruption.
02:41We must work hard together to root it out.
02:45Then came the moment that shifted the tone to push for more inclusivity.
02:51Kali Puri posed a pointed, forward-looking question.
02:54Will the RSS's vision for the next century place women at the heart of decision-making?
03:04Women could be included more in the leadership council of the main RSS organisation.
03:11But I believe some representation is necessary in the core council if we want to bring about societal change.
03:18And they should be included, not just because of their gender, but because of merit.
03:24And because women are the tentpole, the change agent of every family and society.
03:31Her challenge was clear. Progress isn't just about planning. It's about participation.
03:37Mohan Bhagwat did not shy away.
03:39He acknowledged the direct suggestion and pointed to the role of the Rashtra Sevika Samithi,
03:45emphasising that women already contribute to key discussions and explained how.
03:50Looking ahead, he committed to widening their participation in implementation bodies
03:56as the RSS steps into a centennial chapter.
04:00Thank you very much.
04:30Thank you very much.
05:30A bold appeal met with the door left ajar.
05:38As the Sangh steps into its new chapter, the spotlight shifts to action.
05:44Not just planning, but participation.
05:46Not just vision, but a seat at the table.
05:50A three-day symposium is being organized on Centenary Year of RSS, led by RSS Chief Mohan
05:56Bhagwat.
05:58The symposium will be held from August 26th to 28th at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan.
Be the first to comment