Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasized the need for Indians to break free from the “foreign influence” of the “Macaulay Knowledge System” to better appreciate and utilize their own knowledge heritage. Speaking at the launch of a volume titled “Arya Yug” in Mumbai on Sunday, Bhagwat stated that the educational framework most Indians have experienced has led to a foreign mindset.
Bhagwat remarked, “We were not educated in the Indian system. Our origins, foundation, and our intellect for the pursuit of knowledge were shaped by this system. Although we are Indians, our minds and intellects became foreign due to this education. We must liberate ourselves entirely from this foreign influence to reconnect with our knowledge traditions and understand their significance.” He acknowledged that while the world has made advancements, it is essential for Indians to discern what aspects of that progress are beneficial and which should be disregarded.
Furthermore, Bhagwat discussed the concept of perception through the “Jnanendriyas,” or sensory organs, which he claims are influenced by the human mind. He posited that to grasp the “truth,” individuals must transcend the limitations of their physical brains. “Modern science agrees that our sensory perceptions are guided by our mental directions,” he explained. “What we perceive is not necessarily the ultimate truth. For instance, while humans can see seven colors, a dog perceives only two, and a chicken can see three.”
He concluded by stating that a dog would challenge a human”s understanding of color perception, highlighting the complexity of truth and perception. “We cannot uncover the truth unless we look beyond our physical brain. Modern science suggests that this is indeed possible,” Bhagwat asserted.
