RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday described marriage as a discipline that “instils dharma”, while saying that the “reality of live-in relationships can be seen all over the world.”“Marriage is a discipline which instils dharma. Its alternative is live-in relationship. Modernity. What are its consequences? We don’t want responsibilities but happiness. Stay together when it is wanted and part ways when not wanted. No responsibilities. What will grow with it? What is growing, look around the world,” PTI quoted Bhagwat as saying.The RSS chief was addressing an event in Hyderabad.He, however, stressed that modernity was also necessary and that adapting to changing times was “part of the country’s traditions.”

In an apparent reference to live-in relationships, Bhagwat described them as a “degradation” and “blind imitation of Western culture”, while welcoming modernity.He also maintained that LGBTQ people are a part of society and should not be looked down upon.Bhagwat favoured parents following mobile phone discipline and stressed the importance of conversations among family members to address the questions of the younger generation and various family-related issues.Addressing concerns over the lifestyle choices of the younger generation, including excessive mobile phone use, he urged elders to practise what they want to see in their children.“Be the change you want to see in society. Reduce your time on social media. Follow mobile discipline. We look to the government. In our tradition, the government is second; society is first. (We say) the government should make this law or that law… we can do that at our home,” he said.“We tell children about mobile discipline, but we are attached to mobiles. So much so that a mother gives a mobile to a child if the child is crying,” Bhagwat added.He further argued that British rule made Indians believe that everything ancient was “worthless,” adding that Western countries were facing problems due to an incomplete vision of various issues that India had also adopted.