We don’t need Burgers and Pizzas to be modern – RSS Leader Bharat Bhushan

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sah Sampark Pramukh Bharat Bhushan has urged Manipur’s scientific community to rely on indigenous knowledge systems and native models to address local and national challenges instead of imitating Western frameworks.
Speaking at a Special Talk on National Transformation held at the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, jointly organized by IBSD and Vijnana Bharati, the RSS leader said, “We must solve our problems through our own models of solutions, not by blindly following Western ideas. All knowledge from the West is not absolute truth; we must dig deep into our own roots to find what suits us.”
Citing the Iron Pillar of Delhi—a 1,700-year-old metallurgical marvel from the Gupta period—he said it symbolized the ingenuity of ancient Indian science. “Our ancestors gave us knowledge and models for every field. We must take pride in this heritage and develop systems reflecting our identity,” he said.
Quoting economic historian Angus Maddison, he noted that India once contributed 24% of the world’s GDP before British rule, which fell drastically to around 4% by Independence. Criticizing cultural imitation, Bhushan remarked, “We don’t need burgers and pizzas to eat or coke to drink to become modern. This is complete idiocy.”
Tracing India’s history of foreign invasions and colonial rule, he said the RSS was founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925 to unite Hindus and strengthen the nation’s social fabric. Despite facing bans and hardships, he said the organization now has over 83,000 Shakhas and operates in more than 51,000 locations nationwide.
Marking its centenary, the Sangh has identified five key missions under Pancha Parivartan—Social Harmony, Family Awakening, Environmental Awareness, Selfhood, and Civic Duty—to achieve national rejuvenation by 2047, envisioning Bharat as a Vishwaguru or global guide.