Lucknow: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called for “spiritualisation of politics” to build a more responsible and harmonious society. Politics should be guided by morality, responsibility and public interest rather than the pursuit of power and electoral gains, he said.Speaking at the inauguration of 200-bed Divya Sanskriti Bhawan of the Brahma Kumaris organisation on Sultanpur Road in Lucknow, Rajnath said politics was not merely a means of attaining power but an instrument to shape the future of society and the nation. He clarified that spiritualisation of politics did not mean associating governance with any particular religion or sect, but incorporating universal values such as duty, responsibility, humility and wisdom into public life.“When a person comes to power, there should be a sense of responsibility before authority. When a decision is taken, public interest should come before personal gain,” he said.The Lucknow MP cautioned politicians against allowing electoral considerations to dominate decision-making. He said leaders must look beyond the next election and consider how their decisions would shape the future of coming generations. “Whether one wins or loses an election, one must do what is right,” he said.Highlighting the need to balance India’s economic and technological progress with inner development, Rajnath referred to advances in space technology and artificial intelligence and said the country must ensure that its pursuit of external progress did not come at the cost of spiritual well-being. “We must think about whether, while conquering the outer world, we are losing the inner world,” he said.He said spirituality should not be confined to prayer, meditation or religious gatherings but should bring about a change in one’s outlook and conduct. “Spirituality does not demand a separate time slot. It demands only a change in perspective,” he said. Referring to growing concerns over stress, anxiety and depression, he noted that psychology, neuroscience and medical science were increasingly studying the effects of meditation, mindful living and inner stability on health.On the vision of a developed India by 2047, Rajnath said national progress should not be measured merely through economic growth or the size of the economy. It should also reflect honest citizens, value-oriented families, social harmony, respect for women, disciplined youth and a strong sense of national duty.Emphasising the importance of character in nation-building, he said laws could maintain order but could not independently create trust and harmony. “A nation is ultimately built on character,” he said, adding that spiritual development was essential for strengthening the country’s moral foundations.Urging youth to embrace technology while remaining connected to their cultural roots, the minister said, “Use technology, but do not allow technology to dominate you. Acquire information, but do not lose your wisdom.” He also expressed concern over misinformation on social media and the decline in meaningful dialogue and patience to listen to others.Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the MP said, “Career gives you recognition, but character gives you respect.” He urged youth to pursue ambitious goals while ensuring their achievements benefited society. India’s demographic dividend, he said, would become meaningful only when its youth were educated, aware, disciplined and responsible.“Knowledge must be accompanied by wisdom, power by restraint, success by sensitivity and ambition by a spirit of national service,” he said.Rajnath, who disclosed that he was suffering from a viral infection, said he had attended the programme despite his illness because of his long association with Lucknow. Describing the city as a place where tradition and progress, culture and technology, and heritage and development co-existed, he praised its distinctive identity.The programme marked 90 years of the Brahma Kumaris’ journey and 72 years of its presence in Lucknow. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, mayor Sushma Kharakwal and Mohanlalganj MLA Amrish Kumar were among those present.
