Mohan Bhagwat defends marriage, criticises live-in relationships

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said marriage is a discipline that instils dharma, while the consequences of live-in relationships can be seen across the world.

Speaking at an event on "contemporary motherhood" organised by Vishwa Mangalya Sabha here, Bhagwat said modernity was needed and changing with the times was also part of India's traditions.

"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 waycs when not wanted. No responsibilities. What will grow with it? What is growing, look around the world," he said.

In an apparent reference to live-in relationships, Bhagwat described them as degradation and blind imitation of Western culture, while maintaining that modernity was welcome.

He also said LGBTQ+ people were part of society and should not be looked down upon.

Bhagwat said Gen Z was imitative and emotional and did not think with a calm mind about what appeared to them as genuine appeals.

He stressed the importance of discipline in parents' use of mobile phones and conversations within families to address questions from the younger generation and various family-related issues.