Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said live-in relationships are a form of degradation rather than a sign of modernity [1].
These comments highlight the ongoing tension between traditional Indian social values and the shift toward individualistic relationship models in urban centers. As the RSS wields significant influence over India's social and political landscape, Bhagwat's stance reflects a broader effort to reinforce traditional family structures as the bedrock of societal stability.
Bhagwat said marriage is a foundational institution that instils dharma and discipline [1]. He said marriage brings a level of responsibility that is absent in non-marital cohabitation [2]. According to the RSS chief, the trend of living together without marriage is a blind imitation of the West [3].
During his remarks, Bhagwat addressed the distinction between sexual orientation and relationship structures. He said LGBTQ+ people are part of society, but he maintained that live-in relationships specifically represent a decline in values [3]. He said the reality of such arrangements can be seen across the world, implying that they lead to negative outcomes [2].
Bhagwat said the lack of formal commitment in live-in relationships removes the discipline necessary for societal dharma [1]. He said, "Marriage instils dharma; live-in relationships have consequences" [1]. The RSS leader positioned the traditional marital bond as a safeguard against the perceived instability of Western-style dating and cohabitation [1].
By framing the issue as one of degradation, Bhagwat linked the preservation of the traditional family unit to the preservation of national, and cultural identity. He said true modernity does not require the abandonment of established social responsibilities [3].
“"Live-in relationships are a blind imitation of the West."”
This rhetoric reinforces the RSS's role as a cultural watchdog, attempting to define 'modernity' in a way that excludes Western social norms. By distinguishing between the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and the rejection of live-in relationships, Bhagwat is attempting to decouple identity from behavior, signaling that while diverse identities may be tolerated, the traditional structure of the household remains non-negotiable for the organization's vision of a disciplined society.
