New Delhi, August 26:
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday, August 26, said that the Sangh was formed keeping Bharat at the centre and its purpose is for Bharat to become Vishwaguru. Inspiration for Sangh work comes from “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, which reverberates at the end of Sangh Prarthana.
He said that the process of the rise of the Sangh has been slow, long, and continuous. Though the Sangh uses the word Hindu, its core is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. The Sangh considers the village, society and Rashtra as its own. He said that the Swayamsevaks, on their own, operate the Sangh work fully and Karyakartas create new Karyakartas. This is a continuous process.
The first phase of the dialogue with people from various sections of society took place at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi on “100 Years’ Journey of RSS: New Horizons”. This lecture series will continue for three days, ie August 26-28, 2025.
Throwing light on the objective of this programme, Sarsanghchalak Ji said that a Lot of discussion takes place about Sangh, but most of it is not based on facts or authentic information not to convince but to inform the facts. He said that the definition of Rashtra is not based on who is in power. We were a Rashtra, even when we were not independent. In English, Rashtra is translated as Nation, which is a Western concept. Because the state comes with the Nation, but the state is not necessary for Rashtra. The concept of Bharatiya Rashtra is not linked to power.
Sarsanghchalak Ji shed light on the freedom struggle and the subsequent development of different ideologies in the country. He said that the first attempt of independence in 1857 was unsuccessful, but it awakened a new consciousness. Subsequently, a movement arose that asked how a handful of people could defeat us? Another thought that emerged was that people of Bharat lack political understanding. Owing to this necessity, Congress emerged, but after independence, it could not fulfil its role in ideological enlightenment as expected. This is not an accusation, but a fact. After independence, one section stressed eradicating social evils, while the other talked about returning to its origins, and also took forward the idea of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda.
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Ji said that Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and other Mahapurushas believed that without removing the social evils, all efforts would go in vain. Living under the control of foreign invaders and colonial forces one after the other is an indication that there are deep flaws in the society. Dr. Hedgewar decided that he himself will work in this direction. By forming the Sangh in 1925, he put forward the objective of organising the entire Hindu society.
Sarsanghchalak Ji explained that the word ‘Hindu’ is not just dharmik; it conveys a deep sense of responsibility towards Rashtra. This name was given by others, but we have always looked at ourselves from an anthropological perspective. We believe that man, humanity and the universe are interconnected and affect each other. Hindu means inclusion, it has no boundaries.
Sarsanghchalak Ji exhorted, “Hindu means one who believes in following own path, who does not force others to change, and who respects others’ faith. Those whose tradition and sanskriti embody this are Hindus. Our aim is to organise the entire Hindu society. Saying Hindu does not mean Hindu vs all. Hindu means inclusive”.
He said that Bharat’s nature is harmony, not conflict. The secret of Bharat’s unity lies in its geography, resources, and tradition of self-reflection. Instead of looking outwards, we have always searched inwards for truth. This perspective taught us that the same essence exists in all, though appearing in different forms.
He said that those who revere Bharat Mata and their ancestors are true Hindus. Some people identify as Hindus, others as Bharatiyas or Sanatanis. The terminology may differ, but the underlying emotion is devotion and reverence. The traditions and shared DNA of Bharat connect everyone. He further said that as unity in diversity is the true identity of Bharat, gradually, even those who previously distanced themselves from the term “Hindu” are now beginning to identify with it. When the quality of life improves, people tend to return to their roots. He clarified, “We do not insist that you must call yourself a Hindu. We simply tell you that you are a Hindu. Behind these words lies not mere semantics, but substance devotion to Bharat Mata and reverence for ancestral traditions. For the past 40,000 years, the DNA of the people of Bharat has been the same”.
He emphasised, “Improve the lives of those who already identify as Hindus, and those who don’t will eventually start identifying themselves as such too. Those who have forgotten will begin to remember. But the ultimate goal is the organisation of the entire Hindu society. When we speak of a Hindu Rashtra, it does not mean we are excluding anyone”. He said that the idea of a Hindu Rashtra is not connected to political power.
Sarsanghchalak Ji said that the Sangh adopts two primary approaches for the upliftment of society: first, developing individuals and second, inspiring them to serve the society. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is an organisation dedicated to nation-building by shaping individuals. Swayamsevaks work in various fields, but the Sangh does not control them.
He said that there has been opposition and neglect toward the Sangh, but it has always regarded society as its own. Just like physical exercise isn’t meant to harm others but to stay healthy, the Sangh is not about conflict but about maintaining the natural state of a united society.
He further said that a unique feature of the RSS is that it does not rely on external resources but functions through the personal dedication of its Swayamsevaks. ‘Guru Dakshina’ is an integral part of the RSS’s method, through which each Swayamsevak expresses faith and commitment to the organisation. A Swayamsevak nurtures another Swayamsevak, who in turn nurtures more. This process continues tirelessly. Our focus is to ensure that thoughts, values, and conduct are right. That is the primary concern regarding the Swayamsevaks the organisation takes care of itself. Together, we must ensure that no factions are formed in Bharat instead, everyone must be united.
During this event, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, Uttar Kshetra Prant Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, and Delhi Prant Sanghchalak Dr. Anil Agarwal were present on the stage.
