Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing an event at Vigyan Bhawan to mark the organisation’s centenary year, said that the RSS has always remained dedicated to Bharat, with its mission rooted in the idea of making India a vishwaguru or world teacher. He emphasised that the very essence of the RSS lies in the concluding line of its daily prayer, Bharat Mata ki Jai, which represents both devotion to the nation and the responsibility to work for its progress.
Bhagwat explained that the RSS was founded with the singular purpose of strengthening India and guiding it toward global leadership. “The purpose of the RSS’s establishment is for Bharat, its functioning is for Bharat, and its significance lies in India becoming a Vishwaguru. The time for India’s contribution to the world has come,” he remarked.
Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, Bhagwat stressed that every nation has a mission to fulfil in the global order, and India too has its responsibility. According to him, true leadership is not about dominance but about contributing to global welfare. He also highlighted India’s civilisational journey, noting that while the country was once a leader in the world, it lost its position due to internal weaknesses. “Only fighting with soldiers is not enough. One must live and die for the country,” he said, adding that past political leadership did not provide what the nation truly needed.
Defining the cultural ethos of Hindus, Bhagwat underlined that Hindu philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, harmony, and respect for diversity. “Hindu means one who walks on his own path and does not block the path of others. Our DNA is the same. Living in harmony is our culture,” he explained. He reminded the audience that since ancient times, Indian thought has recognised the interconnectedness of the world through a shared divinity.
Bhagwat also addressed the debates surrounding the RSS, urging people to seek authentic knowledge about the organisation instead of relying on perceptions. He insisted that the Sangh does not promote divisions or factions, but instead focuses on dialogue, unity, and collective nation-building. “Even if there are differences, there should not be discord. Our expectation is that people should look at the Sangh in the right spirit,” he said.
He further emphasised that India’s rise will depend primarily on social transformation. While political parties, governments, and leaders play a role, he noted that it is ultimately the progress of society that will determine the country’s future. He tied this transformation to the importance of character, describing a true leader as one whose life is transparent, selfless, and devoted to the nation.
The three-day lecture series, titled 100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons, is part of the organisation’s centenary celebrations. According to RSS publicity head Sunil Ambekar, Bhagwat will also engage in conversations with leading figures from different fields, as the organisation reflects on its journey and looks forward to its role in shaping India’s future.
