Sangh’s century-long journey dedicated to making Bharat a Vishwaguru: Mohan Bhagwat
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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday emphasised that the organisation’s 100-year journey has been wholly dedicated to Bharat, with its ultimate purpose rooted in enabling India to emerge as a Vishwaguru (world teacher).
Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during the opening session of a three-day lecture series titled “100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons”, Bhagwat said, “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.”
Drawing on the vision of Swami Vivekananda, Dr Bhagwat underlined that every nation has a unique mission to fulfil in the world order, and India’s role is now unfolding. “If any country is to become a leader, it should not do so for its own sake, but its leadership must bring a necessary new momentum to the world,” he remarked.
Tracing India’s civilisational history, he pointed to a time when the country was at the forefront globally but fell under foreign rule. “We were once free and number one. A few thousands came and ruled over us. Why did that happen? Only fighting with soldiers was not enough. Later, after independence the people did not get the 'Prabodhan' – awareness and intellectual awakening – when it was needed the most,” Dr Bhagwat said without naming anyone, highlighting the need for deeper societal transformation.
Dr Bhagwat noted that much of the discourse around the RSS is often based on misinformation rather than facts. He reminded the audience that a similar lecture series was organised in 2018 to clarify the Sangh’s foundational principles. “A lot of discussion takes place about the Sangh, but most of it is not based on authentic information. The Sangh exists to transform society and awaken virtues needed for national advancement. Leaders, policies, and political parties are supportive instruments, but the core effort is societal change,” he said.
Quoting RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Dr Bhagwat recalled, “This life of mine is dedicated to the nation. Concern for personal happiness shall be reserved for the next birth.” He described Hedgewar as a patriot from birth whose devotion to Bharat guided the establishment of the organisation in 1925.
Addressing what it means to be a Hindu, Dr Bhagwat stressed inclusivity and coexistence. “Hindu means one who walks on his own path and does not block the path of others. Those who believe that everyone can follow their own way and yet reach the same destination are Hindus,” he explained.
He added, “Our DNA is the same. Living in harmony is our culture. Since ancient times, we have realised that the whole world is bound by the same divinity.”
Highlighting the Sangh’s daily practice, Bhagwat pointed to the concluding line of the RSS prayer, Bharat Mata ki Jai, as the essence of the organisation. “It is our country, and we need to praise it and work towards making it number one in the world,” he said.
The lecture series, part of the Sangh’s centenary celebrations, seeks to provide an account of the RSS’s philosophy, history, and future role in nation-building. The sessions are being attended by diplomats of different countries, intellectuals, academicians and representatives from diverse fields.
Concluding his address, Dr Bhagwat reiterated that India’s rise as a Vishwaguru would not only serve national interests but also provide new direction to a world searching for balance amid diversity. “The world comprises numerous nations. Humanity is one, but it is not homogeneous. India’s leadership must ensure harmony while recognising diversity,” he said.
Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during the opening session of a three-day lecture series titled “100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons”, Bhagwat said, “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.”
‘India has a mission’
Drawing on the vision of Swami Vivekananda, Dr Bhagwat underlined that every nation has a unique mission to fulfil in the world order, and India’s role is now unfolding. “If any country is to become a leader, it should not do so for its own sake, but its leadership must bring a necessary new momentum to the world,” he remarked.
Tracing India’s civilisational history, he pointed to a time when the country was at the forefront globally but fell under foreign rule. “We were once free and number one. A few thousands came and ruled over us. Why did that happen? Only fighting with soldiers was not enough. Later, after independence the people did not get the 'Prabodhan' – awareness and intellectual awakening – when it was needed the most,” Dr Bhagwat said without naming anyone, highlighting the need for deeper societal transformation.
Clarifying Sangh’s philosophy
Dr Bhagwat noted that much of the discourse around the RSS is often based on misinformation rather than facts. He reminded the audience that a similar lecture series was organised in 2018 to clarify the Sangh’s foundational principles. “A lot of discussion takes place about the Sangh, but most of it is not based on authentic information. The Sangh exists to transform society and awaken virtues needed for national advancement. Leaders, policies, and political parties are supportive instruments, but the core effort is societal change,” he said.
Quoting RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Dr Bhagwat recalled, “This life of mine is dedicated to the nation. Concern for personal happiness shall be reserved for the next birth.” He described Hedgewar as a patriot from birth whose devotion to Bharat guided the establishment of the organisation in 1925.
‘Hindus believe in harmony’
Addressing what it means to be a Hindu, Dr Bhagwat stressed inclusivity and coexistence. “Hindu means one who walks on his own path and does not block the path of others. Those who believe that everyone can follow their own way and yet reach the same destination are Hindus,” he explained.
He added, “Our DNA is the same. Living in harmony is our culture. Since ancient times, we have realised that the whole world is bound by the same divinity.”
Essence of Sangh in its Prarthana
Highlighting the Sangh’s daily practice, Bhagwat pointed to the concluding line of the RSS prayer, Bharat Mata ki Jai, as the essence of the organisation. “It is our country, and we need to praise it and work towards making it number one in the world,” he said.
The lecture series, part of the Sangh’s centenary celebrations, seeks to provide an account of the RSS’s philosophy, history, and future role in nation-building. The sessions are being attended by diplomats of different countries, intellectuals, academicians and representatives from diverse fields.
Concluding his address, Dr Bhagwat reiterated that India’s rise as a Vishwaguru would not only serve national interests but also provide new direction to a world searching for balance amid diversity. “The world comprises numerous nations. Humanity is one, but it is not homogeneous. India’s leadership must ensure harmony while recognising diversity,” he said.